Etymotic Research ER3SE
Etymotic Research
28 Overall Score
vs
JBL Sense Lite
JBL
67 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Etymotic Research 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 Sense Lite
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Gaming
Calls
Travel
Commute
Fitness
Music
Specifications
| Etymotic Research ER3SE | JBL Sense Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | open-ear |
| Wearing Style | in-ear | Dual Ear True Wireless with Ear Clip/Hook |
| Ear Tips | Assorted | — |
| Weight | — | 0.02 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 16 kHz | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 86 dB★ |
| Codecs | Etymotic ER3SE Studio Edition Earphone,Black | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✗ |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.4★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP 1.4, AVRCP 1.6, HFP 1.8 |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 8 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 Minutes for 3 Hours |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 32 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 4★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Built-In Voice Assistant |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | JBL Headphone App |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Water Resistance | — | IP54 |
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)
JBL Sense Lite
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong mic (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong battery (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Etymotic Research ER3SE0.001score per dollar
vs
JBL Sense Lite0.002score per dollar
JBL Sense Lite offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: JBL Sense Lite
Scores 67 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 19 of 35 specs.
