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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize high sound quality and noise isolation at a more affordable price, the Etymotic ER2SE would suit you, especially for listening to music and audio content where a microphone isn't required. However, they are wired and have a simpler build with fewer features. On the other hand, the JBL Live Flex 3 earbuds are pricier but offer a premium wireless experience with smart features, a charging case, and app customizations. They're better for exercise due to their sweatproof certification and a more secure fit, but not ideal for environments where high-quality call performance is essential. 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
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Flex 3
- Very good for exercise
Key differences
Music
8.8
8.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and JBL Live Flex 3 are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.2
5.5
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
5.9
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is very good.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery. The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the JBL Live Flex 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live Flex 3 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
5.2
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Etymotic ER2SE are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the JBL Live Flex 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | JBL Live Flex 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 40 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the JBL Live Flex 3
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 JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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