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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you value highly accurate sound reproduction and excellent noise isolation, the Etymotic ER4XR earbuds may be the better option for you, though they come at a higher price, offer poor mic quality, and may be less comfortable during extended use. They have a detachable cable and a built-in BA driver, which is associated with high-fidelity audio. However, the Razer Kraken V3 headphones might suit you better if you're looking for good overall sound quality at a more affordable price point, a better microphone for calls, and gaming utility with virtual surround sound capabilities. They are not suited for exercise as they are not sweatproof and are bulkier, reducing their portability compared to the more compact ER4XR. Neither model offers wireless capabilities or active noise cancelling, and while the Kraken V3 has an optimized boom mic for gaming, it lacks the superior passive noise isolation of the ER4XR. 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 podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Razer Kraken V3
- Good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.0
7.3
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Razer Kraken V3 is good.
Gaming
6.2
7.3
The Razer Kraken V3 is good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER4XR is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
4.7
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Razer Kraken V3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.0
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Razer Kraken V3 is only fair.
Cost
$234
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Razer Kraken V3 costs $80.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Razer Kraken V3 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.7
5.0
The Razer Kraken V3 and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
7.4
7.0
The Etymotic ER4XR and Razer Kraken V3 are both good for TV and video.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Razer Kraken V3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Razer Kraken V3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Razer | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5.1/10 | |
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 | 4.1/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 325 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."
Razer Kraken V3
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Soundguys
Sam Smart | November 2022
"This Razer Kraken V3 is a great headset for gamers who want comfort, surround sound, and software customization for a reasonable price. It's primarily a headset for PC gamers since THX Spatial audio is only supported on Windows. If you want something more multifaceted for multiple systems, this won't be an ideal headset for you. Luckily, there are plenty of competent Kraken V3 alternatives available to you."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER4XR or the Razer Kraken V3
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 Razer
Razer is an American-Singaporean hardware manufacturer aimed specifically toward the gaming market. They manufacture a very wide array of gaming laptops, tablets, phones, peripherals and, of course, headphones and earbuds both wired and wireless. Since 2016, Razer has owned the THX suite, aimed at quality assurance of audiovisual systems such as speaker sets, video game consoles and even movie theaters.
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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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