Soundcore P31i
Etymotic Research ER3SE
What Buyers Say
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
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
| Soundcore P31i | Etymotic Research ER3SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | in-ear |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | Assorted |
| Weight | 0.06 kg★ | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | balanced armature |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 16 kHz |
| Impedance | 14.199999809265137 Ω | 22 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | Etymotic ER3SE Studio Edition Earphone,Black |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| 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 | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | — |
Pros & Cons
Soundcore P31i
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (93rd percentile)93rd %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
Soundcore P31i offers 18.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 17 of 33 specs.
