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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Rode NTH-100M comes down to a few considerations. If budget is a primary concern, the M20X is significantly less expensive and offers good overall sound quality; however, they're less comfortable and have lower build quality compared to the NTH-100M. The NTH-100M boasts superior comfort, has an excellent microphone, stronger build quality, and is particularly good for calls, meetings, and gaming. It's also equipped with a detachable cable and has better scores for use while being active. For immersive listening sessions, the M20X would suffice but if you need headphones that double for communication-heavy activities alongside a sturdier build, the NTH-100M would be worth the 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-100M.
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
- Very good for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.2
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Gaming
6.2
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
7.6
The Rode NTH-100M 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-100M is poor.
Cost
$49
$189
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The Rode NTH-100M has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.6
7.7
The Rode NTH-100M 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-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2023 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 9/10 | |
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 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
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 | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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-100M
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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-100M
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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