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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize excellent noise isolation and listening to music in quiet environments, the Etymotic ER4XR would be a strong contender for its high noise isolation quality. However, be aware that it lacks wireless connectivity and is wired, which might limit mobility compared to the Sony WF1000XM3. The Sony WF1000XM3, on the other hand, offers wireless freedom, active noise cancelling, and is better suited for calls and meetings due to superior microphone quality. The Sony model also provides a more convenient experience with app control customization and ear detection, features not present in the Etymotic. Choose Sony for a versatile, portable option with added features, and the Etymotic for focused listening and noise isolation. 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 Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
5.6
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Etymotic ER4XR is good.
TV and Video
7.4
5.7
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is very good.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
7.5
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to be very good for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER4XR and Sony WF1000XM3 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
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 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 9 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."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
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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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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