Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs
$19.95
Etymotic Research ER20XS Earplugs are engineered to replicate the natural response of the ear, ensuring sound is reproduced as the ear would hear it, just quieter. They reduce noise by 20 decibels across all frequencies.
Our take
Perfect for those who seek a balance between quality sound and protection.
Alright, let's dive into these Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs. First off, these things are all about preserving sound quality while protecting your ears. So if you’re out at a concert or just trying to drown out the world without missing the good parts, these might be your jam. The sound clarity is surprisingly decent for earplugs — you get a more natural sound instead of that muffled mess most plugs serve up. They’re reusable too, which is nice for both the planet and your wallet.
The design is pretty straightforward, though. They’re kind of like those old-school earplugs but sleeker. They come with three interchangeable eartips so you can find your fit — small, medium, and large. However, if you've got weirdly sized ear canals, you might have to fiddle around a bit to get that snug fit. They do a good job of staying put once you get them in right, which is great because nobody wants to keep jamming earplugs back in mid-gig.
Now, let’s talk about the comfort factor. These aren’t those fluffy foam plugs you can just squish in and forget about. They take a bit of getting used to because they’re more rigid. If you’re planning on wearing them for hours on end, you might find them a bit tiring. But hey, that’s the trade-off for clearer sound, right? If comfort is high on your list, you might wanna test them first and see how they feel after a couple of hours.
When it comes to noise reduction, they’re rated around 20 decibels, which is decent for high-fidelity plugs. They’re not going to completely isolate you from the world, but they’ll take the edge off louder environments without muffling everything. These are more about balancing sound rather than blocking it completely. If you need absolute silence, you’re barking up the wrong tree here. But if you want to enjoy a live show without your ears ringing for days, they’ll do the trick.
Overall, these ER20XS plugs are a solid choice if you’re after sound quality and some level of protection. They’re not the cheapest on the market, but the performance backs up the price tag. Just keep in mind the fit and comfort quirks. If you’re willing to trade a bit of comfort for better sound, you’ll probably dig these. But if you’re all about plush comfort, you might need to keep looking. They’re a practical pick for folks who love their tunes loud but want to keep their hearing intact for future jams.
