The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Moondrop Chu earbuds are more affordable with a stronger overall sound quality and are lighter, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. They lack a detachable cable but are better suited for use during exercise due to their ear hooks. The Rode NTH-100M headphones have superior mic quality, which benefits calls and meetings, and their over-ear design can provide better sound isolation. They have a detachable cable and better durability but are heavier, which could affect comfort over long periods. 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 Moondrop Chu
The Moondrop Chu 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
Key differences
Gaming
8.0/10
8.9/10
The Rode NTH-100M and Moondrop Chu are both very good for gaming, though the Rode NTH-100M is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
8.8/10
9.5/10
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Moondrop Chu is very good.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
5.3/10
The Moondrop Chu is only fair for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100M is poor.
Cost
$15
$189
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Moondrop Chu has a price of $15 and the Rode NTH-100M costs $189.
"These budget buds put the pressure on those premium priced in-ear monitors to really justify the cost disparity. Offering excellent sound quality at any price, the Moondrop Chu is both a perfect entry into the audio enthusiast hobby, and an all around good pick for music fans."
"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 Moondrop Chu or the Rode NTH-100M
About Moondrop
Moondrop is a Chinese brand of smart audio equipment, portable audio players, earbuds and headphones started in 2015. During the last few years they have become one of the major players in what is lovingly referred to as the Chi-fi market, the bulk of Chinese companies that have managed to actually compete with the western manufacturers in both prices and superior quality. Products such as the Blessing II, Chu and Kato are among the most popular offerings of the brand, more popular among those users that wish for good quality audio that won't break the bank. Besides audio, the brand also works in what they call the ACGN field (Animation, Comics, Games and Short Novels).
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.
Jason Lew
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.