ER4XR Earphones

Sound is incredible but needs a decent DAC/AMP to shine. even the simplest Fiio is a great improvement

One of the earbuds should have an indentation that can help identify the L from R without having to look (ex in the dark), just like the sennheiser

Unreal. Holy detail and accuracy. I love music. I listen to it constantly, and I’m a huge fan of great sound engineering. People like Stefano Amerio, Manfred Eicher, and Jan Erik Kongshaug are staples in my listening world. I also own solid gear from Cambridge Audio, Schiit, and Sennheiser. My favorite headphones are the Sennheiser HD 650, and until recently my favorite IEMs were the ER2XR.

I picked up the Etymotic ER4XR during a New Year’s sale, honestly not expecting a massive difference, but I was completely wrong. I love everything about them. They are insanely precise and detailed while still sounding uncannily realistic. Notes don’t smear. Transients start and stop exactly when they should. Inner voices stay separated. It’s tight, controlled, and effortless.

I’m running them through a Schiit Magni/Modi stack, and the scaling is obvious. Cleaner transients, better microdynamics, and a sense of temporal accuracy that just locks the music into place. Jazz and classical are absolutely stunning on these. Upright bass has pitch definition, piano harmonics ring true, and strings have body without glare.

The timbre is unreal, or maybe hyperreal is the better word. I don’t know. What I do know is the midrange is phenomenal, dense, honest, and completely unforced. Nothing is hyped, nothing is missing. These don’t impress in a flashy way. They convince you over time.

These are worth the hype. Truly reference level.
Incredible engineering.
Great job, Etymotic

Bought the ER4P in 2003 after reading reviews. Initially had to learn to insert properly. The sound was like being present in person if the recording was descent. Damaged the cord in 2017 which Etymotic repaired. I miss that aspect of their business. My only wish that the ER4P had a bit higher curve in the bass region. One tip broke in 2025 probably due to stress in its case. Soon ordered the ER4XR as I did not want to use my over the ear noise cancelling phones mowing the lawn and other times of sweat. The ER4XR fixed the bass complaint. Am very happy with the purchase. As a result, picked up a another for a spare. The clarity is amazing. The aluminum casing should be stronger, more durable, than the plastic ER4P. I mostly listen to classical music and movies at home when I really want the sound quality. I carry them most places I go. Also use cheap $20 Axxxx phones which are also amazing when I want to easily hear other things going on in the surroundings.

After being a first ER4P (with the S adapter) buyer in 2004, I finally had to buy new Etys as the cord had one too many cuts and the left filter housing starting to crack. The 4S always felt a bit light in the lower region compared with playing in live acoustic orchestras, so I went with the XR and am incredibly happy with the choice. The 4P was only ever used for travelling when I did not have enough power to drive it as an S, and the loss in treble was always painful before getting used to it over longer flights. The 4P's tilt never sat right with me, even if I did wish for a bit more body in the bass.

I don't doubt that I would have been happy with the SR also, given how crazy good the 4S was in many recordings that didn't really include as much lower region. It is hard to properly compare mid and high on the XR with the 4S as I am so used to the 4S which has some songs shine on that model specifically. With the XR, I am appreciating most things and it does have a more similar sound profile to my mastering studio's main speakers. It doesn't quite have the same effortless deep end though, so the XR is a bit more muffled comparatively speaking. They are a tad higher than my studio in the low end, but not disturbingly so. I think the transition between lower mid and bass is where I would have primarily loved a db less or so, but that is just a guess ofc.

My 4S was always good to check some mid and top end on, so I suspect the SR would have served the same purpose. My IEMs aren't really for that purpose though, as I use them more for travelling and when I am in noisy surroundings. I truly appreciate having an Ety that can give me that more overall similar impression of whatever I play.

In terms of comparisons with other IEM, nothing has ever sat as well in my ears and I simply cannot fly with anything else. As I like listening for a long time, the fit is absolutely key to how I feel about IEMs. If you like a deep fit, there is no competition to Etys. An absolute steal for the money also, no matter the price range I have compared with.

I used them with a DF Red and an ADI-2 DAC FS. The sound quality was fantastic. With them, I learned the shortcomings of my HD650 and even HD800S. The buds isolated sound so well that my wife complained about my newly acquired deafness. I prefer the foam tips though they are quite easy to be worn out. Once you get used to the slight wearing discomfort, you will agree that they are real gems.

Going to return. Only one earbud was functioning.

The sound is ok but the volume is very quiet, they are also wayy too long to be useful. You cannot wear these with a hat or helmet because the bodysticksway out of your ear

Outstanding products and 5 star service

I struggled over the ER4SR vs XR and ordered both. When I switched to balanced cabling on the SR, using a Fosi DS2, the bass became perfectly balanced. There was no need to open the XR and returned it. I have read that balanced amplifier sections are frequently superior to their same-device single-ended sections and sometimes have stronger bass. That was true for my amp. The ER4SR are the perfect upgrade for my ER4P (I broke the cable on those). While I did manage to recover the ER4P, that repair is delicate and I wanted something I can travel with, so I’m extremely happy with the ER4SR !

