9 Best Etymotic Earbuds of 2019

1. Best Budget: mk5 Isolator Earphone

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The mk5 Isolator Earphone is a budget friendly choice that offers the cool Etymotic Research technology without putting a big dent in your wallet. It’s designed for users that don’t mind a wired wearing experience and are thirsty for a balanced audio profile. Delve deeper into the features to figure out if there is enough to meet your requirements.

The balance across the frequency response of 20-15KHz means you will enjoy all music genres. However, there is a lack of bass that might be a deal breaker if you love bass heavy music. The low-profile 6mm neodymium drivers are smaller than the standard 8mm so it may lack the punch that you’re looking for.

The noise isolation of 35-42 decibels means you can listen safely in loud environments. It’s one of the most effective in-ear noise isolation features on the market as tested by an official body. However, the earbuds must be placed deep in the ear canal to achieve the ideal fit.

There are added accessories, which means the value for money is excellent at the budget price. You get a carrying pouch, choice of eartip seizes, and cable management clip. Therefore, you’ll need less extra purchases after buying.

The mk5 Isolator Earphone is a solid budget offering, but consider the drawbacks before proceeding. Firstly, there is a hard edge to the audio profile, which can get tiring after a while. Also, they have a cheap feel when holding them in your hands. This is unexpected from Etymotic Research since the majority of their earbuds have a premium feel.

To summarize, the mk5 Isolator Earphone is the right choice for buyers that have a small budget and need a pair of earbuds that have advanced audio quality. The small drivers might not have the punch of alternatives, but you’ll enjoy a clean sound. Also, there is no in-line remote, which might be a deal breaker if you’re used to one.

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2. Etymotic Research ETY-Kids5

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Etymotic Research ETY-Kids5 is designed for kids and those with hearing problems. The volume limiting feature ensures that ear damage is not a problem with these earbuds. Continue reading to find out if the Etymotic Research ETY-Kids5 earphones are the right choice for your needs.

The design allows kids of age 4 and above to use these. As a parent you need to provide your kids with equipment that’s not going to harm them. The 6mm neodymium drivers provide a balanced audio signal that allows kids to enjoy a crisp sound. They are one of the best kids friendly earbuds on the market.

A carrying pouch is included that allows your kids to keep the earbuds safe while not in use. Tell your kids to make a habit of storing the earbuds in the pouch so they are not damaged and kept clean.

There is a choice of colors, which includes black, pink, and yellow. Also, these are slightly smaller than stock Etymotic Research earbuds so they better match the kids smaller ear size. Also, there are different eartip sizes giving your kids a better fit.

Etymotic Research ETY-Kids5 earbuds are a good choice but there are negatives that must be considered. Firstly, it can be heard to create a proper seal for the kids, which means the noise isolation might not be as advertised. Also, the high quality audio is not something that your kids may appreciate, so you might be better served by buying a cheaper alternative.

To conclude, the Etymotic Research ETY-Kids5 is a superb choice that your kids will appreciate. The mixture of the safe max volume, choice of colors, and affordable price means there is a lot to like here. However, you may feel that the advanced audio quality is not something your kids need at a young age.

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3. Best Value: Etymotic ER3XR

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Etymotic ER3XR earbuds are packed with amazing quality that allows you to enjoy music tracks in a way like never before. The detailed audio profile is one of the highlights here that you’ll love from day 1. Take a closer look at the features to figure out if there is enough on offer here for the asking price.

The ergonomic triple flanged design means the earbuds will stay in place once inserted. They sit deep in the ear canal, which contributes to strong noise isolation of 35-42 decibels. Therefore, you can use these while on a busy street or on public transport. The strong noise isolation will also help you take calls clearly in noisy environments. The earbud design is such that you can take the earbuds in and out with ease.

The Etymotic ER3XR earbuds are packed with patent pending technology that the rest of the marketplace is jealous of. The balanced armature drivers excel at providing highly detailed sounds that allow you to appreciate the audio track. You’ll love listening to old tack and enjoying them in a new way – especially if you’re upgrading from budget earbuds.

The package includes handy accessories such as a carrying case, 3 eartips sizes, a clip for cable management, and a filter removal tool. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about looking to buy accessories on day 1.

The Etymotic ER3XR is a decent choice but don’t overlook the drawbacks for a balanced buying decision. Firstly, they can get uncomfortable after a while due to the deep triple flanged design. So you’ll need to take constant breaks to avoid hurting your ears. However, this depends on the fit so make sure to select the right eartips for your needs. Also, the audio can be harsh at high volume so you’ll need to keep that in mind when turning the decibels up.

To conclude, the Etymotic ER3XR earbuds are an audiophile choice that comes with industry leading audio drivers. The audio profile sophistication here is one of the best in this price bracket, which means you’ll love enjoying music wherever you go. It’s a highly rated earbud so you can buy with peace of mind.

