$209.99
ER3XR (eXtended Response) is Etymotic’s high-sensitivity in-ear monitor, ideal for portable use.
The high sensitivity and low impedance of the ER3XR means it can be driven by any portable audio player, or directly from your phone or laptop.
The ER3XR offers professional grade sound reproduction with modest bass emphasis at an affordable price.
ER3XR is the highest-sensitivity single driver in-ear monitor. The IEM shells are made of anodized aluminum, CNC machined with extremely tight tolerances. Using a single Balanced Armature (BA) driver allows for extremely accurate IEM without the added complexity of crossovers, and helps keep the aluminum body small and slim. Included is a user-replaceable cable.
Etymotic IEMs are world renowned for their class-leading passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation (depending on eartips used and the depth of insertion). For comparison, most custom IEMs provide approx. 25-28dB attenuation and foam ear plugs attenuate up to 32 dB.
The ER3XR is ideal for audiophiles and consumers on a budget, who are looking for in-ear monitors that are easy to drive, while offering accurate audio reproduction with more bass than the neutral ER3SE.
Which ER3 is right for you?
Both ER3 models, the ER3SE and ER3XR, use the same high-sensitivity low-impedance Balanced Armature (BA) drivers. That means no amplifier is required to drive the ER3 IEMs properly. The only difference between the 2 models is the tuning of the lower (bass) frequencies. The “Studio Edition” ER3SE is tuned to have a flat frequency response. The “eXtended Response” ER3XR is tuned to be high energy with emphasized bass, adding 1-2dB to the mid-bass and 3-4dB to the sub-bass. The rest of the frequencies are practically identical to the ER3SE.
ER3SE is a great choice for audio creators and musicians on a budget, who require a precise and neutral sound reproduction. ER3SE is also the IEM of choice for prosumers who prefer to listen to their music exactly the way it was recorded.
ER3XR is favored by those who enjoy the extra bass presence and body when listening to their music. The extra bass is done tastefully without turning the ER3XR to a bass heavy IEM.
Frequency response graphs and Etymotic’s target:
Etymotic’s target frequency response graph represents a “perceptibly flat” frequency response. Our goal is to have a flat frequency response curve when the music notes hit your eardrums. To achieve that, we need to account for the resonance inside the average ear canal, since IEMs bypass the outer ear structure. The result is the need for higher SPL in the 2-5k region (lower treble) for compensating said resonance. That is the reason for the “hump” in that region.
Accurate Earphone Reproduction
When tuning in-ear monitors to accurately reproduce a recording of a live performance, our goal is for the sound hitting the eardrums to be identical to that at the original performance. To achieve this, the acoustic properties of the ear must be factored in. The acoustic resonance and horn effects of the ear change a flat audio signal entering the open ear into sound with a (2700 Hz) high-frequency boost, which is the same response heard at the eardrum in a typical ear. That is the reason for the “hump” in the frequency response graph, which assures the eardrums perceive a perfectly flat frequency response for all frequencies.
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Tom Patchen (verified owner) –
Follow directions for best results
These sound very good and block much of the ambient sound.
James E Minor (verified owner) –
Love ‘em!
These are the XR version and I couldn’t be happier. There are crisp and have just the right amount of bass for me.
pepper (verified owner) –
best headphones i’ve ever owned!!!
the reliable pair of earphones i had before these were finally at the end of their lifespan, but unfortunately that same company no longer makes wired headphones or earphones (which i prefer over wireless ones). i wanted something that sounded nice *and* was durable, and people had amazing things to say about etymotic’s quality, so i took the leap of faith. i admit i was a bit hesitant at first, but you cannot go wrong with these! the sound is sharp and clear, and i especially love how bass sounds. overall, they work great with all the kinds of music i listen to. the noise cancellation is also incredible, i haven’t experienced something like it before! if you’re on the fence about buying the er3xr model, this is your sign: GO FOR IT! you will not be disappointed.
Erik H (verified owner) –
WOW!!!
