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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound isolation and detailed audio, the Etymotic ER2SE would serve you well, especially for listening to music in quieter environments but they aren't wireless and have no built-in mic. For those who value convenience, the Sony Linkbuds are wireless, have a built-in mic, and are more comfortable for extended use, with an open design that keeps you aware of your surroundings. However, the Linkbuds offer less sound isolation and lower overall sound quality. Your decision should weigh your need for sound quality and isolation against wireless convenience and situational awareness. 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
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
8.8
6.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.5
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.9
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.4
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
2.5
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$178
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds and Etymotic ER2SE are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
9.0
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds and Etymotic ER2SE both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 2.5/10 | |
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 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 4.5 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."
Sony Linkbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the Sony Linkbuds
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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