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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the JBL Quantum 100 is significantly less expensive and offers good gaming audio performance. However, the Rode NTH-100M provides better overall sound quality and comfort, which can be important for long listening sessions or calls and meetings. The Rode also has a detachable cable and is more durable, but it comes at a higher price. Neither option is wireless, but if you're after immersive listening and can stretch your budget, the Rode may offer the better experience; if cost savings are critical, the JBL will still meet basic needs. 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 JBL Quantum 100
The JBL Quantum 100 has no clear advantages over the Rode NTH-100M.
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
Very good for music
Best in class for phone calls
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
8.2/10
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for music, while the JBL Quantum 100 is good.
Phone Calls
5.5/10
9.5/10
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.5/10
7.6/10
The Rode NTH-100M is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
7.1/10
7.7/10
The Rode NTH-100M and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for TV and video, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Cost
$40
$189
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Quantum 100 has a price of $40 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
Build Quality
6.5/10
8.5/10
The Rode NTH-100M has very good build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
"I appreciate a functional piece of tech as much as I do gear on the bleeding edge, and the JBL Quantum 100 certainly falls in the former category. The sound is reasonably good, the built-in microphone is surprisingly reliable and it has a thoughtful design for the price. It lacks the convenience of Bluetooth, sure, but sometimes it’s nice not to have to worry about the finicky nature of wireless communication and go with good old hard-wired tech."
"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 JBL Quantum 100 or the Rode NTH-100M
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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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