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Etymotic Er 4PT Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£260
Avg. price in US: ~$300
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Etymotic Er 4PT review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Good

5.1

Good

7.5

Very good

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
9.8
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.9
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
9.8
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#95 in Best In Ear Headphones
#208 in Best Wired Headphones

Verdict

The Etymotic ER4PT is a precision-engineered in-ear monitor featuring single high-performance balanced armature drivers that provide a highly accurate frequency response of 20Hz–16kHz with 86%+ accuracy. Specifically designed for travelers and mobile professionals, it features a low impedance of 27 ohms for easy use with portable devices without an external amplifier and offers industry-leading passive noise isolation between 35dB and 42dB. Main pros include its unsurpassed tonal transparency, exceptional detail retrieval, and a comprehensive accessory kit that includes a channel-matching compliance graph signed by an engineer. However, users often note cons such as a polarizing deep-insertion fit that can be uncomfortable for some, a lean bass profile that lacks 'oomph' for enthusiasts, and a relatively narrow, 'in-your-head' soundstage presentation.

Technical Specifications of Etymotic Er 4PT

Overall score

5.6

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.4

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

balanced armature

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

1.9

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

?

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

7.3

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

9.8

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Etymotic

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Etymotic Er 4PT vs the average headphone

Why is Etymotic Er 4PT better than the average headphone?

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EQ customization
Etymotic Er 4PT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.
Importance: MEDIUM
Etymotic Er 4PT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
87.2% lower weight
Etymotic Er 4PT is lighter than the average headphone (28 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Etymotic Er 4PT is lighter than the average headphone (28 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.28 g vs 218 g
Sidetone support
Etymotic Er 4PT supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.
Importance: LOW
Etymotic Er 4PT supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
10x higher input power handling
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
0.32 m more useful cable length
Etymotic Er 4PT offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Etymotic Er 4PT offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.1.52 m vs 1.2 m
87.2% lower weight
Etymotic Er 4PT is lighter than the average headphone (28 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
0.32 m more useful cable length
Etymotic Er 4PT offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
10x higher input power handling
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
Sidetone support
Etymotic Er 4PT supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
EQ customization
Etymotic Er 4PT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Etymotic Er 4PT worse than the average headphone?

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0.7 % higher distortion
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
No neodymium magnet
Etymotic Er 4PT does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
0.53 dB looser channel balance
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (1 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
Not headset-ready
Etymotic Er 4PT is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Etymotic Er 4PT has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
6 years older release date
Etymotic Er 4PT was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
April 2011
0.7 % higher distortion
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
Not headset-ready
Etymotic Er 4PT is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Etymotic Er 4PT is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
1 fewer microphones
Etymotic Er 4PT has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Etymotic Er 4PT has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
2.89x more expensive
Etymotic Er 4PT is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
Etymotic Er 4PT is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
No neodymium magnet
Etymotic Er 4PT does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.
Importance: LOW
Etymotic Er 4PT does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
6 years older release date
Etymotic Er 4PT was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
April 2011
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Etymotic Er 4PT was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
0.53 dB looser channel balance
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (1 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
What it is: Tolerance between left and right channel volume balance
When it matters: When stereo precision and left-right consistency matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=0.5 dB
Etymotic Er 4PT has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (1 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.1 dB vs 0.47 dB

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Etymotic Er 4PT and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Etymotic Er 4PT?

Unmatched sound isolation (up to 35-42dB), effectively blocking out significant environmental noise like jet engines
Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval, allowing listeners to hear subtle recording nuances like a singer's breath
Extremely accurate and flat frequency response with neutral tonal balance
High-quality, robust build design described as a 'precision tool' that can last a decade
Extensive accessory bundle including multiple ear tips, filters, and a carrying case
Fast transient response and superb instrument separation
Highly portable and easy to drive directly from smartphones or low-power digital audio players

What customers dislike about Etymotic Er 4PT?

Deep-insertion fit can be uncomfortable or invasive for users not used to triple-flange ear tips
Cable is prone to significant microphonics (cord-related vibrations/noise) during movement
Lean bass presentation that may lack 'oomph' or 'punch' for listeners who prefer heavy low-end
Relatively narrow and 'in-your-face' soundstage compared to open-back headphones or multi-driver IEMs
Stiff and heavy cable can be unwieldy and may restrict access to devices in thick cases
Highly revealing nature can make poorly recorded or low-quality source material sound harsh or unforgiving

Expert reviews

cnet.com

22/03/2011

Etymotic ER-4: Original in-ear headphone still a serious contender

The Etymotic ER-4PT in-ear headphones deliver exceptional high-resolution clarity and audiophile-grade neutrality, staying true to the brand's long legacy of precision auditory engineering. Hand-matched to within 1 dB of tolerance at the company's Illinois factory, each pair includes a signed compliance graph from the engineer who tuned them. Sonically, the ER-4PT outperforms...Read more

reference-audio-analyzer.pro

Unknown Date

Etymotic ER-4PT: 1x pads report for a proThe Etymotic ER4PT is a 27-ohm, travel-focused earphone, distinct from the ER4P, ER4S, or modern ER4SR/XR mod...

