A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and a broad soundstage for a more immersive experience in music and movies, the Focal Elex offers superior sound but this comes with a higher price tag. On the other hand, if you need better noise isolation for use in noisier environments or if you're on a budget, the Rode NTH-100 is less expensive and has a closed-back design which reduces ambient noise. Consider that open-back headphones like the Focal Elex don't isolate noise well, making them less ideal for loud environments or air travel, while the Rode NTH-100 can be a more versatile option for various settings. Neither of these headphones is suitable for exercise due to their design and size; also, they lack wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation, which are significant considerations if you require those features. 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 Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- Very good for music
Key differences
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
7.6
The Rode NTH-100 and Focal Elex are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.3
7.7
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Rode NTH-100 is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Rode NTH-100 and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Cost
$749
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Rode NTH-100 to be very good for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
Gaming
6.9
6.5
The Focal Elex and Rode NTH-100 are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.8
The Rode NTH-100 and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Focal Elex and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Rode NTH-100
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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 Focal Elex or the Rode NTH-100
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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.
Luis Torres
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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