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ER2SE
Company ProductName Specs




Cloud II
Company ProductName Specs




What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

If you are looking for precision and clarity, especially for listening to music, you may prefer the Etymotic ER2SE; they are earbuds known for their accurate sound reproduction. However, they are in-ear and may not be as comfortable for long sessions as over-ear models like the HyperX Cloud II, which also offers a microphone and is more suited for gaming and online communication. The HyperX also provides virtual 7.1 surround sound, enhancing the experience for movies and games, but they might not match the audio fidelity for music that the Etymotics offer. Consider the Etymotic if you prioritize music listening and sound isolation, and the HyperX if you need a versatile headset for gaming, with the added benefit of a lower price. 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
  • Very good for music
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
  • Good for phone calls
  • Very good for gaming

Key differences

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Music

8.8
ER2SE
Cloud II
7.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.

Gaming

6.2
ER2SE
Cloud II
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.

Phone Calls

4.9
ER2SE
Cloud II
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

7.6
ER2SE
Cloud II
7.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and HyperX Cloud II are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.

Noise Reduction

9.1
ER2SE
Cloud II
6.0
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.

Cost

$100
ER2SE
Cloud II
$64
Product image
Product image

$40

$60

$80

$100

$120

$140

$160

The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.

Build Quality

9.0
ER2SE
Cloud II
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities

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TV and Video

7.8
ER2SE
Cloud II
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE and HyperX Cloud II are both good for TV and video.

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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Etymotic ER2SEHyperX Cloud II
Etymotic ER2SEHyperX Cloud II

GENERAL

Price
$100
$64
Brand
EtymoticHyperX
Release Date
February 1, 2019January 1, 2015
Form Factor
EarbudsHeadphones
Connectivity
WiredWired

SOUND

Music Score
8.9/107.8/10
Phone Calls Score
5/107.5/10
Gaming Score
6.3/108.6/10
TV and Video Score
7.9/107.6/10
Exercise Score
4.2/104.3/10

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoNo
Noise Reduction Score
9.1/106/10
Virtual Surround
N/AYes
Mic Quality
N/A10/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
9/1010/10
Comfort score
6/108.9/10
Size
SmallN/A
Weight (headset or single earbud)
4 Grams317.5 Grams
Microphone style
N/ABoom

Shopping

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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."

HyperX Cloud II

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Headphonesty

Rhys McIntyre | December 2022
"My overall impression of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is overwhelmingly positive. In my opinion, this is one of the best mid-priced gaming headsets currently on the market.Solid sound quality, superior comfort, and a sleek, lightweight design – this headset delivers all of the important aspects that a gaming headset should."

Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the HyperX Cloud II

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.

About HyperX

Starting originally as a high-performance and gaming line of memory modules within Kingston and later acquired by HP, HyperX is a dedicated esports and gaming division focused on developing peripherals, microphones and headsets. Providing budget-friendly, comfortable and highly functional products, HyperX has become the go-to for many gamers around the world, resulting in sales of over 20 million headsets throughout the years.

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Why trust us

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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.

By the numbers

108
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11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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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.

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