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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and noise isolation, the Etymotic ER2SE is the better choice, especially if you listen to lots of music in noisy environments. However, if wireless convenience, portability, and durability are more important, including being sweatproof and dustproof for exercise, the JBL Tune Buds may suit you better. The JBL also supports AAC codec, which can be beneficial if you use Apple devices. On the downside, the ER2SE lacks a built-in microphone, making it unsuitable for calls and online meetings, while JBL's microphone offers fair quality. The ER2SE is wired with a detachable cable, which could be a pro for longevity but a con for convenience compared to the wireless JBL Tune Buds. 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
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Tune Buds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8
6.2
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.4
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
5.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
6.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Battery
N/A
10.4 Hours
The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery. The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$60
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the JBL Tune Buds costs $60.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the JBL Tune Buds has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE and JBL Tune Buds are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the JBL Tune Buds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | JBL Tune Buds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10.4 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
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 | 10.8 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."
JBL Tune Buds
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"JBL’s Tune Buds stick with the company’s signature bass-heavy sound by default, but a quality in-app EQ lets you sculpt the audio to taste. These noise-cancelling true wireless earphones also mitigate environmental distractions fairly well for the price and offer good battery life. If you're specifically seeking bold, bass-tuned audio out of the box, the Tune Buds are worth a listen."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the JBL Tune Buds
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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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.
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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.
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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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