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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Koss Porta Pro with mic is more affordable and offers a very good overall sound quality and a particularly engaging music listening experience, but it lacks in build quality and has a mediocre microphone. On the other hand, the Rode NTH-100M, while pricier, boasts superior mic quality, better build, and better scores for calls, meetings, and gaming. If you prioritize a better build and microphone for various uses including calls and gaming, and don't mind spending more, go for the Rode NTH-100M. Choose the Koss Porta Pro with mic if you want to save money and primarily need good music headphones but can compromise on mic quality and build. 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 Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
- The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has no clear advantages over the Rode NTH-100M.
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100M
- Best in class for phone calls
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
8.2
8.9
The Rode NTH-100M and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both very good for gaming, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.1
9.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.6
The Rode NTH-100M is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Rode NTH-100M and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Cost
$60
$189
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
Build Quality
6.0
8.5
The Rode NTH-100M has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.2
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and Rode NTH-100M are both very good for music.
TV and Video
7.6
7.7
The Rode NTH-100M and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both good for TV and video.
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How the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and the Rode NTH-100M compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Rode NTH-100M |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $189 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Rode | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 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 | 6.5/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 63.5 Grams | 349.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphones.com
Sebastian Taboada | February 2022
"It’s clear to see why these have been such a popular choice amongst listeners for nearly four decades. It’s a charming pair of headphones that delivers a truly enjoyable listening experience and one that I think punches well above its weight."
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 Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the Rode NTH-100M
About Koss
Koss is an American headphone manufacturer established in 1953. In 1958, they created the first set of stereophones, that is headphones with stereo sound, and in 1984 they released the world-famous Porta Pro, a set of on-ear headphones that has remained essentially unchanged for more than 30 years and that is still made, sold and loved by many audio enthusiasts around the world today.
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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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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