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4. Etymotic Research HF3

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The Etymotic Research HF3 is designed for audiophiles that are on a budget. You’ll love these earbuds if you want a wide frequency response, a triple flanged design, and good noise isolation. Take a closer look at the features to figure out if the Etymotic Research HF3 earbuds are the right choice for your needs.

The sound accuracy is spread across 20-120KHz, which is amazing detail that you won’t find in alternative earbuds at a similar price. However, the true frequency response here is 20-15KHz, which you might feel is on the low side. The high performance drivers have balanced armatures that are the gold standard in the earbud marketplace. It will be hard to go back once you’ve owned a pair of Etymotic Research earbuds.

The included accessories add a lot of value to the purchase, which means you can enjoy the complete listening experience. You get three eartips sizes so you get a better fit and there is a carrying case where you can store the earbuds. Also, there is a clip that can be used for cable management to ensure the wire is not loose while you’re out and about.

Do you want to enjoy excellent audio clarity while in noisy environments? The Etymotic Research HF3 earbuds are designed to provide amazing noise isolation that allows you to be immersed in the music. Noise isolation was measured by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and confirmed good effectiveness.

You also get a mic and one-button remote that allows you to clearly have conversations on the go. The mic quality is good so there is no need to constantly repeat what you’re saying. Also the control box is a convenient way of alternating volume and skipping tracks.

The Etymotic Research HF3 earbuds are a competitive choice but don’t overlook the negatives before coming to a decision. Firstly, the invasive fit sits deep in the ear canal, which might not be what you’re after. Also, the audio balance is compromised by poor recordings so you’ll need to make sure that you’re listening to good quality music.

To summarize, the Etymotic Research HF3 earbuds are the right choice for audiophiles that have around $120 to spend. The practicality of the accessories and noise isolation shows that the brand has carefully considered the needs of the user. Also, the balanced audio profile means you’ll enjoy all music genres and other types of audio.

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5. Etymotic Research ER2SE

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Etymotic Research ER2SE is an excellent choice that offers strong performance compared to other wired offerings at a similar price. The mixture of the good noise isolation, premium build, and detachable cable means it’s well designed. Read onwards to determine if there is enough value for the asking price.

The 35 decibels worth of noise isolation means that the majority of sounds are drowned out so you can enjoy music clearly. You’ll love wearing the earbuds when you want peace and quiet in noisy places. However, very loud noises will still get through so the feature is not completely effective.

The triple flanged design means it’s secure so you don’t have to bother constantly with adjusting the fit. Also, the design promotes the airtight seal that means noise isolation is strong throughout the entire listening experience. However, the triple flanged design results in a bulky feel, which might not be what you’re after.

The true high accuracy sound ensures that you can enjoy each note with amazing balance. The audio profile is true to life that’s ideal for those that want a clean experience. However, if you enjoy strong bass then you might be disappointed with what’s offered here.

The Etymotic Research ER2SE is a great choice but you need to consider the drawbacks. Firstly, the audio gets a little warm at times, but that’s not going to be an issue unless you’re very picky. Also, there is no microphone for making calls, which is to be expected of modern earbuds.

To conclude, the Etymotic Research ER2SE earbuds are a solid choice that has the right combination of audio quality, secure fit, and noise isolation. You’ll love using these for all your audio needs since the drivers have advanced attention to detail.

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6. Etymotic Research ER23-HF3-BLACK-I HF3

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Etymotic Research ER23-HF3-BLACK-I HF3 earbuds are a good choice if you want value for money that will compete with alternatives. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better sounding earbud for around $100. The mixture of the balanced audio profile and strong noise isolation means it’s ideal for buyers on the go. Read onwards to determine if these earbuds bring what you need to the table.

These earbuds are created for best compatibility with the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. However, if you’re an Android user you can still take full advantage of the features offered here. These earphones are packed with over 100 patents so you are getting industry leading technology that builds upon what’s already out there.

The frequency range of 20-15KHz is nothing special but there is amazing clarity and balance. Therefore, audio purists that want accurate audio representation will love what’s on offer here. The 85% + accuracy rating is competitive and it’s mostly found in higher priced earbuds.

The earbuds come with ACCUFIT that provides excellent noise isolation. You’ll be able to clearly hear each note of the audio without struggling in noisy areas. Also, in noisy households you can slip on the earbuds and enjoy music while drowning out background noise. It can also help to get focus when studying in noisy locations.

These earbuds from Etymotic Research are a good choice but don’t forget about the drawbacks when choosing to buy. Firstly, the lack of strong bass might be the wrong choice for buyers that want impactful audio. Also, the wearing experience is not ideal for users that want eartips which don’t insert deeply.

To summarize, these Etymotic Research earbuds are a good choice if you want a mixture of balanced audio and industry leading technology. The affordable price means you don’t need to spend a fortune to buy from one of the advanced earbud brands in the world.

