The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're seeking excellent sound isolation and are comfortable with in-ear headphones, the Etymotic ER2SE provides superior noise blocking and sound quality, being a strong choice for music listening. However, they may be less comfortable for extended use and are not as well-suited for activities like exercise or travel due to a higher price. On the other hand, the Koss KSC75 offers an open design that is generally more comfortable and has a reasonable sound quality for its price, but it lacks sound isolation, making it less ideal in noisy environments. Neither option has a microphone, so for calls, you may need an alternative device. 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
The Etymotic ER2SE has no clear advantages over the Koss KSC75.
Advantages of the Koss KSC75
The Koss KSC75 has no clear advantages over the Etymotic ER2SE.
Key differences
Music
8.8/10
8.3/10
The Etymotic ER2SE and Koss KSC75 are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
2.5/10
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Koss KSC75 is poor.
Cost
$100
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Koss KSC75 costs $20.
Build Quality
9.0/10
5.6/10
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Koss KSC75 has poor build quality.
"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."
"Let’s not insult the KSC75 by saying that it’s simply good for the price… because it’s far more than that. It basically has a monopoly at its asking price, and could still give modern budget headphones a run for their money 15 years after its release. The KSC75 is the world’s best not-headphone."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the Koss KSC75
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 Koss
Koss is an American headphone manufacturer established in 1953. In 1958, they created the first set of stereophones, that is headphones with stereo sound, and in 1984 they released the world-famous Porta Pro, a set of on-ear headphones that has remained essentially unchanged for more than 30 years and that is still made, sold and loved by many audio enthusiasts around the world today.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,900
Recommendations made
18,435
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.