I have 2 pairs of over the ear headphones that are wonderful. But since I had some hearing loss in my right ear a few years ago, I stopped listening to portable music devices. Even before my hearing problem, I was eyeing Etymotic earphones. I've been traveling a lot recently and ear "buds" have not been my favorite devices especially since they have to be paired with devices (and I am a tech nut, I have many devices and three cell phones I switch from). So I wanted wired earphones again and decided to just go for it. What a pleasure! Clear sound, faithful reproduction. I can even move the ear tips to a particular angle and it's like my hearing problem is almost gone! The added bass is so smooth I don't even catch it but it might be due to my hearing condition so you must see if it suits you. I have been listening exclusively to music with these since I received them. Very well made and they came with many ear tips to choose from. I recommend trying several until you find that "right" fit.

I bought a pair of ER4XR 6 years ago because I was looking for a little more bass than the ER4S I had been using for many years. These ER4XR improved slightly on my experience with the ER4S in terms of fidelity, accuracy and clarity (the ER4S are still fantastic IEMs), but also with a little, just a little, more colour in the bass. I don't like to equalise the IEMS, the way they sound with my IFI Gryphon I don't need to look any further. You quickly get used to the way they work, and they never get tired, either in sound or placement. If you like music as it is, the ER4 family is one of the best options available

I think I need to listen all my library again.
Apple Spatial Audio + Dragonfly Red + ER4XR.

I've been using the Etymotic earphones for something like 20 years. I have had 4s, 4p, and these. I have many headphones ranging into the thousands in price. This is the one that gets the most use. It's relatively inexpensive, the performance is remarkable, and it is easily driven. I've used it with everything from portable MP3 players to high end equipment, it shines with all the gear. From work day listening to gym workouts to flying, this earphone does it all. It's a particular treat. I have flown in between the east and west coasts many times, some of those with crying babies immediately in front or in back of me. The reduction in engine noise and other intrusions made those very happy trips.

The buds had terrific extra-bass sound as was advertised

I've had over 4 pairs of Ety's over the past decade. From HF series to ER4PT high end pairs (still have these). I loved all of them for that unique sound signature of Ety's. They provide dynamic lively sound without being harsh, artificially bright nor too bassy. This is important if you listen to anything for an extended session at a time. However, I want to be completely transparent to say that comfort is very subjective and that it may take a while before you find that sweet spot.

For me, none of the ear tips that were provided was good enough. So I did some ear tip rolling and for comfort, my best option was to go with Comply heat activated foams. They are bit costly for what it is but for me, it was well worth it. With Comply, sound suppression was second to none, and I can hear all the details coming from the drivers, even some sounds that resonates within my ear canal to provide that truly lively sound and rumbles (track 'High Life' from Jazz at the Pawnshop album by Domnerus comes alive like it's performing live right on front of you!). Or, in Vivaldi's Four Seasons, during the Autumn's first movement, the bow that bounces off the string can be felt! It makes it sound even better with low power IEM headphone amps. It really unlocks those expansive soundstage in original high res recordings. I've seen many comparisons online between the ER2XR/SE and the ER4XR/SR. I can assure you that the ER4's are the king of clarity and definition with top of the line balanced armature drivers. If you're not sure, get both, use the same source DAP or music source, hi res music tracks and see for yourself. Certain music with such astounding accuracy, e.g. bass drum. It actually mimics the reverberation produced by air pressure in your ears through this IEM! Clarity, preciseness, definition, and the expansiveness in experience is unmistakably ER4XR/SR with Balanced Armature drivers!

To illustrate what I mean, I was using the Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt DAC. I am also using an iPhone with VLC app and I side loaded the hires FLAC files using iTunes. This I think in my opinion is a fantastic setup for on the go hires listening. I also use a Cowon iAudio 9+ (with BBE/EQ set to Headphones) I purchased new over 10 years ago which I use for audio source for the ER4XRs during any rigorous activities. For my ears, I prefer the brown filter for that slight high-mid bias. I really keep these IEMs busy and preoccupied. ER4XR's really brings out the rich, highly detailed and balanced audio. The more you use it, the better it will start to sound. Just be patient and you will see that this IEM is way more capable than how it is advertised, it is truly a "sleeper" IEM. The soundstage becomes much fuller and it's a shear joy listening to my favorite albums - I call that the "sonic bliss".

In fact, you will feel as if you're hearing those albums for the first time. Final complement about the Etymotic's fundamental difference between a regular IEM is the deep insertion. Once you insert them properly into your ear canal, they will never fall out and they will reward you with an all-day comfort. I have also noticed vastly lower wind noise during cycling when compared to my other IEM which is a Campfire Mammoth. In fact, it has similar level of outside noise suppressed in comparison to IEM that has active noise cancellation.

