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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If the lower price of the Etymotic ER2SE is attractive and you're looking for in-ear monitors with a reputation for detailed sound and noise isolation, they may suit you for environments where you want to block out ambient noise. However, they have deep insertion which can be uncomfortable for some users. On the other hand, the Rode NTH-100 headphones are over-ear, which can be more comfortable for extended use and provide a different sound experience. They may be better for home use where isolation isn't as crucial, but they will likely have a more spacious soundstage which enhances the listening experience for movies and gaming. If you require a microphone for calls, ensure the selected model includes one, as some earbuds and headphones may not. 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 Etymotic ER2SE
- The Etymotic ER2SE has no clear advantages over the Rode NTH-100.
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- The Rode NTH-100 has no clear advantages over the Etymotic ER2SE.
Key differences
Music
8.8
8.2
The Etymotic ER2SE and Rode NTH-100 are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.3
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Cost
$100
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
6.5
The Rode NTH-100 and Etymotic ER2SE are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.9
4.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Rode NTH-100 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
7.6
The Rode NTH-100 and Etymotic ER2SE are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.8
7.7
The Etymotic ER2SE and Rode NTH-100 are both good for TV and video.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 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 | 4.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER2SE
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
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 Etymotic ER2SE or the Rode NTH-100
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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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.
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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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