Etymotic Research ER3SE
JBL Live Pro JBLLIVEPRO2TWSSLAM
What Buyers Say
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
JBL Live Pro JBLLIVEPRO2TWSSLAM
The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS earbuds receive mixed feedback. Many users praise the excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life, with some calling them the best value in their price range. However, a significant number of reviewers report serious issues: the earbuds can stop working after a few months, the touch controls are overly sensitive to sunlight and wind, and the ear tips often fall off or fail to provide a secure fit. Connection dropouts and poor call quality are also common complaints.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Long battery life (up to 40 hours total)
- Comfortable fit for extended wear
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Earbuds stop working after a few months
- Touch controls overly sensitive to sunlight
- Ear tips fall off or do not fit securely
- Connection dropouts and audio cutouts
- Poor call quality for some users
Scores
Specifications
| Etymotic Research ER3SE | JBL Live Pro JBLLIVEPRO2TWSSLAM | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | in-ear | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Assorted | 3x Different-Sized Pair of Ear Tips |
| Weight | — | 0.06 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 | 16 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✗ |
| Codecs | Etymotic ER3SE Studio Edition Earphone,Black | SBC, AAC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.2★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6, HFP 1.7 |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth 5 |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 10 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 Minutes for 4 Hours |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Hey Google or Alexa |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | JBL Headphones App |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX5 |
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 Live Pro JBLLIVEPRO2TWSSLAM
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (21st percentile)
Pricing
JBL Live Pro JBLLIVEPRO2TWSSLAM offers 4.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 79 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 18 of 36 specs.
