Etymotic Research ER3SE
EarFun Air Pro 4+
What Buyers Say
Etymotic Research ER3SE
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
EarFun Air Pro 4+
The EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds deliver exceptional value, with users praising their high-end sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and robust battery life. Many reviewers note they outperform far more expensive competitors like AirPods Pro and Sony XM4s, especially after customizing the EQ via the app. A few minor issues include occasional fit adjustments and a quirk with single-bud Bluetooth connectivity, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with LDAC and aptX Lossless
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Long battery life (11 hours per charge)
- Great value for money
- Comfortable and secure fit
Cons
- Single-bud Bluetooth connectivity quirk
- Occasional fit adjustments needed
- LDAC disables multipoint pairing
- Le Audio not working for some users
Scores
Specifications
| Etymotic Research ER3SE | EarFun Air Pro 4+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | in-ear | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Assorted | s |
| Weight | — | 0.05 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | hybrid |
| Driver Size | — | 10 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 2★ |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 16 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 100 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Etymotic ER3SE Studio Edition Earphone,Black | aptX Lossless, LDAC, LE Audio, LC3 |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive hybrid |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 6.0 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 12 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 2 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 54 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | EarFun Audio App |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IP55 |
Pros & Cons
Etymotic Research ER3SE
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (66th percentile)
- Below average mic (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average connectivity (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average sound (29th percentile)
- Below average comfort (29th percentile)
EarFun Air Pro 4+
- Strong sound (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
Etymotic Research ER3SE
EarFun Air Pro 4+
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 21 of 37 specs.
