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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and noise isolation for activities like commuting or focusing in noisy areas, the Etymotic ER2SE provides superior listening experiences. On the other hand, the Soundcore P20i is more comfortable, has a built-in mic, includes wireless options and is better suited to physical activities due to its sweatproof design. While the ER2SE excels in audio fidelity, the P20i offers more flexibility for casual listening and hands-free calls. Consider the ER2SE for its audio performance or the P20i for versatile, day-to-day use and convenience, especially if you're on a tighter budget. 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 podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore P20i
- Good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8
6.4
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
7.3
The Soundcore P20i is good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
4.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
7.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and Soundcore P20i are both good for TV and video, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.5
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery. The Soundcore P20i has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Soundcore P20i costs $30.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
5.0
The Soundcore P20i and Etymotic ER2SE are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and Soundcore P20i both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Soundcore P20i compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Soundcore P20i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Soundcore | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
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."
Soundcore P20i
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Critic Reviewer
Ranbir Sen | May 2023
"I would recommend the Soundcore P20i Earbuds to everyone who loves music and would like to own comfortable pair of earbuds with a great range of sound quality. I would recommend users who buy this device use the right comfortable ear tips as per your ear design."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the Soundcore P20i
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 Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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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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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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