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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If wireless convenience, modern features like active noise cancelling, and a stem design for better mic placement are important to you, the Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 would be the better choice, despite being more expensive. They also support AptX Lossless for higher sound quality over Bluetooth, and are suitable for exercise being sweatproof. However, if you're looking for a wired connection, prefer a more discreet earbud without a stem, and prioritize sound isolation and build quality over added features, the Etymotic ER2SE would serve you well for less money. Be aware that the Etymotic earbuds may not be as comfortable for everyone due to their deep insertion design. 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 Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
8.6
6.2
The Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 is good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery.
Cost
$150
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 has a price of $150 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
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Key similarities
Music
8.4
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 are both very good for music.
Phone Calls
4.9
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE and Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
7.7
7.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 and Etymotic ER2SE both have excellent build quality.
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How the Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$150 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Creative Labs | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2023 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.9/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.7 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Magazine
Tim Gideon | December 2023
"The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earphones deliver robust, crisp audio thanks to their combination of xMEMS and dynamic drivers. We're fans of their extensive, high-quality codec options and highly customizable EQ."
Etymotic ER2SE
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"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 Creative Labs Aurvana Ace 2 or the Etymotic ER2SE
About Creative Labs
Creative Labs is a Singaporean technology company specialized in the manufacture of multimedia products. They created the world-famous Soundblaster soundcard back in 1989 which was a staple of the gaming community for a long time. Nowadays, besides still marketing their discrete audio systems, they offer a wide array of headphones, gaming headsets and speakers that still preserve that same heritage.
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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Why trust us
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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