A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
When deciding between the Beats EP and the Rode NTH-100, consider their design and usage. The Beats EP are on-ear headphones with a midrange price, often less expensive than the Rode. They provide good sound quality, suitable for general music listening. If portability is a priority, the Beats are more convenient. However, the Rode NTH-100, despite being somewhat pricier, are over-ear headphones delivering slightly better soundstage and comfort, which can be important for longer listening sessions. They also come with a longer cable and a design favored for sound isolation. Neither have built-in controls or mics, so they may not be the best for calls or interactive activities. Both are wired and do not support active noise cancelling, but if you're looking for durability and sound isolation for studio work or focused listening, the Rode might be the better investment. 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 Beats EP
- The Beats EP has no clear advantages over the Rode NTH-100.
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
4.2
4.8
The Rode NTH-100 and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.6
The Rode NTH-100 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Cost
$100
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
8.2
The Rode NTH-100 and Beats EP are both very good for music.
Gaming
6.3
6.5
The Rode NTH-100 and Beats EP are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.6
7.7
The Rode NTH-100 and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Beats EP and Rode NTH-100 are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Rode NTH-100 and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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 Beats EP or the Rode NTH-100
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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.
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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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