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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER2SE earbuds provide exceptional sound quality and noise isolation, making them ideal for listening to music in noisy environments but less suited for exercise due to their lack of sweatproof certification. Conversely, the Rode NTH-100M headphones offer a microphone and are highly rated for calls, meetings, and gaming, with their over-ear design being more comfortable for extended use. However, they are heavier and less portable than the Etymotics. Choose the Etymotics for a budget-friendly, music-focused option with superb isolation, or the Rodes for versatility in communication and gaming with increased comfort at a higher price point. 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-100M.
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.8
8.2
The Etymotic ER2SE and Rode NTH-100M are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.2
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.9
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.3
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100M is poor.
Cost
$100
$189
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100M has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
7.6
The Rode NTH-100M and Etymotic ER2SE are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.8
7.7
The Etymotic ER2SE and Rode NTH-100M are both good for TV and video.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | |
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 | 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 | 4.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
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 | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
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-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 Etymotic ER2SE or the Rode NTH-100M
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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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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