I’m new to the world of IEM’s, I currently own a pair of Sony WH-XBN900N and some Marshall Mode II, while those are good, these(er3xr) are just better, the clarity, wow unmatched. if your wanting these to jam heavy bass or rap music these may not be for you. in my opinion these are designed for music played on an actual instruments. it honestly sounds like you are in the room with the artist, and the sound, how’s best to describe it….the best way is to say every instrument has its own space, kind of weird to say, but you’ll see what I mean when you put on a set of the er3xr’s. big shout out to Etymotic for some great products
James Ford (verified owner) –
ER3XR Earphones
John Kay (verified owner) –
Love my ER3XR earphones
I found the dual flange silicone earbuds gave me the best experience. With those, I had the best isolation, sound and comfort. I had ER4Ps for very many years, but they finally broke (they were plastic). I prefer these ER3XR earphones over the older pair. The bass is much better for me.
Ray Egerton (verified owner) –
ER3XR Earphones
Jeremy Swift Eagle (verified owner) –
Perfect Excellence!
I’ve used all types of IEM’s, brand names, and over the ear headphones. This little devices put the sound right inside your head with clarity and power! If your an audiophile, buy these now!
Pete Dillon (verified owner) –
An absolute winner
It’s pretty crazy how much you get for your money with these IEMs. The sound quality is balanced, with the XR giving you a little more warmth and rumble at the lower end, detailing is good but not incredible, but again, at this price point they are punching so far above their weight. The in-canal fit can take a bit to get used to, but follow the online instructions for insertion (pulling up on the top of your ear) and they’ll blow you away. Also incredibly easy to drive.
Robert Harvey (verified owner) –
very poor tiny on off etc.
Logan Devecka (verified owner) –
great headphones!
i really enjoy the sound of these! the fit is a little deep and took about a week to get used to but they’re like earplugs so they seal ALL noise
Jerry Tereszkiewicz (verified owner) –
My favorite IEMs
I have owned the ER3XR for 2 years, and I use them more than any other in-ear-monitors. I also own 2 other Etymotic IEMs, and I always enjoyed their resolution, but they lacked low bass. The ER3XRs have — to my ears — a very balanced sound overall, with natural-sounding bass. The sound isolation is excellent, also. (I have worn these at times as earplugs, with no signal, to just escape the noise of the gym/office/public transport.)
Mark Kolodny (verified owner) –
Great
Great sound quality
Raul Viza-Fernandez (verified owner) –
Best earbuds ive ever used
These are my second pair, i used to have the SE’s and decided to go with the bass boosted ones this time and i love them! The double flange tips are so comfortable in my ear and they isolate noise like no other earbud i have. The sound stage is brilliant and all audio is crisp and accurate.
John Wolcott (verified owner) –
These are unfortunately disappointing
Having tried every size earpad shoved painfully as far up my ear canals as possible, these still sound tinny, with lower registers barely audible, and also lack a sound stage. I’d certainly like to know what another reviewer, R.V. did to get his proper seal. There’s a mustard-colored piece of paper included in the package that refers to a video apparently intended to assist with fittings, but neither I nor a “chat” person could find it.
If I could return them, I would. Sorry for the sad news.
Vincent Feng (verified owner) –
Great Noise Cancellation and perfect for studying
I do a lot of work in loud places; cafes, library etc. and these are great for blocking out most of the noise.
Nothings perfect but this is pretty close for me. When I get tired of my bose overhead earphones, these are the next best option
Gregory Laborde (verified owner) –
Fit is paramount for base and clarity
I have had my Etymotic XR4s since 2018, got them to replace ER4s I had had for at least 10 years before that. Back then the XR4s were lower impedance, not necessarily “Bass Boost.” An adapter cable was available to increase the input impedance to bring the XR4s up to the flat response of the ER4s.
Correct fit has always been critically important to getting good sound out of these earphones. I was very dissatisfied with the poor bass, tinny highs, and lack of clarity when I got the XR4s (the ER4s always being excellent). I finally settled on the Comply ear tips for XR4s as giving the outstanding audio performance I expected, at the expense of some isolation (not enough to bother me).
