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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a wireless experience and on-the-go convenience, Beats Solo 3 might be the better option, as they offer portability and Bluetooth connectivity. However, if sound quality, especially for professional use or critical listening, is key for you, the Rode NTH-100M usually provides superior audio fidelity with a detailed and balanced sound signature. The Rode also typically has a detachable cable with a locking connector, which could be crucial if you need the flexibility of replacing cables. Ultimately, it depends on whether convenience or sound quality is more critical to your listening needs. Keep in mind the Rode's additional features like a microphone for calls or gaming may justify its higher price point compared to the convenience-focused Beats Solo 3. 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 Solo 3
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
- Very good for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.3
8.2
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
7.6
The Rode NTH-100M is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
7.7
The Rode NTH-100M is good for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
N/A
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Rode NTH-100M does not have a battery.
Cost
$117
$189
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Beats Solo 3 and Rode NTH-100M are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Rode NTH-100M and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats Solo 3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support. The Beats Solo3 Wireless holds up well today with just a few features showing its age."
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 Beats Solo 3 or the Rode NTH-100M
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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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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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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