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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a wireless option with features like active noise canceling and app controls, Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds are a great choice, especially if you need something for air travel and exercise due to their portability and sweatproof design. However, the Rode NTH-100 headphones are better for a wired, over-ear experience with a focus on overall sound quality, which might suit you if you prioritize listening to music in a quiet environment. They won't be as convenient for travel or exercise due to their size and lack of portability. The Rode NTH-100 tends to be less expensive, but also lacks some of the modern conveniences like wireless connectivity and a charging case found in the Sony WF1000XM5. 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
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.5
5.1
The Rode NTH-100 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
4.9
The Rode NTH-100 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.7
5.4
The Rode NTH-100 is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Rode NTH-100 has a price of $149 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Music
8.2
8.0
The Rode NTH-100 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Phone Calls
4.8
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Rode NTH-100 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Rode NTH-100 and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Rode NTH-100 and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Rode NTH-100 | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Rode | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 349.2 Grams | 6 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 WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Rode NTH-100 or the Sony WF1000XM5
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
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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
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