The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER4XR earbuds offer superior noise isolation and a high-quality build, so they are ideal for focused listening in noisy environments or for those seeking detailed sound. However, they may not be as comfortable for long sessions, lack a microphone, and aren't the best for active use or during exercise. On the other hand, the JBL Tune 760NC headphones have active noise cancelling and a long battery life, which makes them great for travel and extended use. They also have a foldable design for easier portability, a built-in microphone for calls, and are more comfortable for longer periods but are larger and heavier. Consider the ER4XR for critical listening and the JBL Tune 760NC for everyday versatile use. 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
Good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Tune 760NC
Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0/10
6.3/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the JBL Tune 760NC is only fair.
Gaming
6.2/10
5.4/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune 760NC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7/10
5.2/10
The JBL Tune 760NC and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Tune 760NC is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3/10
5.9/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune 760NC is poor.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.6/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune 760NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
7.0/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune 760NC is good.
Battery
N/A
40.9 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The JBL Tune 760NC has 40.9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$70
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the JBL Tune 760NC costs $70.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.0/10
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the JBL Tune 760NC has very good build quality.
"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."
"The JBL 760NC offers quite a solid and moderately-above-average sonic performance for wireless headphones in this price tier. As usual, JBL outperforms more conventional big names like Apple or Beats. Listeners are given a clean, detailed, and mostly neutral sound that, typical to Harman, holds a universal appeal that seems unlikely to offend."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER4XR or the JBL Tune 760NC
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 JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,900
Recommendations made
18,435
Consumer hours saved
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.