Short answer: the EarSonics ES2, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 1.0/5 for sound quality (#448 and #450 of 450 in-ear headphones), and the EarSonics ES2 costs $289.99 against $609.96 for the Westone Pro X50, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 450 in-ear headphones, so if sound quality matters, consider the Truthear Nova instead, ranked #2 at $169.99.
The case for the EarSonics ES2: Two balanced armature drivers and a very high 119 dB/mW sensitivity mean it reaches loud levels from any phone or dongle with little effort. The tradeoff: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of only 29, one of the furthest from the Harman target among in-ears, so its tonal balance will sound off to most listeners without EQ.
Why pick the Westone Pro X50: Five balanced armatures with 115 dB/mW sensitivity make it easy to drive from a phone or stage monitor pack. Watch for: Its preference score of 11 from crinacle’s measurement is among the lowest of any in-ear, with 6.39 dB of deviation and a strongly dark tilt, so its tonal balance is far from what most listeners prefer.
Buy the EarSonics ES2. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $319.97 less than the Westone Pro X50.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| EarSonics ES2 | Westone Pro X50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $289.99 | $609.96 |
| Ranked | #448 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #450 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 29 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 11 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 6.14 dB standard deviation | 6.39 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -2.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 2 x balanced armature | 5 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | 26.5 ohms | 45 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 119 dB/mW | 115 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
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- Etymotic ER4SR vs EarSonics ES2
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- EarSonics ES2 vs Westone W20
- EarSonics ES2 vs Final Audio F3100
- Final Audio F3100 vs Westone Pro X50
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
EarSonics ES2: $289.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Two balanced armature drivers and a very high 119 dB/mW sensitivity mean it reaches loud levels from any phone or dongle with little effort. The closed in-ear design isolates well from outside noise.
Cons: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of only 29, one of the furthest from the Harman target among in-ears, so its tonal balance will sound off to most listeners without EQ. The Oriolus Finschi Hifi rates higher and costs less, and the Westone W20 matches its rating for less money.
Full EarSonics ES2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 6.14 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 2 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 29 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 26.5 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 119 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.8 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 231 Hz | -6.1 dB | 0.40 |
| Peak | 4,946 Hz | +6.9 dB | 0.22 |
| Peak | 1,862 Hz | -9.7 dB | 1.06 |
| Peak | 2,685 Hz | +5.9 dB | 2.30 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +2.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 49 Hz | +0.7 dB | 3.05 |
| Peak | 1,238 Hz | -0.5 dB | 4.83 |
| Peak | 940 Hz | +0.3 dB | 3.33 |
| Peak | 81 Hz | -0.4 dB | 4.68 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Westone Pro X50: $609.96 Amazon eBay
Pros: Five balanced armatures with 115 dB/mW sensitivity make it easy to drive from a phone or stage monitor pack. The closed in-ear design isolates well from loud surroundings.
Cons: Its preference score of 11 from crinacle’s measurement is among the lowest of any in-ear, with 6.39 dB of deviation and a strongly dark tilt, so its tonal balance is far from what most listeners prefer. The Mackie MP-360 and Audio-Technica ATH-E70 earn higher ratings for less money.
Full Westone Pro X50 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 6.39 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 5 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 11 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 45 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 115 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -2.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +0.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 221 Hz | -8.1 dB | 0.40 |
| Peak | 2,016 Hz | +7.5 dB | 0.67 |
| Peak | 9,337 Hz | +5.4 dB | 0.36 |
| Peak | 1,719 Hz | -9.7 dB | 1.82 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -6.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,549 Hz | +2.7 dB | 1.77 |
| Peak | 2,260 Hz | +1.0 dB | 2.61 |
| Peak | 1,810 Hz | +0.1 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 2,047 Hz | -1.8 dB | 5.70 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons