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 wide soundstage for an immersive listening experience, particularly for music and you don't mind the open-back design which leaks sound and offers no noise isolation, then the HifiMan Sundara would be a great choice despite its higher price. However, if you're looking for a more versatile and portable option that offers better noise isolation and can also be used for a variety of activities like gaming, TV and video enjoying, or even air travel without breaking the bank, the Rode NTH-100 is a solid, more affordable alternative. Neither model is suited for exercise as they are over-ear headphones and not sweatproof. 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 Sundara
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- The Rode NTH-100 has no clear advantages over the HifiMan Sundara.
Key differences
Music
9.3
8.2
The HifiMan Sundara is excellent for music, while the Rode NTH-100 is very good.
Gaming
7.2
6.5
The HifiMan Sundara is good for gaming, while the Rode NTH-100 is only fair.
TV and Video
8.8
7.7
The HifiMan Sundara 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 HifiMan Sundara are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Cost
$279
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Sundara has a price of $279 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
4.8
The HifiMan Sundara and Rode NTH-100 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
7.6
The HifiMan Sundara and Rode NTH-100 are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.2
8.5
The Rode NTH-100 and HifiMan Sundara both have very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Sundara and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Sundara | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$279 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2020 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 394.6 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HifiMan Sundara
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | July 2023
"The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers."
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 Sundara 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
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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Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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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