The Package

Etymotic ships the ER3XR in a neat little box. Despite being a less expensive version of the ER4XR, everything is still of really high quality, which is really impressive.


The area where you get the impression that it is a cheaper pair of high-end in-ears is in the bundle. The ER4 ships with a huge bundle with multiple sets of each tip and a semi-hard clam-shell case, whereas with the ER3XR, you have to make do with a small carrying pouch, which admittedly is quite handy. The ER3XR uses the same metal housings as the ER4, which makes both quite durable.

Closer Examination

Etymotic has always gone for very simple designs, and with the revamp of the ER4, Etymotic showed that the old cylinder design is still up to date. The new ER3 is, like the ER4, made out of metal, which makes it one of the more durable designs out there.


Design-wise, the ER3 looks just like its much more expensive brethren. The housing design is solid and so is the cable. Generally, Etymotic keeps everything simple. The materials are really good, the execution neat, and the design well thought out. The small diameter cylindrical design fits most people because it is small enough to stick out of the inter-tragic notch. The ER3 does not come with the same number of tips, but the types are the same as with the ER4, and the triple flange tips are just perfect for my ears. The foam tips were not great on the ER4 and also disappoint on the ER3, but you fortunately can get some compatible Comply tips if you really want foam tips for your pair.


The ER3 cable is still one of the better ones out there, but it is heavier and stiffer than what you get on the ER4. Especially the change to a twist-cable from the y-split to the earphones has a big effect on the amount of microphonics in the earphones. The cable on the ER3 is user-swappable and shares the same well-designed connector as on the ER4, which is a nice touch. On the player side, you find the normal Etymotic-angled mini-jack, which is rugged and a little on the bulky side, though not to where it is incompatible with most phone cases.