A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
NTH-100
Company ProductName Specs




Linkbuds
Company ProductName Specs




What we think

Chevron down
PerfectRec Logo
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

The Rode NTH-100 headphones offer better overall sound quality, are suitable for a more immersive music experience, and have higher build quality compared to the Sony Linkbuds. However, they lack wireless connectivity and are not as portable, making them less ideal for travel or exercise. On the other hand, the Sony Linkbuds are wireless, more portable, and have an open design that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, making them more suitable for use during outdoor activities and exercise. The Linkbuds also provide an app with equalizer settings and customization options, which the Rode NTH-100 lacks, and they support AAC codec for better sound with Apple devices. If you need headphones for focused listening in a stable environment, the Rode NTH-100 might be the better choice, but if you prioritize flexibility, portability, and wireless features, especially for use with Apple products, the Sony Linkbuds would suit you better. 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 Rode NTH-100
  • Very good for music
  • Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
  • Good for exercise

Key differences

Chevron down

Music

8.2
NTH-100
Linkbuds
6.6
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.

Gaming

6.5
NTH-100
Linkbuds
5.5
The Rode NTH-100 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.

Phone Calls

4.8
NTH-100
Linkbuds
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.

TV and Video

7.7
NTH-100
Linkbuds
5.4
The Rode NTH-100 is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.

Noise Reduction

5.3
NTH-100
Linkbuds
2.5
The Rode NTH-100 and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.

Battery

N/A
NTH-100
Linkbuds
5.5 Hours
The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.

Cost

$149
NTH-100
Linkbuds
$178
Product image
Product image

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

The Rode NTH-100 has a price of $149 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.

Build Quality

8.5
NTH-100
Linkbuds
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality.
Image of Earbuds & Headphones
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones

Key similarities

Chevron down

Podcasts and Audiobooks

7.6
NTH-100
Linkbuds
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds and Rode NTH-100 are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.

Give feedback

We’re constantly working to improve.

How the Rode NTH-100 and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones

Chevron down

Spec Comparison

Chevron down
Rode NTH-100Sony Linkbuds
Rode NTH-100Sony Linkbuds

GENERAL

Price
$149
$178
Brand
RodeSony
Release Date
March 1, 2022February 1, 2022
Form Factor
HeadphonesEarbuds
Connectivity
WiredWireless

SOUND

Music Score
8.2/106.7/10
Phone Calls Score
4.8/106.9/10
Gaming Score
6.6/105.6/10
TV and Video Score
7.8/105.4/10
Exercise Score
4.2/107/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
N/A5.5 Hours
Wireless charging
N/ANo
Charging time
N/A1.5 Hours
Bluetooth version
N/A5.2
Case Battery Life
N/A17.5

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoNo
Noise Reduction Score
5.3/102.5/10
Virtual Surround
N/AYes
Android App
N/AYes
iOS App
N/AYes
Mic Quality
N/A7/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
8.5/109.3/10
Comfort score
7.6/107.6/10
Size
N/ASmall
Weight (headset or single earbud)
349.2 Grams4.5 Grams
Microphone style
N/AIntegrated

Shopping

Chevron down

Rode NTH-100

See more

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."

Sony Linkbuds

See more

Dig into reviews and images

Sound Guys

Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."

Get a great deal on the Rode NTH-100 or the Sony Linkbuds

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.

About Sony

Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.

Give feedback

We're constantly perfecting our model

Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in

Chevron down

FAQs

Chevron down

FAQs about earbuds and headphones

Questions about PerfectRec >

Why trust us

Chevron down
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.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,900
Recommendations made
18,435
Consumer hours saved

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.

Featured in

Color LTT LogoGeekwire logo9to5 Mac logoPhone Arena LogoColor Daring Fireball logo