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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER4XR earbuds are known for their high accuracy and deep insertion design that provides excellent noise isolation. If you're seeking a more intimate sound experience and spend most of your time in stationary, noise-sensitive environments, they could be ideal, especially if you find external noise distracting. However, they lack the soundstage breadth that the HifiMan Edition XS over-ear headphones offer. The Edition XS headphones provide more comfort over extended periods and a less invasive fit, which might be preferable. Considering the price difference, if you're after top-notch noise isolation and affordability, the Etymotic ER4XR is an excellent option, otherwise, for home leisure, where a broad soundstage and comfort are priorities, investing a bit more in the HifiMan Edition XS could be worthwhile. 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 ER4XR
- The Etymotic ER4XR has no clear advantages over the HifiMan Edition XS.
Advantages of the HifiMan Edition XS
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
8.0
8.8
The HifiMan Edition XS and Etymotic ER4XR are both very good for music, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.2
7.4
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER4XR is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
7.9
The HifiMan Edition XS and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.4
9.5
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the Etymotic ER4XR is good.
Noise Reduction
9.1
2.5
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Cost
$234
$269
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the HifiMan Edition XS costs $269.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.7
5.0
The HifiMan Edition XS and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the HifiMan Edition XS compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | HifiMan Edition XS |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $269 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | December 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 7.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 421 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
HifiMan Edition XS
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER4XR or the HifiMan Edition XS
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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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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