Etymotic Research hf3 Review
Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 10,522 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Etymotic Research hf3. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Etymotic Research hf3. For example, 82% of 1,039 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Etymotic Research hf3 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 26 Reviews
Terrific Headphone , Great Value for
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by TheGoodJudge on B&H Photo Video
ALMOST returned these buds after struggling initially, convinced I had a proper seal yet hearing little more than TIN. I mean low end in absentia - as in zero bass. I was shocked. Really? The reviews I'd read were overwhelmingly positive and while some pointed to these buds as being quite neutral I'm an advocate of neutrality and not looking for overpowering bass. But I DO want to experience the low end of spectrum and I spent much of the day seeking a replacement. So read on for the good news... Fortuitously while at dinner I continued to refer back to those many reviews and figured I'd give it one more effort since I concluded so many people couldn't have such poor taste. Lo and behold, boom! I reviewed the video Etymotic has on their website, achieved a proper seal and finally came to appreciate what enthusiasts see in this product. It's all in the seal! With these buds more so than any other I've ever owned. These ear buds are sensational. Etymotic hf3's deliver big, bold sound articulated in an utterly neutral fashion without any discernible coloration. And this is after just a few hours so they've not been properly broken in yet. By this time next week I expect they'll sound considerably better - more open and a slightly larger sound stage. The bass, just so you know, is NOT overstated and is not what you'll get from Bose or Monster or Beats. As a frame of reference I also own: 1) Marley Destiny TTR 2) UE Superfi 5 3) UE Superfi 10 4) AudioTechnica ATH-M50s /LE 5) Too many Sony's to mention And, my Home Theater is powered by Krell running Dynaudio speakers. So, while I admit ever so humbly I am by no means an authority on creating that perfect seal first time around, I DO know a little bit about high end audio so take it from this music lover: if your budget is anywhere from $100-$300 don't knock yourself out looking any further....UNLESS you have issues with IN-EAR buds. These bad boys rule the roost under $200 WITHOUT DOUBT and while I've not listened to all buds between $200-$300 I DO have two pair of Ultimate Ear buds in that price range and they pale in comparison to the Etymotic. ... More
Excellent in so many ways
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Sister Ray on B&H Photo Video
It is well built, I use it for my 40 minute Brooklyn to Manhattan bike commute, the first pair lasted about 3 years ( I lost them), the cable is quiet and doesn't tangle, it lasts longer than any other set I've ever owned, no bad contacts ever, so far, then there is the convenience of the mic, allows toy to control the volume and the sequence of the music or whatever program you're listening to. Then there is the sound, I am embarrassed to admit I am an audiophile, have a high end Hi Fi system at home, tubes, turntable, DAC, these earphones covey the music in a very accurate and high resolution way, the sound is very neutral, nothing is exaggerated or decreased, the tones are as complex as the real instruments sound, and they communicate texture and detail well, more importantly they allow the drama, and the emotion to engage the listener with ter reproduction of musical timing and rhythms. This is my third pair, I've tried shire, monster, Panasonic, urban ears, aiaiai, skull candy, these are by far the best for the money, the twice as expensive monter turbine ( no longer made) have a warmer funkier sound , but are less clear and transparent to the source. Finally, they are in ear, so they are safer than other types. BTW when I ride I listen to upbeat music, that include rock & roll classics, roots reggae and dub, lately- OFF! And Damian ' Jr Gong' Marley. ... More
Refreshing to hear mids come alive!
