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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for a wireless experience and portability is important to you, the JBL Tune Buds would suit you well; they're also sweatproof and dustproof, making them a good choice for exercise. However, for the best sound quality during music listening, the Rode NTH-100 headphones might be preferable, offering larger drivers and an over-ear design for a fuller sound, although they are wired and less portable. The battery life of the JBL Tune Buds is better suited for long listening sessions or travel without needing a charge. If making calls is a priority, neither of these options excel in mic quality, but keep in mind the Tune Buds have active noise cancelling and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, which can enhance your listening experience. 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 Tune Buds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.2
8.2
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
6.5
The Rode NTH-100 is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
7.6
The Rode NTH-100 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
TV and Video
6.1
7.7
The Rode NTH-100 is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.7
5.3
The JBL Tune Buds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Battery
10.4 Hours
N/A
The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life. The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery.
Cost
$50
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The JBL Tune Buds has a price of $50 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
4.8
The JBL Tune Buds and Rode NTH-100 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Tune Buds and Rode NTH-100 both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Tune Buds and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Tune Buds | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$50 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.6/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10.4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 10.8 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
JBL Tune Buds
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"JBL’s Tune Buds stick with the company’s signature bass-heavy sound by default, but a quality in-app EQ lets you sculpt the audio to taste. These noise-cancelling true wireless earphones also mitigate environmental distractions fairly well for the price and offer good battery life. If you're specifically seeking bold, bass-tuned audio out of the box, the Tune Buds are worth a listen."
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 JBL Tune Buds or the Rode NTH-100
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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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
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Luis Torres
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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