I do the trick of pulling my crusus up and back when inserting the ear tip. I push it in firmly. It takes some getting used to, having something that deep in my ear canal (and getting over the fear of “will I be able to get this thing out or will it be left in there*). If it hurts, something is wrong. You may have to build up tolerance. Start with a rock single. Work up to a symphony. Recently I discovered that my left ear takes a size smaller ear tip than my right. Sounds even better now. Trial and error, patience and perseverance. Eventually it becomes habit.
*- in the EXTREMELY RARE event an ear tip (of any kind) remains behind in your ear canal, a steady-handed son with a pair of needlenose pliers (the dullish kind, not the super thin sharp kind) will make short work of it.
Darron West (verified owner) –
The best inear’s available
I’ve been an avid Etymotic user for decades now, having gotten my ER-4’s shortly after they were released back in the day. I’m a sound designer and use them for a variety of uses in my work but, they can be un-wieldy as travel headphones here in NYC (due to cable length) Since the HF series with the mic went the way of the dodo I turned to the XR3’s which sound amazing with the perfect length cable for portable use. Couldn’t love them more. Coupled with the comply ear tips they’re just perfect.
Dan Stromberg (verified owner) –
These are great
I find these indispensable for my work as a software developer – they’re the only thing I’ve found that keeps me from being too distracted to concentrate in a room full of other people.
The fact that they have good sound is just icing to me.
John Kim (verified owner) –
Saying “I like these earphones..” is a vast understatement
I own many Etymotic IEM models. ER4PT, ER2SE, ER2XR, ER4XR, and this one, ER3XR. They all have similar sound characteristics but each has it’s unique personality that can only be heard through repetition. ER3XR is no exception. Though initially, they sound very much alike it’s big brother the ER4XR. Lively, accurate, and slight rumble if you push the low end through EQ or the device you’re using to drive it. Make no mistake, that signature Balanced Armature can be discerned and it will be very difficult to let go once you get used to the clarity, dynamics, and accuracy. Although I can’t really tell the difference between the ER3XR and ER4XR, the only discernible characteristic is the accuracy and balance. Other than that, it’s a true and true ER4XR but cost less for those who wants to test drive the ER4 series without diving in right away.
Orell (verified owner) –
Finally, something worth the money
I have tried several different brands of in-ear monitors, and tried to spend what I thought was a reasonable amount of money around the 100$ range. Every single thing I tried broke within a couple months.
Then I decided to spend the extra money on these ER3XR’s, and I finally have a durable product that has lasted more than 2 months and they sound good and fit well. Absolutely worth every penny so far, and I look forward to using these for a while yet.
Troy Fredriks (verified owner) –
Fantastic
I recently made the switch away from Bluetooth buds back to the these and couldn’t be happier. The foam tips are definitely my preferred choice for isolation and comfort. I’m glad I went with the XR variant. The bass response feels quite natural, I would be worried the non XR would feel lacking (don’t have first hand experience). I often walk or hike with these and do occasionally get a subtle but noticable crinkle sound that matches my cadence. I suspect this is from some earwax coming in contact with the foam or something? I didn’t notice this every session and might be related to insertion depth or ear cleanliness. Attaching the clip definitely helps here. Regardless, 5 stars.
Spencer Virtue (verified owner) –
The Classical Music GOAT
I looked far and wide for the perfect earbuds for classical music and these are it. It just gives you the raw, detailed, authentic sound you want with classical. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Great value for the money here.
Timothy (verified owner) –
Clarity
Wonderful open clarity of sound. Interestingly, I listened to an older album and could tell how poorly recorded it was when compared to a more recent recording
Phillip (verified owner) –
My third pair and excellent quality as always
My third pair and excellent quality as always.
Varun (verified owner) –
It is good
It is good, i have been using er2sr since 2023.The write is however flimsy. The er2sr wire gave up some time ago.
John (verified owner) –
The Right Earphones for the Right Application
For what they are, passive isolating in ear monitors, the ER3XR earphones are great. Thank you Etymotic!