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Updated April 10, 2024·
If you're on a tight budget and prefer earbuds, the KZ ZSN Pro X are a cost-effective choice offering good overall sound quality and are suitable for music and TV. They have a detachable cable and can be used for exercise, but aren't the best for calls, gaming, or noise isolation, and lack wireless capabilities. In contrast, the Rode NTH-100 headphones are pricier but provide superior comfort and sound for music, with a more durable build. They're not optimal for exercise or portability due to their size, and also lack wireless features, but could be better for home or studio use if you prefer over-ear design. 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 KZ ZSN Pro X
Good for air travel
Advantages of the Rode NTH-100
Very good for music
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
8.2/10
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Gaming
5.9/10
6.5/10
The Rode NTH-100 is only fair for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Phone Calls
3.1/10
4.8/10
The Rode NTH-100 and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.7/10
7.6/10
The Rode NTH-100 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
5.3/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Cost
$22
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The KZ ZSN Pro X has a price of $22 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
"The KZ ZSN PRO X offers superb sound for very little money, like under $30 USD. It has some rough edges with a plastic seam on the cable that can rub on your ear, and the bud is a bit large. The tech isn't cutting edge, but new doesn't always equal better. You should try it."
"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 KZ ZSN Pro X 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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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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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.
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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.