Etymotic Music Pro review

Music Pro is Etymotic's electronic answer to a problem passive plugs cannot solve: you lose soft sounds along with loud ones. Etymotic says its circuitry keeps hearing natural, as if nothing is in the ears, until sound exceeds safe levels, then gradually applies 9 or 15 dB of reduction and lifts it again when the room quiets down. One mode gives natural hearing with up to 15 dB of protection, the other adds 6 dB of gain for soft sounds with up to 9 dB of protection, and both include impact sound protection. Etymotic aims it at directors, music educators, performers and front-of-house crews. It comes with 7 pairs of eartips, and Etymotic says custom molds are optional. The cost is high at $419.99, it runs on #10 hearing aid batteries that last about 10 days once opened, and the 15 dB ceiling is lighter than a passive Max filter for a drummer in a small room.

Who it is for

Conductors, music educators and performers who need to hear quiet passages and talk between loud ones.

Price

$419.99 per pair.

Music Pro Sale price $419.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 7, 2026.

Key features

• Adaptive noise reduction that changes output as sound levels change
• Natural hearing mode with automatic 15 dB reduction when hearing is at risk
• Enhanced hearing mode with 6 dB gain for soft sounds and 9 dB reduction
• Impact sound protection in both modes
• Packaged with 7 pairs of eartips

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Hear quiet passages and conversation without removing the plugs
• Strength: Protects against sudden percussive peaks
• Strength: Many eartip choices in the box
• Weakness: More than 16 times the price of the ER20XS
• Weakness: Uses #10 hearing aid batteries, which Etymotic says last about 10 days once the tab is removed
• Weakness: Maximum 15 dB reduction is lighter than passive filters for very loud rooms

Key facts

• Price: $419.99
• Modes: 15 dB natural, 9 dB enhanced
• Battery: #10, about 10 days after tab removal
• Eartips: 7 pairs included

Where it ranks

Etymotic Music Pro is No. 8 in our Best Earplugs for Musicians verdict.