Etymotic ER3SE
Etymotic
32 Overall Score
vs
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0050
Bose
85 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Etymotic ER3SE
88 out of 100 low confidence 7 reviews
The Etymotic ER3 SE is widely praised for its neutral, uncolored sound and exceptional passive noise isolation, often described as god-tier for the price. Users highlight the need for proper deep insertion and aftermarket ear tips to achieve comfort and optimal sound, while the cable microphonics are a common frustration. The XR variant receives mixed feedback, with some finding it muddier than the SE. Overall, these IEMs are a top choice for audiophiles seeking clarity and isolation without active noise cancellation.
Pros
- Neutral, uncolored sound
- Exceptional passive noise isolation
- Great value for money
- Replaceable cable
- Comfortable with proper tips
Cons
- Pronounced cable microphonics
- Uncomfortable stock ear tips
- Requires deep insertion
- No inline mic or controls
- Not suitable for side sleeping
Sound quality 7
Noise isolation 5
Cable quality 5
Comfort and fit 6
Value for money 4
Build quality 3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0050
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Music
Commute
Travel
Gaming
Calls
Fitness
Specifications
| Etymotic ER3SE | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0050 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | detachable MMCX cable | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Assorted eartips | Small, Medium, Large |
| Weight | — | 0.08 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 16 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Etymotic ER3SE Studio Edition Earphone,Black | aptX Adaptive |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, HFP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Range | — | 9.100000381469727 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 6 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 20 Minutes for 2 Hours |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 18 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 2★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Bose app |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Etymotic ER3SE
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong sound (68th percentile)
- Strong social proof (67th percentile)
- Below average mic (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average connectivity (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average comfort (29th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0050
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
Pricing
Etymotic ER3SE0.026score per dollar
vs
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-00500.042score per dollar
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0050 offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0050
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 18 of 38 specs.
