Etymotic ER3SE
Etymotic
32 Overall Score
vs
JBL Tour Pro 3
JBL
84 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
JBL Tour Pro 3
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Gaming
Budget
Travel
Fitness
Commute
Music
Calls
Specifications
| Etymotic ER3SE | JBL Tour Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | detachable MMCX cable | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Assorted eartips | 5 Sizes + Foam Tip Pair |
| Weight | — | 0.08 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 2★ |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 16 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB★ | 104 dB |
| Max SPL | — | 95 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Etymotic ER3SE Studio Edition Earphone,Black | LDAC |
| Surround | — | JBL Tour Pro 3 - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Smart Charging Case, Legendary Pro Sound with Hybrid Dual-Driver, Spatial 360 Sound with Head Tracking (Latte) | JBL | JBL Tour Pro 3 | 3 | |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP 1.4, AVRCP 1.6, HFP 1.8 |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Range | — | 4.599999904632568 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 10 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 Minutes for 3 Hours |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Capacity | — | 850 mAh★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | JBL Headphones |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX5 |
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)
JBL Tour Pro 3
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
Etymotic ER3SE0.089score per dollar
vs
JBL Tour Pro 30.230score per dollar
JBL Tour Pro 3 offers 2.6x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: JBL Tour Pro 3
Scores 84 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 24 of 41 specs.
