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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize noise isolation and sound accuracy, the Etymotic ER4XR would be a good choice, as they're known for deep insertion tips that block out ambient noise and provide a clear, detailed sound. However, they come with a cord and lack features like wireless connectivity and a built-in microphone. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM5 is wireless, offers active noise cancellation, and includes convenience features like touch controls and a microphone for calls. They are generally more comfortable for long-term wear due to their design. So if you want wireless freedom and modern features, the Sony is the way to go; if sound fidelity and isolation are more crucial, go for the Etymotic. 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
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
5.1
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
4.9
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.4
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$298
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Etymotic ER4XR are both very good for music.
Phone Calls
4.7
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to be excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is very good.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 6 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 WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER4XR or the Sony WF1000XM5
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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