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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x is renowned for its excellent sound quality for music, making them a solid choice for music enthusiasts. However, they may not be the best option for making calls since they lack a microphone. On the other hand, the Rode NTH-100M features outstanding microphone quality and better scores for gaming and calls, making them ideal for gamers or professionals who frequently engage in virtual meetings. Both models have a closed-back design offering good noise isolation, but neither is designed for exercise, as they can be bulky and are not sweatproof. If portability is a concern, the Audio Technica M50x is foldable, while the Rode is not, meaning it may be less convenient to transport. 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-100M
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.6
The Rode NTH-100M and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Cost
$149
$189
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
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Key similarities
Music
8.5
8.2
The Audio Technica M50x and Rode NTH-100M are both very good for music.
TV and Video
7.8
7.7
The Audio Technica M50x and Rode NTH-100M are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Rode NTH-100M are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Rode NTH-100M both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | January 1, 2023 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 9/10 | |
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 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
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 | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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-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 Audio Technica M50x 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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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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