Short answer: the Juzear x Koto Nebula. Both are rated 3.9/5 for sound quality (#296 and #279 of 450 in-ear headphones), and the Juzear x Koto Nebula costs $129.99 against $149.99 for the Etymotic ER2XR, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
The case for the Etymotic ER2XR: Bass and midrange track the target closely in oratory1990’s measurement, with sub-bass only about 3 dB shy and a smooth 2.3 dB deviation overall, earning a preference score of 73. The tradeoff: Treble is muted, about 4 to 6 dB under target from 3 to 10 kHz with a 12 dB dip near 11.9 kHz, so cymbals and the sense of air are subdued.
Buy the Juzear x Koto Nebula. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $20 less than the Etymotic ER2XR.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Etymotic ER2XR | Juzear x Koto Nebula | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #279 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #296 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 73 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.26 dB standard deviation | 2.00 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.23 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.70 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.3 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 3 balanced armature + 1 planar) |
| Drivers | 1 x dynamic | 1 x dynamic + 3 x balanced armature + 1 x micro planar |
| Impedance | 15 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 110 dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 16kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (6.1 g) per earbud |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Etymotic ER2XR:
- Oriveti Bleqk Lowmaster vs Etymotic ER2XR
- Colorfly Silver Reference vs Etymotic ER2XR
- Etymotic ER2XR vs Oriveti Bleqk Purecaster
- Juzear x Koto Nebula vs Oriveti Bleqk Purecaster
- Colorfly Silver Reference vs Juzear x Koto Nebula
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
Etymotic ER2XR: $149.99 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Bass and midrange track the target closely in oratory1990’s measurement, with sub-bass only about 3 dB shy and a smooth 2.3 dB deviation overall, earning a preference score of 73. The largest peak between 1.5 and 12 kHz is under 2 dB, so nothing jumps out as harsh. Warm and bassy listeners get a relaxed tuning that holds up for long sessions.
Cons: Treble is muted, about 4 to 6 dB under target from 3 to 10 kHz with a 12 dB dip near 11.9 kHz, so cymbals and the sense of air are subdued. Sensitivity of 96 dB/mW is low for an in-ear, so some phones will need to run near maximum volume. Rivals such as the Shuoer S12 Pro carry higher ratings for a modest step up in price.
Full Etymotic ER2XR review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.26 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 16kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 15 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.23 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.6 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 | +1.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 8,481 Hz | +6.0 dB | 0.99 |
| Peak | 2,066 Hz | -4.0 dB | 1.19 |
| Peak | 199 Hz | -1.7 dB | 1.31 |
| Peak | 4,446 Hz | +1.8 dB | 1.46 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 870 Hz | +1.4 dB | 1.77 |
| Peak | 1,339 Hz | -1.2 dB | 2.97 |
| Peak | 71 Hz | +0.6 dB | 1.61 |
| Peak | 131 Hz | -0.4 dB | 2.32 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Juzear x Koto Nebula: $129.99 Amazon eBay
Full Juzear x Koto Nebula review and specifications →
| Released | 2026 (this year) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.00 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 3 balanced armature + 1 planar) |
| Drivers | 1 x dynamic + 3 x balanced armature + 1 x micro planar |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 73 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.70 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.1 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons