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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats Powerbeats Pro are wireless with ear hooks for a secure fit, making them suitable for exercise, and they include a microphone for calls. They offer convenience features like ear detection and support both Android and Apple devices well, with a longer battery life but at a higher price. The Etymotic ER2SE are wired earbuds that excel in sound quality and noise isolation, however, they lack a microphone and extra features, making them less versatile but more affordable. Both are closed-back, but Beats are better for physical activities, while Etymotic are ideal for critical listening in quiet environments. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
Good for phone calls
Good for air travel
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
Very good for music
Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.5/10
8.8/10
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.5/10
6.2/10
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.0/10
4.9/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2/10
7.6/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Etymotic ER2SE is good.
TV and Video
5.7/10
7.8/10
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6/10
9.1/10
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
N/A
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery.
Cost
$124
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER2SE to have excellent build quality, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
Get a great deal on the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Etymotic ER2SE
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.