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What we think
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
Music
8.2
6.6
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
6.5
5.5
The Rode NTH-100 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
TV and Video
7.7
5.4
The Rode NTH-100 is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
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
5.5 Hours
The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$139
$128
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Rode NTH-100 has a price of $139 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $128.
Build Quality
8.5
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds and Rode NTH-100 are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Rode NTH-100 and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Rode NTH-100 | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$139 | $128 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Rode | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2022 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.2/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 349.2 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Rode NTH-100
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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."
Sony Linkbuds
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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