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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER2SE earbuds offer an excellent audio experience with their stemless design and high sound quality, making them suitable for audiophiles who prioritize music fidelity. However, they lack wireless connectivity and have no microphone, which could be limiting if you need them for calls or prefer the convenience of wireless listening. On the other hand, the Marshall Major IV headphones feature an on-ear design, which may be less comfortable for long listening sessions compared to in-ear options, but they provide wireless capabilities and have an integrated microphone, making them versatile for everyday use, including phone calls. They're also known for strong bass and a classic rock aesthetic, which may appeal to those with a preference for those genres and style. In summary, if audio quality is your main concern and you don't mind wires, go for Etymotic ER2SE, whereas if you want wireless convenience with additional features like a microphone, the Marshall Major IV may be more suitable. 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 Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8
6.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.4
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
4.9
5.8
The Marshall Major IV and Etymotic ER2SE are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
6.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
5.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
N/A
80.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$70
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Marshall Major IV costs $70.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Marshall Major IV has very good build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $70 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
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 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3 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 | 5.7/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 165 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."
Marshall Major IV
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"The Marshall Major IV shares quite a bit in common with its predecessor, but a key upgrade appears to be softer ear cushions. They make upgrading worth it. As a set of basic wired or wireless headphones the Major IV ticks most boxes by remaining easy to use, and fairly comfortable (at least, as on-ear headphones go)."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the Marshall Major IV
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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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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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