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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are seeking exceptional audio quality and have the budget for it, the HifiMan Sundara might be the choice for you as it's known for outstanding sound performance, but it also typically requires a dedicated amplifier to achieve its full potential. Conversely, for a more budget-friendly option that is plug-and-play with devices like a PC or phone without the need for additional equipment, the Rode NTH-100M is a good alternative, and it also offers a removable boom microphone, making it suitable for calls or gaming. Keep in mind, the Rode's closed design offers more isolation from ambient noise, whereas the Sundara's open design is meant for a more expansive soundstage at the expense of sound leakage and less 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 Sundara
- Excellent for music
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
9.3
8.2
The HifiMan Sundara is excellent for music, while the Rode NTH-100M is very good.
Gaming
7.2
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Sundara is good.
Phone Calls
4.9
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
TV and Video
8.8
7.7
The HifiMan Sundara is very good for TV and video, while the Rode NTH-100M is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Rode NTH-100M and HifiMan Sundara are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Cost
$279
$189
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Sundara has a price of $279 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
7.6
The HifiMan Sundara and Rode NTH-100M are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.2
8.5
The Rode NTH-100M and HifiMan Sundara both have very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Sundara and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Sundara | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$279 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2020 | January 1, 2023 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.2/10 | 9/10 | |
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 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
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 | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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-100M
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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-100M
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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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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