Etymotic HF5

The basics

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, cobalt blue and red – and are tiny, each bud being a simple metal cylinder.

The good

The Etymotic HF5s' balanced armature drivers provide a superbly accurate, analytical sound. Typical of Etymotic's excellent range of earphones, the HF5s are tuned to please the most discerning of ears. Bass is lean and fast, the high-end is wonderfully detailed and the soundscape belies their petite size.

With colourful metallic bodies, the Etymotic HF5 earphones look far classier than most buds on the market. They feel at least as expensive as their price tag, and the available finishes are muted enough to please all comers.

Depending on whether you use one of the triple-flanged rubber tips or a foam pair, the Etymotic HF5s supply noise isolation between 35-42dB. At the top-end of these figures, that's more than industrial ear plugs.

The HF5 earbuds are startlingly comfortable to wear. Unlike some other lightweight earphones, you don't need to wear them with the cable around the top of your ear to make them stay in place either.

The bad

By opting for the Etymotic HF5s over the similar HF2s, you only save a few pounds but lose out on hands-free headset functionality. If you have an iPhone, we'd recommend forking out for the Etymotic HF2s.

The tiny build of the Etymotic HF5 earphone comes with a price – they're not all that hardwearing. Made of metal, the main body of the bud is virtually indestructible, but the rubber end of the housing, where the cable extrudes from, definitely isn't. Unless you're very careful with these earphones, they might not last as long as you'd hope.

The bottom line

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 mobile feature.