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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are considering sound quality and critical listening, the Etymotic ER4XR earbuds provide high-fidelity audio and may be more suitable for that purpose, but keep in mind they are significantly more expensive. On the other hand, the Rode NTH-100 headphones are more budget-friendly and generally offer good sound quality for casual listening, gaming, and studio use. Both have a closed design for sound isolation, but the form factor is different; if portability is a priority, the smaller and lighter earbuds may be preferable, whereas the over-ear design of headphones is typically more comfortable for extended use and better at noise isolation. Neither features active noise cancellation nor wireless capability, but if you need a microphone, it's worth noting that the Rode NTH-100 headphones come with one, which is something the Etymotic ER4XR lacks. 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 ER4XR
- The Etymotic ER4XR 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 ER4XR.
Key differences
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.3
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Cost
$234
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.2
The Rode NTH-100 and Etymotic ER4XR are both very good for music.
Gaming
6.2
6.5
The Rode NTH-100 and Etymotic ER4XR are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.7
4.8
The Rode NTH-100 and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
7.6
The Rode NTH-100 and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.4
7.7
The Rode NTH-100 and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for TV and video.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 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 ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
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 ER4XR 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
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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
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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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