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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
When choosing between the Audio Technica M50x and the Rode NTH-100, consider how you plan to use them. For a more immersive music listening experience, the Audio Technica M50x performs slightly better in sound quality, which may be important if music is your priority. However, the Rode NTH-100 boasts a slightly superior soundstage, which means you may find it offers a more dimensional audio experience, possibly making it a better choice for varied audio content. Both being similarly priced, if comfort is a key factor, the Rode is just ahead with a slightly higher comfort score. Neither has a built-in mic, so if you need to make calls, you'll need an external solution. Both are wired and aren’t suitable for exercise due to their size and lack of sweat resistance. Neither has active noise cancelling, but they both offer decent noise isolation. If portability is critical, the M50x has an advantage since they are foldable and lighter, making them easier to carry around. 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 M50x
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- The Rode NTH-100 has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Key differences
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.6
The Rode NTH-100 and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Cost
$129
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $129 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
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Key similarities
Music
8.5
8.2
The Audio Technica M50x and Rode NTH-100 are both very good for music.
Gaming
6.3
6.5
The Rode NTH-100 and Audio Technica M50x are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.4
4.8
The Rode NTH-100 and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
7.8
7.7
The Audio Technica M50x and Rode NTH-100 are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Rode NTH-100 are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Rode NTH-100 both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$129 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Rode NTH-100
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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 Audio Technica M50x 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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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
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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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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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