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Updated April 10, 2024·
If sound quality is a high priority, the Rode NTH-100 has good overall sound and very good music performance, which may justify its higher cost. However, if budget is a concern, the Sony MDR-ZX110 offers fair sound quality at a lower price point. For comfort during extended use, the Rode NTH-100 offers a more comfortable experience. On the other hand, if portability is crucial, the Sony's foldable design could be more convenient. Neither model is wireless or has active noise cancelling, so if those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options. The Rode has a better build quality and a detachable cable, which can be beneficial for longevity and ease of use. The Sony may suit casual or infrequent use where cost and compactness are major deciding factors. 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
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDR-ZX110
The Sony MDR-ZX110 has no clear advantages over the Rode NTH-100.
Key differences
Music
8.2/10
7.6/10
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is good.
Gaming
6.5/10
5.9/10
The Rode NTH-100 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8/10
3.0/10
The Rode NTH-100 and Sony MDR-ZX110 are both poor for phone calls, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6/10
4.3/10
The Rode NTH-100 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is poor.
TV and Video
7.7/10
6.9/10
The Rode NTH-100 is good for TV and video, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 is only fair.
Cost
$149
$10
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Rode NTH-100 has a price of $149 and the Sony MDR-ZX110 costs $10.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.0/10
The Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality, while the Sony MDR-ZX110 has only fair build quality.
"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."
"My opinion about Sony MDR ZX110 is they are the best budget headphones of Sony with top-class sound. Clear vocals, great bass, and balanced sound with low sound distortion. The treble could be sharper, but it's ok. 30 mm neodymium dynamic drivers give clear and precise audio, and an inline remote with a mic give decent call quality. Closed-Back Design also helps to improve sound performance."
Get a great deal on the Rode NTH-100 or the Sony MDR-ZX110
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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