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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER4XR offers exceptional noise isolation and sound quality, ideal for audiophiles and those who prefer wired earbuds with a detachable cable. However, compared to the Soundcore Life Q30, it is less comfortable, can't be used for calls (no microphone), and isn’t suited for exercise due to a lack of sweatproof certification. The Soundcore Life Q30, on the other hand, has a built-in microphone, active noise cancelling, app customization, and is more comfortable for longer listening sessions. They provide significant versatility with both wireless and wired options, are more suitable for varied activities including exercise, travel, and calls, and they also offer a better battery life. If budget is a concern, the Life Q30 will also be friendlier on your wallet, as it's priced lower. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q30
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0
7.1
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is good.
Gaming
6.2
5.3
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
4.8
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.4
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Battery
N/A
44.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Soundcore Life Q30 has 44 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Soundcore Life Q30 costs $80.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Soundcore Life Q30 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.7
5.1
The Soundcore Life Q30 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 Soundcore Life Q30 is very good.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Soundcore Life Q30 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Soundcore Life Q30 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | August 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 44 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 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 | 263 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."
Soundcore Life Q30
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphones Addict
Peter Susic | December 2021
"Every once in a while, headphones with an excellent price/performance ratio arrive that truly deserves all attention. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are one of those headphones. Of course, they aren’t perfect, but they do most things better than their competition. Or they give you the option to make them better."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER4XR or the Soundcore Life Q30
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 Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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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
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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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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