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We've recently released our Test Bench 1.6 update for Headphones! Read the Latency R&D Article to learn more.

Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120 Headphones Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1
Reviewed Jun 01, 2016 at 02:18 pm
Latest change: Test bench update Nov 21, 2019 at 11:21 am
Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120 Picture
6.0
Mixed Usage
6.5
Neutral Sound
6.1
Commute/Travel
6.3
Sports/Fitness
6.2
Office
4.1
Wireless Gaming
5.9
Wired Gaming
2.2
Phone Call

The Panasonic RP-HJE120-K ErgoFit are very basic in-ear headphones with no additional features. They have a decent sound and barely leak, even at high volumes. However, they have a typical in-ear fit, which may be uncomfortable for some. They're not very stable and cannot block the ambient noise of a moderately busy office.

Our Verdict

6.0 Mixed Usage

The RP-HJE120-K ErgoFit have a very straightforward in-ear design with no special or additional features. They're not the most suitable in loud environments and feel a little cheap and flimsy. Their sound is also not remarkable.

Pros
  • Minimal leakage.
  • Decently balanced sound.
Cons
  • Poor noise isolation.
  • In-ear fit not comfortable for everyone.
  • Cheap build quality.
6.5 Neutral Sound

Not ideal for neutral listening. They're small in -ear buds that can't create a spacious soundstage and their sound is poorly balanced lacks clarity and is a bit too bass-heavy for neutral listening.

6.1 Commute/Travel

Below-average for commuting. They're incredibly compact and easy to carry around, but they won't block the ambient noise of busy commute.

6.3 Sports/Fitness

Decent for sports use. They're super compact headphones that will fit in most pockets and won't be too cumbersome. However, they're not stable enough for strenuous and intense exercise.

6.2 Office

Decent for office use. They barely leak and won't be audible even at higher volumes. However, they don't effectively block out the office chatter.

5.9 Wired Gaming
  • 6.0 Mixed Usage
  • 6.5 Neutral Sound
  • 6.1 Commute/Travel
  • 6.3 Sports/Fitness
  • 6.2 Office
  • 4.1 Wireless Gaming
  • 5.9 Wired Gaming
  • 2.2 Phone Call
  1. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
  2. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
  3. Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
  4. Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
  5. Updated Mar 01, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  6. Updated Jun 01, 2016: Review published.
  7. Updated May 30, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
  8. Updated May 03, 2016: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Test Results

Design
Design
Style
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless No
Transducer Dynamic

The RP-HJE120-K have a simple but bland aesthetic that offers nothing out of the ordinary. The in-ear buds are a two-tone dark gray and black color scheme. The rest of the design is just a basic audio cable. The minimal look may appeal to some, but they will not stand out in the crowd.

7.0
Design
Comfort
Weight 0.03 lbs
Clamping Force
0 lbs

The tips of the RP-HJE120 ErgoFit do not enter the ear canal as deeply as some other in-ears and slightly more comfortable. However, if you do not find the in-ear fit comfortable, then you will experience the same issue with these headphones. They also don't offer any unique tips to provide additional comfort, which is slightly disappointing. On the upside, the different tip sizes could help provide a better fit, and they are extremely lightweight.

0
Design
Controls
OS Compatibility
Not OS specific
Ease Of Use N/A
Feedback N/A
Call/Music Control No
Volume Control No
Microphone Control N/A
Channel Mixing
N/A
Noise Cancelling Control N/A
Talk-Through
N/A
Additional Buttons No
9.4
Design
Breathability
Avg.Temp.Difference 0.6 °C
8.9
Design
Portability
L 1.97"
W 1.97"
H 1.18"
Volume 4.65 in³
Transmitter Required N/A

The RP-HJE120-K are super portable headphones. They can easily fit into your pockets, purse or bag and do not take up much space. Their straightforward and basic design make them compact. There is no control module and only the small in-ear buds and thin cable occupy space. Unfortunately, they do not come with a case which is disappointing.

0
Design
Case
Type No case
L N/A
W N/A
H N/A
Volume N/A
5.5
Design
Build Quality

Build quality is below average. These headphones feel cheaply made. Their simple design means there are fewer components susceptible to wear and tear. However, the audio cable is relatively thin and could get easily damaged over time. The in-ear buds are also made of relatively cheap plastic and do not look as durable as some other in-ear models.

