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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value the flexibility of both wireless and wired connectivity and require a high-quality microphone for calls and meetings, the JLab JBuds Work Wireless would be an excellent choice; they also offer long battery life for extended use. On the other hand, if you prioritize better overall sound quality and a more expansive soundstage, which is particularly important for immersive music and video experiences, the Rode NTH-100 might suit you better. However, keep in mind that the Rode lacks a microphone and any wireless capabilities, which limits its versatility compared to the JLab. Additionally, the Rode headphones are heavier, which could impact comfort during long listening sessions, but they have a detachable cable for added convenience. The tradeoff with the JLab's lower price is reflected in the sound quality, which is lower compared to the Rode's, and they don't isolate noise as effectively. 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 JLab JBuds Work Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.8
8.2
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
8.8
6.5
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is very good for gaming, while the Rode NTH-100 is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.3
4.8
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Battery
60.0 Hours
N/A
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has 60 hours of battery life. The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery.
Cost
$79
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has a price of $79 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
7.6
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless and Rode NTH-100 are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.9
7.7
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless and Rode NTH-100 are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless and Rode NTH-100 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the JLab JBuds Work Wireless and the Rode NTH-100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JLab JBuds Work Wireless | Rode NTH-100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$79 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JLab | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | March 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 60 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 9/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 158 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
JLab JBuds Work Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Magazine
Tim Gideon | February 2022
"The JLab JBuds Work is an affordable headset-headphone hybrid that you can use to listen to music in stereo and communicate on video calls thanks to a retractable boom mic, and we particularly like its convenient mono and passive wired modes. You won't find any frills here like you will with the costlier Jabra Evolve2 65 or Plantronics Voyager 4220 UC, but for less than half the price, the JBuds Work is an effective lower-cost alternative."
Rode NTH-100
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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 JLab JBuds Work Wireless or the Rode NTH-100
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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