The Etymotic ER-4PT is a professional-grade in-ear monitor renowned for its clinical precision and highly accurate, flat frequency response. According to the technical benchmarks, these earphones excel in delivering exceptional mid-range texture, lifelike vocals, and pristine treble clarity, creating an incredibly detailed soundstage with excellent instrument separation....Read more

cnet.com

07/04/2011

Etymotic ER-4PT review: 'Very accurate' earphones - CNET

The Etymotic ER-4PT earphones deliver highly accurate tonal balance and impressive sound quality, though they lack the low-end bass impact found in competing models within their $299 price tier. Designed specifically for professional travelers, these long, slender cylindrical earphones fit deeply into the ear canal and protrude slightly outward. Their construction is notably...Read more

headphone.ph

19/07/2015

The Crystal-Clear Sounding Etymotic ER4PT Review

The Etymotic ER4PT in-ear monitors (IEMs) are highly praised for their extreme neutrality, accurate sound replication, and minimal audio coloration, making them a top choice for audiophiles. Priced around $299, this model cleverly combines the portable ER4P earphone with the professional, high-impedance ER4S version via an included adapter. The overall package features excellent...Read more

trustedreviews.com

09/10/2015

Etymotic ER4PT Review - Trusted Reviews

The Etymotic ER4PT earphones are high-fidelity, single-driver IEMs designed for audio purists, featuring a durable, lightweight plastic design with a non-replaceable cable that poses a potential long-term maintenance drawback. They offer exceptional, detailed sound with remarkable clarity and natural vocals, though they lack bass boost and can make poorly mastered tracks sound...Read more

head-fi.org

10/11/2014

[Poor Man Reviews] Etymotic Research ER-4PT - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi review of the Etymotic Research ER-4PTGo defines it as a benchmark for neutral, analytical sound, delivering exceptional detail, transparency, and flat sub-bass extension. Pros include accurate,, reference-grade, audio reproduction and an upper-midrange that boosts vocal clarity, making it a powerful, tool for critical listening. However, significant cons involve...Read more

the-gadgeteer.com

20/05/2011

Etymotic Research ER•4PT MicroPro Earphones w/CUSTOM•FIT Eartips Review

The Etymotic Research ER•4PT MicroPro are flagship, balanced-armature driver earphones designed specifically for traveling sound engineers and audiophiles. In this review, Dave Rees highlights their compact, highly portable form factor and outstanding performance, featuring an industry-exclusive channel-matching compliance graph signed by an engineer to prove left and right earbud...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

04/02/2011

Etymotic ER-4PT - Review 2011 - PCMag UK

The PCMag UK review awards the Etymotic ER-4PT earphones an Outstanding 4.5 out of 5 rating and an Editors' Choice award. Priced at $299 direct, these audiophile-grade, in-canal earphones are highlighted as the most accurate flat-response consumer headphones available under $500. The review heavily praises their performance in linear and diffuse field equalization tests, noting they...Read more

cnet.com

27/03/2011

Etymotic ER-4PTGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. MicroPro review

The Etymotic ER-4PT MicroPro in-ear headphones deliver highly accurate, well-balanced sound with exceptional treble clarity and precision that uncovers subtle recording details. Priced at $299, this model is specifically tailored for professional travelers and mainstream users, featuring hand-matched channels certified within 2 dB and plane adapters. Built with a robust,...Read more

computerbild.de

25/07/2013

Etymotic ER-4P microPro: Computer Bild review of the in-ear headphones

The Computer Bild review awards the Etymotic ER-4P microPro in-ear headphones a "good" test score of 2.4, praising their nearly flawless audio presentation. The earbuds deliver exceptionally balanced acoustics highlighted by highly natural vocals, pristine high frequencies, and a tight, punchy bass response. They provide excellent sound isolation, ensuring that music does not leak...Read more

connect-living.de

21/10/2011

Etymotic ER4 MicroPro

The connect-living review of the Etymotic ER4 MicroPro awards these premium American-made in-ear monitors a "very gut" overall score of 95%. Priced at 230 Euros, the earphones are highly praised for their brilliant, top-tier sound quality and excellent overall build and processing. The reviewer highlights the generous bundle included in the package, which features seven different...Read more

on-mag.fr

07/08/2013

Etymotic ER-4S microPro: In-Ear Headphones with Surgical Precision

The Etymotic ER-4S microPro in-ear monitors are highlighted as a reference-grade tool built for exceptional transparency and surgical precision. Originating from an American company deeply rooted in audiometry and research, the earphones come in a plastic case reminiscent of a medical kit. The design is strictly functional and devoid of aesthetic fluff, utilizing robust black...Read more

coem.org.es

16/11/2013

Dental Profession November 2013 - COEM

The November 2013 issue of Profesión Dental from the Official College of Odontologists and Stomatologists of the 1st Region (COEM) serves as a key regulatory and educational resource, highlighting the executive leadership of President Ramón Soto-Yarritu Quintana and a robust calendar of continued education in Madrid. A major strength is its emphasis on blended learning, combining...Read more

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