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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize highly accurate sound reproduction and a compact form, then the Etymotic ER4XR earbuds might be your choice; they are also known to be more affordable. However, if you prefer over-ear comfort, superior noise cancellation, and features like wireless convenience and an integrated microphone, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are likely worth the extra cost. Keep in mind that the Sonys also support LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming and offer proprietary 360 Reality Audio for an immersive experience with supported apps. The Etymotics don't offer such advanced connectivity features but are lauded for their sound clarity and 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
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
5.6
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
6.0
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4
5.8
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Battery
N/A
40.3 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Etymotic ER4XR are both very good for music.
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Etymotic ER4XR and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both excellent for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
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 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 249.4 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 WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER4XR or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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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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