6.0
Design
Stability

These headphones are not stable enough for high-intensity activities like running or jumping. The in-ear fit and lightweight design make them somewhat stable enough during moderate exercise. Unfortunately, they don't enter the ear canal as deeply as some of the other in-ear models, and they don't offer any special tips to help with stability.

Design
Headshots 1
Design
Headshots 2
Design
Top
Design
In The Box

  • Panasonic RP-HJE120 Headphones
  • Earbud tips (x2 sizes)

Sound
Sound
Sound Profile
Bass Amount
2.37 dB
Treble Amount
-3.65 dB
7.8
Sound
Frequency Response Consistency
Avg. Std. Deviation
0.43 dB
Sound
Raw Frequency Response
7.2
Sound
Bass Accuracy
Std. Err.
3.96 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
10 Hz
Low-Bass
1.66 dB
Mid-Bass
3.68 dB
High-Bass
6.09 dB
7.8
Sound
Mid Accuracy
Std. Err.
2.98 dB
Low-Mid
3.34 dB
Mid-Mid
-2.43 dB
High-Mid
-2.28 dB
7.0
Sound
Treble Accuracy
Std. Err.
4.3 dB
Low-Treble
-1.51 dB
Mid-Treble
-3.12 dB
High-Treble
-6.19 dB
7.3
Sound
Peaks/Dips
Peaks
1.57 dB
Dips
1.79 dB
8.7
Sound
Imaging
Weighted Group Delay
0.16
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
0.78
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
1.88
Weighted Phase Mismatch
3.37
1.1
Sound
Soundstage
PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
N/A
PRTF Size (Avg.)
N/A
PRTF Distance
N/A
Openness
4.1
Acoustic Space Excitation
1.4
8.5
Sound
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.109
WHD @ 100
0.092
Isolation
5.7
Isolation
Noise Isolation
Isolation Audio
Overall Attenuation
-14.49 dB
Noise Cancelling No
Bass
-1.29 dB
Mid
-12.55 dB
Treble
-30.63 dB

Poor isolation. The passive isolation provided by these in-ears, does well in the Treble Range. It provides an average of 30dB of reduction over the region. The performance in the Mid Range however, is below average, as these headphones don't have active noise-cancelling. The isolation provided in the Bass Range is non-existent.

8.9
Isolation
Leakage
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
28.04 dB

Very good leakage. Due to the in-ear design, the frequency range of the leakage is very limited and between 5KHz-8KHz. Also, the overall level of the leakage is relatively low, which improves the leakage performance further more.

Microphone
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
N/A
In-line
N/A
Boom
N/A
Detachable Boom
N/A
Mic No
0
Microphone
Recording Quality
Recorded Speech
N/A
LFE
N/A
FR Std. Dev.
N/A
HFE
N/A
Weighted THD
N/A
Gain
N/A
0
Microphone
Noise Handling
Speech + Pink Noise N/A
Speech + Subway Noise N/A
SpNR
N/A
Active Features
not tested
Active Features
Battery
Battery Type
N/A
Continuous Battery Life
N/A
Additional Charges
N/A
Total Battery Life
N/A
Charge Time
N/A
Power Saving Feature
N/A
Audio While Charging
N/A
Passive Playback
N/A
Charging Port N/A
0
Active Features
App Support
App Name N/A
iOS N/A
Android N/A
macOS N/A
Windows N/A
Equalizer
N/A
ANC Control
N/A
Mic Control N/A
Room effects
N/A
Playback Control
N/A
Button Mapping N/A
Surround Sound N/A

No compatible app.

Connectivity
0
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
N/A
Multi-Device Pairing
N/A
NFC Pairing
N/A
Line of Sight Range
N/A
Default Latency
N/A
aptX Latency
N/A
aptX(LL) Latency
N/A
0
Connectivity
Non-Bluetooth Wireless
Non-BT Line of Sight Range
N/A
Non-BT Latency
N/A
9.0
Connectivity
Wired
Analog Audio
Yes
USB Audio
No
Detachable No
Length 3.87 ft
Connection 1/8" TRS
Wired Latency
0 ms
Connectivity
PC / PS4 Compatibility
PC / PS4 Analog
Audio Only
PC / PS4 Wired USB
No
PC / PS4 Non-BT Wireless
No
Connectivity
Xbox One Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
Audio Only
Xbox One Wired USB
No
Xbox One Wireless
No
0
Connectivity
Base/Dock
Type
N/A
USB Input
N/A
Line In
N/A
Line Out
N/A
Optical Input
N/A
RCA Input
N/A
Dock Charging
N/A
Power Supply
N/A