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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and wireless convenience for listening to music on the go, or while exercising, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are the better choice since they are much lighter, offer good audio quality, and have a compact carry case. They also support wireless charging and have an ear detection feature. However, if you need a clear microphone for calls or professional purposes, prefer a robust build quality, better noise isolation, or are into gaming and content creation where sound accuracy and a booming mic are crucial, the Rode NTH-100M headphones excel. They have superior sound isolation and mic quality but lack the convenience of wireless connectivity and are less portable. 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 exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
- Very good for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
8.2
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Rode NTH-100M is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.7
The Rode NTH-100M is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Rode NTH-100M and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Rode NTH-100M does not have a battery.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100M has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Cost
$179
$189
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
See more
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-100M
See more
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-100M
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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