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What we think
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
Music
8.8
7.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
Gaming
6.2
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.9
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
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
6.0
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.
Build Quality
9.0
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
TV and Video
7.8
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE and HyperX Cloud II are both good for TV and video.
Cost
$100
$99
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $99.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Shopping
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."
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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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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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