EarFun Air Pro TW230B
Etymotic Research ER3SE
What Buyers Say
EarFun Air Pro TW230B
The Earfun Air Pro 4i earbuds have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, who praise their excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit at an affordable price. Many reviewers highlight the value for money, noting that these earbuds rival more expensive brands like Bose and Apple. A few minor concerns include the charging case lacking a secure latch and one instance of an earbud failing, but the responsive customer service resolved the issue quickly.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
- Great value for money
- Customizable EQ via app
Cons
- Charging case lacks secure latch
- Occasional earbud failure
- Customer service team initially unresponsive
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
Scores
Specifications
| EarFun Air Pro TW230B | Etymotic Research ER3SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | in-ear |
| Ear Tips | — | Assorted |
| Weight | 0.05 kg★ | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | balanced armature |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 16 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 22 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | Etymotic ER3SE Studio Edition Earphone,Black |
| Surround | EarFun Air Pro 4i Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Hi-Res Sound with LDAC, 6 Mics AI ENC Clear Call, 40H Playtime, Multipoint Connection, Surround Sound, Bluetooth 5.4 Earbuds, Wireless Charging | E | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive hybrid | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 9.5 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 2 hours of play from just 5 minutes | — |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 40 hrs★ | — |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | — |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | EarFun App | — |
| Bone Conduction | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | — |
Pros & Cons
EarFun Air Pro TW230B
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
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)
Pricing
EarFun Air Pro TW230B offers 10.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 30 specs.
