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Etymotic MC5 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£80Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Etymotic MC5 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Etymotic MC5
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

7.6

User score

â–¼Worse than 88% of headphones
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 93%
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 72%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Etymotic MC5

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.6
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Popularity:
Etymotic MC5 has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than that of 70.1% of products in this category.
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
8 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 8 mm, smaller driver size than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Etymotic
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
113 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 113 g, lighter than 77% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Etymotic MC5 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 48.2% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (113 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    113 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 48.2% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (113 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    113 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 6.5% worse value for money
    Etymotic MC5 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.83 vs 7.3).
    6.83 vs 7.27
  • 5.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Etymotic MC5
    the average pair of headphones
    Etymotic MC5 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.56 vs 8).
    7.56 vs 8
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.5 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    1 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2010 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2010
    2010 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pocket-lint.com
09/07/2010
Hands-on review · Budget MC5 earphones
Verdict
The Etymotic MC5 is good for vocals, podcasts and acoustic tracks and accepts custom molds, but it cannot handle bass-heavy music.
expertreviews.co.uk
22/07/2010
Hands-on test · Budget noise isolation earphones
Verdict
The Etymotic MC5 is affordable and generally pleasing, with balanced, detailed sound, but its weak bass and isolation fall short of rivals.
trustedreviews.com
16/08/2010
Hands-on review · Clinical budget earphones
Verdict
The Etymotic MC5 is clear and detailed for the money, but it sounds too clinical and lacks bass, so the Klipsch Image S4 is the better buy.
theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013
Hands-on review · Dynamic-driver earphones
Verdict
The Etymotic MC5 is a clear, neutral dynamic earphone with excellent isolation, but it lacks bass presence and treble energy for many listeners.
johniekarr.wordpress.com
17/02/2017
Long-term review · Daily office use
Verdict
The Etymotic MC5 is very comfortable and blocks out office noise well, but it wore out twice in two years.
reviewed.com
[Undated]
Lab test · Budget comparison
Verdict
The Etymotic MC5 is a strong value in-ear that isolates noise better than most rivals, though it is less rugged than the Shure SE115.
H
head-fi.org
22/06/2010
Summary of the review
Etymotic MC5 - Reviews - Head-Fi
H
head-fi.org
09/09/2010
Summary of the review
[My First Review] Etymotic MC3 (MC5) - Going In Deep - Head-Fi
reviewed.com
No Date
Lab test · Four-way comparison
Verdict
The Etymotic MC5 suits budget buyers who want strong noise isolation, but it is less rugged than the Shure SE115.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Etymotic MC5

  • Superior passive noise isolation (up to 35-42 dB), often compared to active noise cancelling performance
  • Accurate, neutral, and highly analytical sound signature suitable for critical listening
  • Excellent vocal and midrange clarity, making them ideal for podcasts and audiobooks
  • High build quality featuring kevlar-reinforced cables and a durable overall design
  • Generous accessory bundle including a zippered carrying pouch, various ear tip sizes, and a replacement filter kit with a removal tool
  • Great value for the price, offering near-reference audio quality in a budget-friendly package

What customers don't like about Etymotic MC5

  • Noticeable lack of deep bass response; the sound can feel 'clinical' or 'sterile' for users who prefer punchy low-end
  • Comfort is highly dependent on deep ear canal insertion, which can be irritating or painful for some users
  • Relatively low sensitivity means they may require higher volume settings or an amplifier to reach satisfying levels on some portable devices
  • Microphonics (cable noise) can be intrusive if the cord rubs against clothing during movement
  • Design lacks a built-in remote or microphone, which some users find inconvenient for modern smartphone use
  • Durability issues reported by some users regarding the adhesive holding the main housing pieces together

Verdict

The Etymotic MC5 is a high-fidelity in-ear monitor featuring 8mm high-output neodymium moving coil dynamic drivers that deliver a balanced frequency response of 20 Hz – 15 kHz. Known for its industry-leading passive noise isolation of 35–42 dB, it offers a 16-ohm impedance and 100 dB sensitivity, making it easily driven by portable devices. Key pros include exceptional sound accuracy, a reinforced Kevlar cable, and user-replaceable filters that maintain audio clarity. However, common cons include a clinical sound profile that some find lacks bass warmth, potential discomfort due to the required deep ear canal insertion, and reported long-term durability issues with the housing adhesive.

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