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7. Top Pick: Etymotic Research ER4SR

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Etymotic Research ER4SR are studio reference earbuds that are packed with some of the best technology from the brand. The mixture of the 122 max decibel output and amazing precision means there is a lot to like here. Read onwards to figure out if the Etymotic Research ER4SR earbuds are worthy of the high asking price.

The 35-42 decibels worth of noise isolation means you can enjoy music clearly in environments such as public transport and busy streets. The effective noise isolation works by creating an airtight pocket in the ear canal due to the deep fit. However, you may feel that the deep fit is not comfortable and you’ll need to take breaks. The sleek and lightweight aluminum body contributes to a positive wearing experience since it’s a minimalist design.

Etymotic earbuds have special filters that smooth out the frequency response. They also prevent earwax from entering the earphones, which means they are easier to be kept clean. However, when a filter becomes clogged you need to replace it to avoid a decrease in audio quality. The package comes with a filter removal tool, which helps make the job easy.

The package comes with a handy carrying case and choice of eartip sizes. Therefore, you can keep all accessories and the earphones safe between use. Also, there is a performance certificate, which should give you the peace of mind that the earbuds will perform as described. The detachable 5 foot cable can be removed once worn out and replaced with a new one. The detachable cable design is handy since you can easily replace one cable for another.

The Etymotic Research ER4SR are an amazing piece of kit, but look at the disadvantages to ensure you get a good deal. The high price means that value for money here is hard to justify. Typically in the earbud marketplace the quality increase drastically slows down as you go upwards of $150. Therefore, you can get comparable quality by spending a lot less than what these earbuds are worth. Also, the deep ear canal fit is not ideal for users that like small earbuds.

To summarize, the Etymotic Research ER4SR earbuds are the perfect choice for audiophiles with a big budget. You’ll love the combo of the highly detailed audio profile and filters that result in a smooth experience. Also, the effective noise isolation means you don’t have to worry about noisy backgrounds. However, make sure you need the features here due to the high asking price.

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8. ER4XR

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The ER4XR is another audiophile offering that is packed with the features that lead to an amazing experience. You’ll love the mixture of strong audio, noise isolation, and advanced technology. Take a closer peek at the features to figure out if the ER4XR earbuds are the right choice for your needs.

The 35 to 42 decibels worth of noise isolation means you don’t have to worry about a noisy background ruining the music experience. The deep ear canal wearing experience of the triple flanged design ensures that you don’t have to deal with unwanted audio. However, the loudest of noises will still get through such as police sirens.

The 122 decibels max volume is enough for any buyer, but you need to be careful about ear damage. It’s not recommended to listen at above 100 decibels for prolonged periods. That’s especially true with Etymotic Research earbuds because of how deep in the ear canal they sit.

The ergonomic cable design of the ER4XR earbuds means you don’t have to worry about swapping a faulty cable for a new one. The key tab and notch mechanism is effective at forging a good connection without hassle.

The ER4XR earbuds are a great choice, but don’t ignore the negatives to make an informed buying choice. Firstly, the high price means that it’s in competition with some of the best earbuds on the market. Alternatives offer features such as Bluetooth connectivity, which adds more value to the purchase.

To conclude, the ER4XR earbuds are a competitive choice for buyer’s that want advanced audio from an industry-leading brand. It’s the complete deal with a lot of extra accessories that brings something extra to the experience. Take a closer look at the features to ensure that it’s the right choice for your needs.

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9. Etymotic Research MC3

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Etymotic Research MC3 is a special earbud that comes with features that the audiophile can appreciate. It comes with advanced bass noise isolation that contributes to a cleaner sound. Read onwards to figure out if the Etymotic Research MC3 earphones will meet your requirements.

The 35-42 decibels worth of noise isolation means you can enjoy amazing clarity. The noise isolation mechanism is advanced compared to the majority of in-ear headphones. There is a resonance control gate that means bass interference isn’t a problem. Consequently the bass quality is significantly better than most alternatives.

The 3-button micro control pod has a microphone that allows you to take calls. It’s ideal for voice communication while out and about. The strong noise isolation means you won’t struggle to hear the person at the other end of the line. The control box can also be used to alter the volume and skip tracks.

The balance across the frequency response of 20-15KHz means the lows, mids, and highs are crisp. Also, the well-designed 8mm neodymium drivers pack a powerful punch without distortion. The premium use of materials means it’s going to stand the test of time.

The Etymotic Research MC3 is an amazing choice, but don’t proceed with the purchase before considering a few of the drawbacks. Firstly, the light bass might be an issue for bass heavy music lovers. Also, the earbuds are not comfortable for everyone so you might feel like returning them after just a few wearing experiences.

To summarize, the Etymotic Research MC3 provide balanced audio that purists will love. The audio profile results in an accurate representation of what the artists wants you to hear. It’s packed with patent-pending technology that other brands don’t provide.

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