When it comes to in-ear headphones it’s really a two horse race between Shure and Etymotic. ... We found that the Shure headphones we compared the HF3s too were a little too bassy for our liking and would pick the Etymotics over them for that reason and for the option of smaller earpieces.

The Etymotic Research canalphone was the original and the Etymotic hf3 sits easily among the very best earphones available at any price. With the hf3, Etymotic Research is offering a superbly balanced earphone/mic combination that will bring out music like few earphones can.

If you travel a lot and need to eradicate noise while listening to music or talking shop with friends or work, the combination of the headphones and those ACS custom fits make the Etymotic hf headphones a great choice, and one that we can highly recommend.

These Etymotics deliver serious hi-fi in a stylish little package.

It's under no dispute that the hf3 headset does a great job of reproducing a detailed, uncoloured and, above all, accurate sound. ... however, is the disparity in price between the hf2 and hf3 headsets given how minor the change is - the former offers much better value for money.