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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize microphone quality for calls or meetings and need superior isolation and comfort during long sessions, the Rode NTH-100M headphones excel but are more expensive. However, they are bulkier and less suitable for exercise or travel. On the other hand, Apple Earpods are much more affordable, offer decent sound quality, are highly portable, and perform well for everyday use like calls and music, although they have lower isolation due to their open design and are not sweatproof, making them less ideal for active use or noisy environments. 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 Earpods
- The Apple Earpods has no clear advantages over the Rode NTH-100M.
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
- Very good for music
- Best in class for phone calls
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M and Apple Earpods are both very good for gaming, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
8.0
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Apple Earpods is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Rode NTH-100M and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Cost
$20
$189
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Rode NTH-100M has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Rode NTH-100M to be very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.6
The Rode NTH-100M and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.4
7.7
The Rode NTH-100M and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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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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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