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Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality is a priority for you, the Etymotic ER4XR generally offers better audio fidelity. Though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are convenient with true wireless connectivity and features like active noise cancelling, they come at a higher price and have lower sound quality compared to the Etymotic ER4XR. The PI7 earbuds also support a low latency codec, which may be beneficial for watching videos or gaming. In contrast, the Etymotic ER4XR has superior noise isolation which can enhance the listening experience in noisy environments. However, the Etymotic model doesn't offer wireless capabilities, so you'll need to deal with a cable. 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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7
Very good for gaming
Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Etymotic ER4XR
Very good for music
Good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.8/10
8.0/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1/10
6.2/10
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER4XR is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8/10
7.3/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8/10
7.4/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3/10
9.1/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good.
Battery
3.0 Hours
N/A
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery.
Cost
$399
$234
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $234.
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.9/10
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to have excellent build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the Etymotic ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 or the Etymotic ER4XR
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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