Quick comparison between the previous generation ER4PT (the "T" model comes with adaptor to convert the "P" portable to an S model). I use the same source and EQ setting. Other than RMS output needs to be higher for the ER4PT in S mode, the clarity is about equal. The older model tends to be more analogish yet it has its own unique characteristics. The newer ER4XR sounds about the same but sounds more accurate yet easier to drive. The fact that it's the "Extended" version, the bass is not overbearing at all. In fact, for most tracks, you hardly notice any difference. It's quite a battle. Sometime I feel like ER4PT and sometimes I feel like ER4XR! (no.. this is not an Almond Joy commercial).

Moral of the story is I love the ER4XR so much that I want to give it a big hug every time I put them on. Rediscovering my music collection through ER4XR's feels like I am receiving a gift from the Sound Goddess each day. If you're on the fence, leap over it and get a pair, you'll be glad that you did.

I have an etymotic ER-4P FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS . It was lost once I have dozens of IEM'S ,about 2 weeks ago i found it and decided to take a listen... how nostalgic... it was a great moment.. I remember how many times I listen to it back in the days.. extremely neutral, I've decided to take a look at etymotic's website and found out the ER4-XR same neutral earphone with an slightly extended bass.. I couldn't resist and purchased one at Amazon... and even this days of very advanced technologies this marvelous IEM hold it's on.. at this price point I can't find a better purchase than the ER4XR ... too bad can't include pics with this review... I've noticed several improvements from my old ER4P to the new ER4XR from plastic to what appears to be aluminum shell also from 2 pin connector cable to mmcx as well ER4XR comes with the newer dual flange ear tips which i love it ... my only recommendation is 4.4mm cable , most of us this days have switched from 3.5mm to balanced 4.4mm and I couldn't find it at etymotic website however I was able to purchase an aftermarket cable terminated in 4.4mm that works well with ER4XR... i definitely recommended the ER4XR ... ETYMOTIC STILL GREAT and is pioneer in this industry...

I don't have the expertise of many other reviewers here, so I can't give a technical or professional opinion. I'll just say I have been using Etymotic earphones for many years now, and appreciate the combination of excellent isolation and sound quality. Great products.

I’m a professional drummer and I’ve used most types of in-ear monitors, including custom molded. I have a fairly deep ear canal and the ER4XR fit perfectly and stay in, especially so when using foam tips. The foam tips actually work better than custom molds in one important way—when I sing while playing drums I don’t lose the seal of my earbuds which means I don’t lose bass response as my jaw moves. The ER4XR sound very clean and clear, while the 42 dB of isolation means I can monitor at a lower volume to save my hearing.

One request: Can you make a “pro” model with a braided cable? The rubber cable can get sticky when you run it under your shirt. Thanks!

Had a set of ER4P for years. Loved them for their hi's, fantastic detail, and robustness of build quality. Saw an ad for the labor day sale, and picked up a pair of the ER4XR for light travel and isolation needs.

They sound great, a nice improvement on the bass, and great for an easy to use headphones. I'm finding I grab these more often than not now, even beating out my higher end buds.

One thing - I thought I'd make use of my Mojo2 DAC, but the Ety's are so easy to drive the Mojo is overpowering. Best to drive directly frop phone / tablet

I have been using ety for quite some time. My previous model xr3 broke up so i deced to upgrade to xr4. The sound is as expected pretty good, clear, tonal and vibrant. What was quite a dissapointmet is the length of the cable. 1.6m is REALLY long and it is pretty anoying as it is all the time hanging from my pockets.. I need to find some replacement or make it shorter. I dont know why it is so long. It could/should be just 1.2 as is in xr3

These are perfect for every music lover from Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock, Soul, Classical, everything. You'll even get pulled into enjoying songs you overlooked or never considered. Get a pair. You won't regret it. I do need to add I'm a longtime satisfied customer. Years ago I purchased a model that has a mic., that I use for video calls.

Quite possibly the finest sound I have ever heard…and I am a lifelong audiophile…

Perfect balance, ambiophonic like in a movie theater and the sensation to be himself in the action

Truly immersive experience. The ear tips seal the music from escaping your ear canal while, simultaneously, canceling ambient street noise.

Excellent IEM's easy to drive, a wide range of ear molds to find a good fit for most users. I like most music genres on them pretty well.

I have been using the ER4XR's since they came out, and prior models before that. I love the sound.
My issue is the Bluetooth battery. First couple plays it died at 2 hours. Since then I've charged beyond the green ( good to go, eh?) light, and gotten better performance. 4 hours plus. My concern is over charging batteries is what kills them quicker. So the question is: to get full play hours am I expediting the death of the battery?