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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a significant concern and you're looking for wireless convenience for activities like commuting, casual listening, or workouts, the Google Pixel Buds A Series earbuds would be a good choice as they're more portable and discreet. However, if you prioritize sound quality and comfort over long periods, for activities such as professional work, gaming, or studio use, the Rode NTH-100 headphones might be the better option, although they may be pricier. Additionally, headphones like the Rode NTH-100 typically offer better noise isolation and may deliver a richer audio experience compared to earbuds. Keep in mind that headphones are generally less compact and more noticeable when worn than earbuds. 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 Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.4
8.2
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
8.6
6.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the Rode NTH-100 is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.5
4.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
7.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Rode NTH-100 is good.
Noise Reduction
4.6
5.3
The Rode NTH-100 and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery.
Cost
$58
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
Build Quality
7.4
8.5
The Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.8
7.7
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Rode NTH-100 are both good for TV and video.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Rode | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
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 Google Pixel Buds A Series or the Rode NTH-100
About Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android ecosystem.
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
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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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