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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is a budget-friendly choice that offers solid overall sound quality and is particularly good for wired listening with a long cable. It's not as comfortable or as well-built as the Rode NTH-100, which has a better comfort score, detachable cable, and overall higher build quality. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize sound for casual listening or studio use, the Audio Technica may suit you well. However, if you can invest more for comfort during long listening sessions and a more durable design, the Rode NTH-100 might be the better option for you despite its higher price. 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Rode NTH-100.
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- Very good for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.2
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
7.6
The Rode NTH-100 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Cost
$49
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
6.5
The Rode NTH-100 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.8
The Rode NTH-100 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
7.6
7.7
The Rode NTH-100 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
Rode NTH-100
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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 Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Rode NTH-100
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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