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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER4XR earbuds provide excellent sound isolation and are well-suited for noisy environments, but they might be less comfortable over long periods due to their in-ear design. Conversely, the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones offer an open-back design favorable for a spacious and natural sound, making them ideal for home use where isolation isn't a priority. They are likely to be more comfortable for extended wear due to their over-ear design. If budget is a concern, the Philips might offer better value for home listening, while the Etymotics could justify their higher price with better noise isolation for on-the-go 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
- The Etymotic ER4XR has no clear advantages over the Philips Fidelio X2HR.
Advantages of the Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
8.0
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Etymotic ER4XR is very good.
Gaming
6.2
7.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER4XR is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Philips Fidelio X2HR is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.4
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
Cost
$234
$140
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $140.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.7
5.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER4XR and Philips Fidelio X2HR both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $140 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.5/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 390 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."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER4XR or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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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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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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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