Etymotic ER3SE
Soundcore P31i
What Buyers Say
Etymotic 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
Soundcore P31i
The Soundcore P31i earbuds are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional sound quality, effective active noise cancellation, and impressive battery life, all at a very affordable price. Users highlight the companion app's powerful EQ and adaptive ANC features, though a few note fit issues with the ear tips. Overall, they are seen as a fantastic value, often compared favorably to much more expensive competitors like AirPods.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Powerful companion app with EQ
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- Ear tips may not fit all ear shapes
- Case is larger than previous models
- App requires data collection
- Translation feature is tricky
Scores
Specifications
| Etymotic ER3SE | Soundcore P31i | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | detachable MMCX cable | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Assorted eartips | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | — | 0.06 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 16 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | 14.199999809265137 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB | 120 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Etymotic ER3SE Studio Edition Earphone,Black | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 6.0 |
| Wired Connector | — | USB Type C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 10 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 3.5 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 50 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | soundcore |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IP55 |
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)
Soundcore P31i
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Pricing
Soundcore P31i offers 24.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 35 specs.
