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Image © AmazonEtymotic ER2XR
At a glance
- Brand
- Etymotic
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2019
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound7.9
Value6.8
A wired in-ear monitor using a high-performance moving-coil dynamic driver, with the XR version tuned for additional bass while retaining Etymotic's accurate mids and treble. It is positioned for musicians, audiophiles and consumers seeking an easy-to-drive IEM.
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Etymotic ER2XR is a wired dynamic-driver IEM that offers a neutral-to-slightly-warm sound signature with a moderate bass boost, while maintaining the brand's signature deep isolation and technical clarity. It delivers clean, detailed, and natural audio performance that stands out in the sub-$200 range, wrapped in a featherlight design with a solid accessory bundle. Its high impedance and low sensitivity mean it benefits from a dedicated amplifier to reach its full potential.
What works
- Balanced, mildly warm tuning with a subtle bass lift
- Excellent isolation and technical detail for the price
- Very light and comfortable fit
- Strong value with included accessories
What doesn't
- Requires a capable source due to low sensitivity
- Thin note texture may not suit bass-heavy listeners
- Deep insertion fit is not for everyone
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Impedance | 15 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Impedance | 15 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|
What the reviews said
4 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Positiveacross 5 videosReviewers agree the Etymotic ER2XR delivers exceptional sound quality for its price, highlighting its natural timbre, clean bass, and detailed vocals, which make it a standout under $200.
Reviewers liked
- Natural and realistic timbre
- Excellent bass quality and speed
- Great vocal imaging and detail
- Strong value for the price
Reviewers flagged
- Treble rolls off and lacks sparkle
- Intimate or narrow soundstage
- Stock ear tips are uncomfortable or painful for many
- Deep insertion may be off-putting
11:54Etymotic ER2XR - But...Why!?
The reviewer was initially skeptical of the Etymotic ER2XR but ended up loving them, praising their natural tonality, realistic timbre, and well-controlled bass and mids. He notes the treble rolls off early and the soundstage is intimate, but overall he highly recommends them for their exceptional sound quality, especially for tone and timbre, despite the deep-fit comfort issues some may have.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
5:38Double Trouble: Etymotic ER2-SE and ER2-XR Review Video
The reviewer compares the ER2-SE and ER2-XR, noting they share a similar design and core sound signature but differ in tuning. The XR model offers a more extended bass response, making it more engaging for general listening, while the SE is more neutral and suited for studio work. The reviewer appreciates both for their unique strengths.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
7:32Etymotic ER2XR Review: The Sub $200 King of IEMs
The reviewer highly recommends the Etymotic ER2XR as the best IEM under $200, praising its exceptional bass quality, natural timbre, and vocal imaging, despite noting a deep-fit requirement and a slightly dark treble. They consider it a standout that punches well above its price, even competing with higher-priced models.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
7:56Etymotic ER2xr. Explained simply.
The reviewer finds the Etymotic ER2XR's stock ear tips extremely uncomfortable, so they recommend two alternative tips: Shure yellow foam tips and Final Audio E tips with an adapter. They rate the sound quality with these mods, noting the foam tips are more faithful to the original sound, while the Final Audio E tips add bass and warmth but alter vocals and treble. Overall, they conclude the ER2XR sounds great with these modifications, but the stock experience is painful.
MixedWatch on YouTube
2:52If you have the ER2XR -- Upgrade your comfort.
The reviewer praises the Etymotic ER2XR for its accurate sound and overall solid performance, but notes that the stock ear tips are painful and uncomfortable. They strongly recommend replacing them with Final Audio ear tips, which, when used with the included red adapter, dramatically improve comfort and make the headphones much more enjoyable to wear.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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