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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize high sound quality and noise isolation and don't mind using a wired connection, the Etymotic ER2SE will serve you well for focused listening sessions and commuting. However, they are not comfortable for long periods and not optimal for exercise. The JLab Go Work Wireless, being less expensive, offer a balanced mix of comfort for extended use and a microphone suited for calls, while still delivering decent sound. They're versatile for various activities including calls, meetings, and even some light exercise, thanks to their sweatproof design and wireless connectivity, but their sound quality and noise isolation are not as refined. 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 JLab Go Work Wireless
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8
5.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Gaming
6.2
5.3
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Phone Calls
4.9
6.3
The JLab Go Work Wireless is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
6.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
5.5
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
4.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Battery
N/A
47.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery. The JLab Go Work Wireless has 47 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the JLab Go Work Wireless costs $50.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and JLab Go Work Wireless both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the JLab Go Work Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | JLab Go Work Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | May 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 47 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 170 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."
JLab Go Work Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Check
Maike Paeßens | 2021
"If you are going to criticise the JLab Go Work, it would be for the cables, which are to some extent too short for their intended use, and for its rather harsh treble reproduction above moderate volume levels in music mode. However, the call quality during telephone calls and video conferences in voice mode via wireless and via cable is impeccable. This handy Bluetooth headset also scores points with its excellent battery life and support for multipoint connections."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the JLab Go Work Wireless
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.
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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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