Wired IEMs
Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
82Great
$160
Full review dataEtymotic ER2SE Earphones vs FiiO FD3: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Etymotic ER2SE Earphones comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Etymotic ER2SE Earphones - Great overall at around $160.
Wired IEMs
FiiO FD3
76Great
$100
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
Sound8.5
Value8.0
FiiO FD3
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Etymotic ER2SE Earphones | FiiO FD3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $160 | $100 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 76 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2019 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | single dynamic driver | 12mm dynamic driver with DLC diamond diaphragm |
| Driver size | - | 12 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | flat | 10Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 15 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 111 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.x |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 15 g | 7 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
Etymotic ER2SE Earphones
The Etymotic ER2SE is a wired, single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a flat, reference-style sound aimed at critical listening and studio monitoring. It offers strong passive isolation and easy drivability, though its deep-fit design and modest bass output may not suit everyone. Its transparent, detail-rich tuning makes it a strong value for neutral-sound enthusiasts.
- Pro:Accurate, neutral tonal balance
- Pro:Excellent passive noise isolation
- Pro:Clear and detailed treble
- Con:Deep insertion may be uncomfortable for some
- Con:Bass response is subdued
- Con:Shells protrude noticeably
FiiO FD3
The FiiO FD3 is a budget-friendly wired IEM that pairs a 12mm DLC dynamic driver with a semi-open design to deliver punchy, dynamic sound that's easy to drive from any source. It stands out with a premium-feeling build, a generous accessory set, and a light, comfortable fit, making it a strong pick for those stepping back into wired audio. Tuning varies slightly with ear tips and sound tubes, but overall it offers solid resolution and value.
- Pro:Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Pro:Easy to drive with any device
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:No wireless or ANC options
- Con:Tuning can get bright or boomy depending on tips
- Con:Standard and Pro versions differ only by cable
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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