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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 want a higher-quality audio experience, particularly in quieter environments like at home or during air travel, the Etymotic ER4XR would be a better choice — though keep in mind they're a premium-priced wired option that may not be as comfortable for extended periods. On the other hand, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless earbuds offer the convenience of wireless connectivity, better suitability for calls and meetings, usage during exercise due to being sweatproof, and come at a budget-friendly price. They also have a longer battery life and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, making them versatile for everyday 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
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0
6.6
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER4XR is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.7
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.5
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Battery
N/A
8.3 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.4
6.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to be good for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 8.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 16 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
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 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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."
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Dungeon
LaFonda | April 2023
"The Vibe Beam earbuds may not be a sleek as other earbuds in the price range, such as the equally priced Vibe Buds, but they sound great, have a long battery life, and come with an equalizer. And if you just need a solid pair if earbuds to get you through your commute, these will do the trick. I have no complaints here."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER4XR or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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