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by PeterK on B&H Photo Video
I just received these headphones today. First thing I noticed was that some reviews were not so quite accurate. For example, fit; it fits my ears perfectly and it blocks external noise as much as my study/exam ear plugs. Second, the frequency response specs are conservative meaning I hear all the details as the headphones advertised as 20Hz - 20KHz; these are advertised as 20-15KHz and it actually sounds better.This is my first $+ headphone and I am using Cowon Z2. I thought Cowon was so-so but with these headphones, can't stop playing music!Okay, here's my take on sound. The mids sounds so crisp and detailed, the front end vocals no longer drowns out the mids. I always thought that music should not sound like that. For example, when you go to concerts, you heard the vocals and instruments right? Exactly, these headphones will almost equalize them like live music.Only, minute downsize; don't expect heart thumping bass like lower-end headphones in the $- range. But a nice player like Cowon can somewhat equalize the lows and mids, so you can get that extra thump if you choose. But when you hear those mids comes alive, I don't think you will miss those heavy low end much -- actually, I am so far satisfied and feel that this was a good purchase.I am looking forward to these headphones become broken in. ... More
Lightweight & good noise blocking
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
Living in a city, even a small one, means you are living in a noisy environment with cars, trucks, busses, air planes, helicopters, construction equipment, and more. If you use simple earbuds to listen to your iPod (for example), you must turn up the volume to hear over the noises. The casualty will be the long term health of your hearing. These earbuds are a flanged earplugs (similar to those used for hearing protection) paired with earbuds. The noise blocking is passive, not active. They block the noise not cancel it. Flanged earplugs do not work for all ears. Some people find them uncomfortable after a while. These work well for me. I bought these to replace the pair I sadly lost, somewhere. These are not quite as effective at blocking sound as my 30 dB sound blocking earplugs, but good enough that when walking around town, I can listen to Podcasts or music at a normal, non-damaging audio level. They come with two diameters of flanged ear inserts to accommodate different ear canal diameters. There is an ear piece that looks like it would sit on the inner ear, so would not be nearly as effective at sound blocking. The right wire contains a volume control that works like the Apple Earbuds. I have used them in jet air travel. They are not as good as my Sennheiser noise canceling earphones. But, they take up much less space, fitting in a pocket in their little pouch. ... More
2ND REVIEW; Impressions after broken-in
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by PeterK on B&H Photo Video
My first review had stated that these speakers had decent bass compared to my Denon's. However, yesterday (from respective of the review date), suddenly, I've noticed something astounding. Low end portion of the headphones seemed to have broken in after many hours of listening to variety of music plus over hundreds of hours of being on the phone. BTW, I use a Motorola G Android phone with this pair and I must say, I am totally hooked on using these headphones for everything. I just cannot take them off, it fits perfect and blocks out so much external sounds.Now onto the impression about bass; it's fantastic. It's the perfect balance I've been wanting for a long time. Just for sake of comparison, I thought my Denon had good bass. But after comparing the same music with the hf3 and Denon, I've realized what I have been missing out for past two years. Denon's were simply no match for hf3's. I immediately took off the Denon and were so happy to plug in the hf3. This is the best headphones I've owned so far and now thinking of getting a second pair. One caution; you have to be patient for the headphones to be broken in; it takes many hours so just be patient. As they say, your patience will be rewarded. ... More
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Superb noise isolation!
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Firoze on B&H Photo Video
I plug these in nice and deep in my ears, love the isolation it provides. I use it with my Xiaomi Redmi 3 phone and if i'm listening to music outside, i keep the volume at 20-30% max. However, most of the times i find myself keeping the volume at 10% when i'm not that interested in paying full attention to the music. One thing to note however is that the buttons on the inline remote don't work with my Android phone... i found out later on that Hf2's buttons work well with Android phone and that Hf3 is meant only for the iPhone as such. Anyway, not a big deal, the music clarity is superb and isolation is rock solid, so I'm happy! :) ... More
Fantastic
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I'm not one for in-ear headphones - the quality isn't nearly as superior as over-ear. However, there are those occasions where you're certainly not going to be carrying around bulky cans. Despite the first few wears being a little intrusive in my ear, the sound quality is superb and they don't fall out of my ear, which with most is an issue (apple headphones, on ear type buds). The free app that goes along with this for the iPhone is fine, it serves its purpose, but you really don't want to be wearing these while cycling, or anything of the sort, you will not hear anything. ... More
Great fidelity and functionality
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Owen on B&H Photo Video
Very good fidelity for music listening, combined with the functionality of a phone headset. Apparently the microphone works well, too, because people on the other end can always hear me clearly. These also save your hearing, once you get the hang of the sound isolating earbuds. With 20-30 db of sound blocked out, you can listen to music and still subject your ears to less sound pressure than they would encounter without the Etymotics.
