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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for convenience and portability, the Apple AirPods Pro offer wireless freedom, active noise cancellation, and are great for on-the-go use such as commuting or working out. They also integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices. However, if you're after sound quality, comfort for long listening sessions, and use primarily in a stationary setting like a studio or home office, the Rode NTH-100M might be preferable. They're wired headphones with a focus on high fidelity sound and may include a built-in microphone for clear calls or recordings, but they might be less convenient for active use due to the wire. 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 Pro
- Excellent 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
6.8
8.2
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Pro is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
7.6
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Rode NTH-100M is good.
TV and Video
5.7
7.7
The Rode NTH-100M is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.3
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100M is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Rode NTH-100M does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$189
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100M has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | 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 | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
Rode NTH-100M
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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 Pro 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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Why trust us
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.
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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