Etymotic Research HF5

845 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
sound (569)
comfort (260)
price (230)
noise isolation (223)
bass quality (168)

Negative
reliability (53)
soundstage (4)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 845 reviews of Etymotic Research HF5. The average rating for this product is 4.0/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Headphones for all reviews. People really like the noise isolation and bass quality. The price and comfort are also mentioned favorably. Many are critical about the soundstage and reliability. Comments are divided on the portability.

sound, comfort, price, bass quality, noise isolation

reliability, soundstage

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Headphones the Etymotic Research HF5 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 84/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 845 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(52% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (24% of reviews)
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Show all 3 star reviews (7% of reviews)
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Features

sound
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comfort
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price
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bass quality
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noise isolation
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Showing 1 - 781 of 793 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (51)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Etymotic Research HF5

alaTest has collected and analyzed 96 user reviews of Etymotic Research HF5 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 3.8/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Headphones on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers really like the noise isolation and bass quality. The comfort and price also get good views, whereas reviews are divided on the size.

sound, price, comfort, bass quality, noise isolation

79% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Etymotic Research HF5

alaTest has collected and analyzed 652 user reviews of Etymotic Research HF5 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Headphones on Amazon.com. Reviews about the noise isolation and bass quality are overall positive. The price and comfort also get good feedback. The soundstage and portability get mixed views. Many are negative about the reliability.

sound, comfort, price, bass quality, noise isolation

reliability

86% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.ca)

Amazon.ca review summary for Etymotic Research HF5

alaTest has collected and analyzed 23 user reviews of Etymotic Research HF5 from Amazon.ca. The average user rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.2/5 for other Headphones on Amazon.ca. Opinions about the reliability and usability are generally positive. The price and noise isolation are also mentioned favorably. Some have doubts about the design and portability, and reviews about the size and comfort are mixed.

sound, noise isolation, price, usability, reliability

portability, design

87% of the reviews on Amazon.ca give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : Jasmine France (cnet.co.uk)

Etymotic hf5 review

If you've ever shopped around for a pair of headphones, you've probably noticed a trend: there is a seemingly endless array of choices in the ultracheap, sub-$50 range; plenty of options in the $80 to $110 range; and quite a few luxury selections that...

The Etymotic hf5 earphones offer great sound quality for the price, superior noise isolation capability, and a sleek, understated design available in a handful of colors. Package includes a handy travel pouch.

The Etymotic hf5 earphones may not be comfortable for all users, and they don't include a wide variety of sleeves. Not the best option for hip-hop lovers.

The Etymotic hf5 earphones are an excellent option for those who want the highest level of sound isolation without sacrificing sound quality, portability, or style.

Aug, 2008

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Expert review by (channel5.com)

Etymotic HF5

The Etymotic HF5s are high-end earphones designed for discerning audiophiles. They use a virtually identical design to the Etymotic HF2s, except this model doesn't feature a hands-free module for use with a mobile. They come in three colours – black,...

With great looks, a comfortable fit and a sound that'll please the most critical of audiophiles, the Etymotic HF5 earphones are winners. Just make sure you'll be able to treat them right, and that you wouldn't make use of the Etymotic HF2's hands-free...

Aug, 2010

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Expert review by : Jasmine France (cnet.com)

Etymotic hf5 review: Etymotic hf5

Etymotic hf5

The Etymotic hf5 earphones may not be comfortable for all users, and they don't include a wide variety of sleeves. Not the best option for hip-hop lovers.

The Etymotic hf5 earphones are an excellent option for those who want the highest level of sound isolation without sacrificing sound quality, portability, or style.

Aug, 2008

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Expert review by : Sam Vafaei , Marc Henney, Yannick Khong (rtings.com)

Etymotic HF5 HEADPHONES

The Etymotic Research HF5 are average mixed-usage in-ears, with a mediocre-at-best sound quality for critical listening. They do decently well as commuting headphones thanks to their portable design and unique in-ear fit that blocks an incredible...

Great noise isolation. ; Portable and stable in-ear fit. ; Practically no leakage.

Sub-par audio reproduction. ; In-ear fit may not be as comfortable for everyone.

Oct, 2018

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Jasmine France (cnet.com.au)

Etymotic hf5 review: Etymotic hf5

Etymotic hf5

The Etymotic hf5 earphones may not be comfortable for all users, and they don't include a wide variety of sleeves. Not the best option for hip-hop lovers.

The Etymotic hf5 earphones are an excellent option for those who want the highest level of sound isolation without sacrificing sound quality, portability, or style.

Aug, 2008

Partner Source

Read the full review

Expert review by : gadgetmac.com (gadgetmac.com)

Etymotic HF5 In-Ear Earphones Review

Etymotic's HF5, are one of the most popular in-ear earphones in the audiophile world. The HF5 are exactly like the Etymotic HF2 model , except the HF5 do not have a headset feature. The Etymotic HF5 are one of the best sound-isolaters I have ever...

May, 2011

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Expert review by : MyMac (mymac.com)

Etymotic hf5 High-fidelity Noise-isolating earphones – Review

Etymotic Research is a heavy hitter in the iPod earbud field. Their hf5 earbuds are a new addition to their wide selection of high-end earbuds. The Weeks Division of MyMac Labs spent some time with the hf5s. Here's what we found.

Apr, 2011

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Expert review by : Mark Brezinski (reviewed.com)

Etymotic Research hf5

The hf5s are a solid pair of headphones, but they're somewhat scooped by Etymotic Research's other offering, the mc5s.

Sections

Sep, 2010

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Expert review by : Nir Schneider (gadgetmac.com)

Etymotic HF5 In-Ear Earphones

Etymotic's HF5, are one of the most popular in-ear earphones in the audiophile world. The HF5 are exactly like the Etymotic HF2 model, except the HF5 do not have a headset feature. The Etymotic HF5 are one of the best sound-isolaters I have ever tried,...

With the help of outstanding sound-isolation, you will feel like you are one with your music. There is nothing that will distract you from enjoying every little instrument in your music with brilliant clear and crisp sound quality! The HF5 are truly an...

May, 2010

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Expert review by : Geek.com (geek.com)

Review: Etymotic hf5 earphones

If you are looking for a new set of earbuds, the $150 price point is generally a very good place to start. It is by no means cheap, and at this price they will probably cost about the same amount as your phone or portable media player, but this is the...

Dec, 2008

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