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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The EPOS PC38X offers exceptional sound quality, excellent for gaming due to its superior soundstage and open-ear design, as well as a top-notch microphone, making them ideal for calls and meetings. However, they are open-back headphones, making them less suitable for noisy environments and not designed for exercise or travel due to their size. The Etymotic ER2SE, with excellent noise isolation and a more portable design, is great for commuting and offers detailed sound quality at a lower price. While its in-ear fit may not be as comfortable for everyone and lacks a microphone, it's a budget-friendly choice for everyday listening. Choose the EPOS PC38X for gaming and home use or the Etymotic ER2SE for portability and noise isolation on a budget. 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 EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Best in class for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- The Etymotic ER2SE has no clear advantages over the EPOS PC38X.
Key differences
Music
9.5
8.8
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the Etymotic ER2SE is very good.
Gaming
10.0
6.2
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Phone Calls
10.0
4.9
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
TV and Video
9.0
7.8
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the Etymotic ER2SE is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the EPOS PC38X is poor.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the EPOS PC38X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
7.6
The EPOS PC38X and Etymotic ER2SE are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Cost
$139
$140
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $139 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $140.
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How the EPOS PC38X and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$139 | $140 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | N/A | |
Shopping
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
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 EPOS PC38X or the Etymotic ER2SE
About EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
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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