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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience and active noise canceling for noisy environments, the Sony WF1000XM3 earbuds are a suitable choice. However, if you prefer over-ear headphones that may offer better sound isolation and potentially superior comfort for long listening sessions without needing battery power, the Rode NTH-100 might be the better fit. The Rode headphones are wired and may not be as portable as the Sony earbuds which come with a charging case that extends their battery life. Additionally, the Sony earbuds have an app with equalizer and audio controls, which the Rode headphones lack. 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 WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
7.5
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Gaming
6.5
5.6
The Rode NTH-100 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Rode NTH-100 is good.
TV and Video
7.7
5.7
The Rode NTH-100 is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Rode NTH-100 has a price of $149 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality.
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How the Rode NTH-100 and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Rode NTH-100 | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Rode | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2022 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 349.2 Grams | 9 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 WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the Rode NTH-100 or the Sony WF1000XM3
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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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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