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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 wide soundstage for a more immersive listening experience, the HifiMan Edition XS would be a better choice, though it comes at a higher price. However, if you're on a tighter budget and need a robust, well-built set of headphones for everyday use, including casual listening and studio work, the Rode NTH-100 would be a more cost-effective option. Additionally, the Rode may come with a more conventional feature set for general users, like a detachable cable with a locking mechanism. Consider also the comfort and build quality—larger headphones like the HifiMan may offer more comfort for long listening sessions, while the Rode's closed-back design could be better for noise isolation. 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 HifiMan Edition XS
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- The Rode NTH-100 has no clear advantages over the HifiMan Edition XS.
Key differences
Music
8.8
8.2
The HifiMan Edition XS and Rode NTH-100 are both very good for music, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
Gaming
7.4
6.5
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Rode NTH-100 is only fair.
TV and Video
9.5
7.7
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the Rode NTH-100 is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Rode NTH-100 and HifiMan Edition XS are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Cost
$269
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Edition XS has a price of $269 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.0
4.8
The HifiMan Edition XS and Rode NTH-100 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
7.6
The HifiMan Edition XS and Rode NTH-100 are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The HifiMan Edition XS and Rode NTH-100 both have very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Edition XS and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Edition XS | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$269 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.5/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 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 | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 421 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HifiMan Edition XS
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream 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 HifiMan Edition XS or the Rode NTH-100
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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