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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Rode NTH-100 offers better overall sound quality and is geared towards more critical listening with a more accurate soundstage, which is particularly important for music or video production environments. They have a wired connection, so there won't be any latency issues for gaming or TV, which can be critical for those applications. However, they are not as suitable for exercise, travel, or calls and meetings when compared to the Sony WH-CH520. On the other hand, the Sony WH-CH520 is more portable, has a significantly longer battery life, and offers great comfort, which can be a major advantage for daily use and extended wear. They also come with built-in controls and features like app equalization and audio controls, which can enhance the user experience for Android and Apple users. If budget is a key consideration, Sony provides a more affordable option without significantly compromising sound quality, making it a versatile choice for casual listening, travel, and multimedia consumption. 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
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
7.6
The Rode NTH-100 is very good for music, while the Sony WH-CH520 is good.
Gaming
6.5
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for gaming, while the Rode NTH-100 is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.8
6.7
The Sony WH-CH520 is only fair for phone calls, while the Rode NTH-100 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
4.6
The Rode NTH-100 and Sony WH-CH520 are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
52.0 Hours
The Rode NTH-100 does not have a battery. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$40
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Rode NTH-100 has a price of $149 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $40.
Build Quality
8.5
7.0
The Rode NTH-100 has very good build quality, while the Sony WH-CH520 has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-CH520 to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Rode NTH-100 is good.
TV and Video
7.7
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-CH520 to be very good for TV and video, while the Rode NTH-100 is good.
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How the Rode NTH-100 and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Rode NTH-100 | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Rode | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2022 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 52 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 349.2 Grams | 147.41 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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 WH-CH520
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | September 2023
"If you’re looking for headphones that simply do what you ask them to: the Sony WH-CH520 is a decent option, even if it isn’t very exciting. Sony’s WH-CHXXX line fits this role quite well, and the WH-CH520 offers a decent raft of quality-of-life updates over its predecessor that should keep listeners happy. If the Sony WH-CH520 were a car, it’d be the boring-but-safe commuter compact."
Get a great deal on the Rode NTH-100 or the Sony WH-CH520
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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Why trust us
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
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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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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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