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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If excellent mic quality for calls and meetings is a priority and you prefer over-ear headphones, the Rode NTH-100M would be a better choice despite being more expensive. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option primarily for TV and video use, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds offer excellent performance in this area. Keep in mind the Rode NTH-100M provides very good sound for music and gaming as well, but does not support wireless connectivity, which impacts portability. The Sony earbuds, on the other hand, despite having good noise isolation and being very portable, have poorer overall sound quality compared to the Rode. 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-100M
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
8.9
6.7
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the Sony MDREX15AP is only fair.
Phone Calls
9.5
3.5
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
5.4
The Rode NTH-100M is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
7.7
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Rode NTH-100M is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100M is poor.
Cost
$189
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Rode NTH-100M has a price of $189 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Music
8.2
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP and Rode NTH-100M are both very good for music.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Rode NTH-100M and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the Rode NTH-100M and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Rode NTH-100M | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$189 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Rode | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 9.5/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 349.2 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | N/A | |
Shopping
Rode NTH-100M
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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 MDREX15AP
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Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Rode NTH-100M or the Sony MDREX15AP
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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