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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The EPOS PC38X offers superior overall sound quality, with an open enclosure that benefits soundstage and imaging for a more immersive listening experience, which is especially noteworthy for music, gaming, and calls. However, its open design may allow more ambient noise to intrude and leak sound to the surroundings, making it less suitable for use in noisy environments, such as air travel. It is lighter in weight, potentially adding to the comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the Rode NTH-100M with its closed-back design provides better noise isolation, which can be beneficial for focused listening in noisier settings but may have a more confined soundstage. Both models are wired with a detachable cable, neither has active noise cancelling, and both provide excellent microphone quality. The Rode is a bit heavier and has a longer cable, which could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on usage scenario. Neither is ideal for exercise due to low scores in that area. 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 EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
- The Rode NTH-100M has no clear advantages over the EPOS PC38X.
Key differences
Music
9.5
8.2
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the Rode NTH-100M is very good.
Gaming
10.0
8.9
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the Rode NTH-100M is very good.
Phone Calls
10.0
9.5
The EPOS PC38X and Rode NTH-100M are both best in class for phone calls, though the EPOS PC38X is somewhat better.
TV and Video
9.0
7.7
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the Rode NTH-100M is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Rode NTH-100M and EPOS PC38X are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Cost
$275
$189
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $275 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
7.6
The EPOS PC38X and Rode NTH-100M are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The EPOS PC38X and Rode NTH-100M both have very good build quality.
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How the EPOS PC38X and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$275 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
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 EPOS PC38X or the Rode NTH-100M
About EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
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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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.
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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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