Good buy but modify.
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
These sound great and are excellent at passive noise reduction. Weak spot is where cable meets plug assembly. This is my third pair. Before use, I doubled the cable at the plug and covered it with shrink wrap. Now should be more resilient with tugs and twists and other insults. The first pair worked fine after spending a week in the yard through two rainstorms. Dried them off and they worked fine until I accidentally ripped the plug off. Good value.
Works well with the iPhone
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Finally something that works as promised. What is even more surprising is just how tough the headset is, wires and plugs have been stretched and tangled but haven't broken or pulled from the ends. The only thing that it needs is noise canceling, mic picks up wind noise. Best headset that I have owned.
Not what I expected
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Dave on B&H Photo Video
I had a set of headphones from Etymotic in the past and they were amazing. These don't measure up. Even if I'm able to somehow squeeze them into the right position in my ear, the sound quality is disappointing. Etymotics were never easy to fit comfortably, but with this one I can't get any of the supplied ear pieces to fit.
Excellent!!!
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I don't see how anyone could rate this fewer than 5 stars. People complaining about the lack of bass need to change the tips. The ones that come attached were too small for my ear canals so I switched to the larger ones and got a better seal. Excellent noise cancellation, lows, midrange and SUPERB bass.
Excellent and lightweight
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by 42Pilot on B&H Photo Video
These replaced my Shure set (can't remember the model). They fit perfectly, seal inside my ear and sound great. I use them when working outdoors on heavy equipment or on long flights. I've worn these for 5 straight hours with no discomfort. Highly recommended.
Stick it in your ear!
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Sang on B&H Photo Video
I guess if you don't mind shoving something very tight in your ear hole, it's nice. Not something you want ease of insertion and ex-sertion. I got it to use it for video work but needing to insert and take off many times in a shoot has relinquish this phones to air travel. Sound quality is good,but level seems lower. External noise suppression is excellent.
Best earphones to date
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
-- great, clean sound -- good, professional feel and design -- the flange tips work great for me -- included case is actually very useful and small enough to actually bring with you I've owned B&O, Bose and many others and these present the best combination of sound, form and comfort to date.
Excellent headphones
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I've used the hf3 before; replaced another pair. I love the sound, which is great for music (especially music that isn't bass-heavy, recital singers, singer-songerwriters, etc) and for talking on the telephone. Very clear, very comfortable in the ear--even without the custom earpiece.
The best ear buds I have ever owned.
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Steven on B&H Photo Video
I love these buds, the sound is awesome and the mic picks up my voice clearly. I have funny shaped ear canals and these are the only earbuds that fit me, and these fit great. Having the different shaped and sized ear pieces really helps the fit. It's also great that the price has come down, I bought them in the past and it was much more.
Awesome buds for the $$! Best in class!
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by TheBerkeleyBob on B&H Photo Video
I liked these headphones so muchI just ordered my second pair to replace so on ear headphones I've used for travel. I intend to ultimately go to an audiologist to get fitted for custom buds. Note that these will NOT provide overpowering bass but for the true audiophile perform just fine.
No Low Range
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Don't miss a beat, high or low on B&H Photo Video
These were too expensive to be missing the whole bottom range of sound. I don't need or want over powering bass, but I want to hear the lower register. At home I don't have a sub-woofer because I think they are unnecessary and upset your neighbors who live below you. But I have great speakers so I still hear the full range of sound in my music and movies. With these headphones I was only hearing half the sound because the whole lower register is missing.
the best isolation and yet great sound
Etymotic Research hf3 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic (Black)
Reviewed by Xavier on B&H Photo Video
I bought these for the isolation (helps a lot to reduce noise when traveling on airplanes, infants crying included), and doesn't need batteries (one less thing to worry about) since it is passive isolation , and yet the sound quality is pretty good. Very pleased
