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Airpods (3rd generation)
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NTH-100
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What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) offer a wireless design that's convenient for on-the-go use with a more compact carry size, and they support features like spatial audio and ear detection. They're suited for Apple users due to optimized integration, offer better performance for calls and meetings, and are sweatproof, which makes them suitable for exercise. In contrast, the Rode NTH-100 are over-ear headphones that provide better overall sound quality and soundstage, and are more comfortable for extended listening sessions. They excel in noise isolation and have a detachable cable, but aren’t wireless and are less portable, which makes them less convenient for travel and exercise. If you require good microphone quality on calls, note that the Rode NTH-100 lacks a mic score, so the AirPods might be a more reliable choice in this regard. Give Feedback

this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
  • Good for phone calls
  • Good for exercise
  • Very good for air travel
  • Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
  • Very good for music
  • Good for TV and video

Key differences

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Music

7.1
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
8.2
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.

Gaming

5.4
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
6.5
The Rode NTH-100 is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.

Phone Calls

7.6
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
4.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

8.6
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
7.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Rode NTH-100 is good.

TV and Video

5.5
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
7.7
The Rode NTH-100 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.

Noise Reduction

2.5
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
5.3
The Rode NTH-100 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.

Battery

6.0 Hours
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery.

Cost

$179
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
$149
Product image
Product image

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.

Build Quality

9.0
Airpods (3rd generation)
NTH-100
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Apple Airpods (3rd generation)Rode NTH-100
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)Rode NTH-100

GENERAL

Price
$179
$149
Brand
AppleRode
Release Date
October 1, 2021March 1, 2022
Form Factor
EarbudsHeadphones
Connectivity
WirelessWired

SOUND

Music Score
7.2/108.2/10
Phone Calls Score
7.6/104.8/10
Gaming Score
5.4/106.6/10
TV and Video Score
5.6/107.8/10
Exercise Score
7.2/104.2/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
6 HoursN/A
Wireless charging
YesN/A
Charging time
1.5 HoursN/A
Bluetooth version
5N/A
Case Battery Life
30N/A

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoNo
Noise Reduction Score
2.5/105.3/10
Virtual Surround
YesN/A
Android App
NoN/A
iOS App
YesN/A
Mic Quality
7/10N/A

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
9/108.5/10
Comfort score
7/107.6/10
Size
MediumN/A
Weight (headset or single earbud)
4.3 Grams349.2 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedN/A

Shopping

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Apple Airpods (3rd generation)

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Dig into reviews and images

Sound Guys

Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."

Rode NTH-100

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Dig into reviews and images

PC Gamer

Kizito Katawonga | March 2023
"The NTH-100M is a closed-back headset aimed at professional audiophiles—streamers, podcasters and content creators included—looking for masterful audio and a detachable 'broadcast-grade' microphone."

Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Rode NTH-100

About Apple

Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.

About Rode

Rode is an Australian audio equipment manufacturer. Rode was founded in 1967 as Freedman Electronics, transitioning into its modern brand in 1990, and it’s mainly known for their high-end microphones and audio production equipment. In 2022 they entered into the headphone market with their NTH-100 closed back headphone which was received with very good reviews from the community.

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Why trust us

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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,500
Recommendations made
18,525
Consumer hours saved

About the Earbuds or Headphones team

Joe Golden, Ph.D

CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.

Jason Lew

Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.

Chandradeep Chowdhury

Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.

Luis Torres

Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.

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