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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 exceptional noise isolation and accurate sound reproduction, making them a great choice for audiophiles and for use in noisy environments, like air travel. They are much more expensive, however, and while they are portable, they are not the best option for exercise due to a lower comfort score. The HyperX Cloud II headphones offer a more comfortable design and superior microphone quality, which is crucial for gaming and calls. They also provide a better gaming experience with virtual surround sound but are less portable and offer less noise isolation than the Etymotics. If budget is a concern and you're looking for versatile headphones for gaming, calls, and casual listening, the HyperX Cloud II may be the better option. 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
- Very good for music
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER4XR is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.7
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.0
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.
Cost
$234
$93
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $93.
Build Quality
9.0
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to be very good for music, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
7.0
The Etymotic ER4XR and HyperX Cloud II are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.4
7.6
The HyperX Cloud II and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for TV and video.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $93 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
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."
HyperX Cloud II
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Rhys McIntyre | December 2022
"My overall impression of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is overwhelmingly positive. In my opinion, this is one of the best mid-priced gaming headsets currently on the market.Solid sound quality, superior comfort, and a sleek, lightweight design – this headset delivers all of the important aspects that a gaming headset should."
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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 HyperX
Starting originally as a high-performance and gaming line of memory modules within Kingston and later acquired by HP, HyperX is a dedicated esports and gaming division focused on developing peripherals, microphones and headsets. Providing budget-friendly, comfortable and highly functional products, HyperX has become the go-to for many gamers around the world, resulting in sales of over 20 million headsets throughout the years.
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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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
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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.
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.
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