A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize affordability, the Etymotic ER2SE might be the right choice as it is often significantly less expensive. In contrast, the Etymotic ER4XR is considered premium priced but may offer an upgraded sound experience due to its higher position in the Etymotic lineup. Consider that both offer a similar design and isolation performance; however, the more expensive ER4XR could have enhancements that justify its price, such as better drivers or build quality, offering an improved audio experience, which is an important factor for audiophiles and those seeking high-fidelity sound. 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 Etymotic ER2SE
- The Etymotic ER2SE has no clear advantages over the Etymotic ER4XR.
Advantages of the Etymotic ER4XR
- The Etymotic ER4XR has no clear advantages over the Etymotic ER2SE.
Key differences
Music
8.8
8.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and Etymotic ER4XR are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Cost
$100
$234
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $234.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
6.2
The Etymotic ER2SE and Etymotic ER4XR are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.9
4.7
The Etymotic ER2SE and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
7.3
The Etymotic ER2SE and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.8
7.4
The Etymotic ER2SE and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE and Etymotic ER4XR are both excellent for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and Etymotic ER4XR both have excellent build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Etymotic ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Etymotic ER4XR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $234 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | June 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 4.1/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER2SE
See more
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."
Etymotic ER4XR
See more
Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"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 Etymotic ER2SE or the Etymotic ER4XR
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,900
Recommendations made
18,435
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
