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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If audio quality is a priority and you're looking for professional-grade sound with a removable boom microphone, the Rode NTH-100M would be a better choice. They're more suitable for studio work or high-fidelity listening. However, if you're on a budget and want a wireless experience with active noise cancellation for everyday use, the Soundcore Life Q20 would be more appropriate. They offer good value for money with decent sound quality for casual listening and are more portable due to their wireless design. Keep in mind also that the Rode has a higher build quality, which is often reflected in their price. 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
- Very good for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.2
7.0
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for music, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is good.
Gaming
8.9
5.2
The Rode NTH-100M is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Phone Calls
9.5
4.9
The Rode NTH-100M is best in class for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
4.7
The Rode NTH-100M is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
TV and Video
7.7
5.3
The Rode NTH-100M is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 is very good for noise reduction, while the Rode NTH-100M is poor.
Battery
N/A
32.3 Hours
The Rode NTH-100M does not have a battery. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$189
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Rode NTH-100M has a price of $189 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $60.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Rode NTH-100M and Soundcore Life Q20 both have very good build quality.
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How the Rode NTH-100M and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Rode NTH-100M | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$189 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Rode | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 9.5/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 349.2 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Soundcore Life Q20
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | January 2022
"As far as headphones that cost under $100 go, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is a really solid option. Like any good tool, it does the job well without much guff, and it’s affordable to boot. Sure: it’s not going toe to toe with any of the higher-end models of ANC headphones out there—but the headphones do well enough for commuters that it’s a good stand-in if you were never planning on spending a bunch of money anyway."
Get a great deal on the Rode NTH-100M or the Soundcore Life Q20
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 Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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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
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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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