RØDE NTH-100 Review: Excellent Headphones with One Major Drawback

These RØDE NTH-100 headphones deliver truly neutral, high-quality sound for video editing, but their lack of portability may hold some back.

The Quest for Perfect Audio Monitoring

Anyone who’s dabbled in video editing or sound work knows the hunt for headphones that offer clean, neutral sound is real. You want to hear every frequency—bass, mids, and highs—without any color or distortion masking what’s really there. I’ve tested some glamorous options like the Sony WH-1000XM5, which wowed me with its active noise cancellation (ANC) and rich sound, but truth be told, they weren’t quite the neutral monitors I craved—they’re more for casual enjoyment than professional work.

Enter the RØDE NTH-100, designed precisely for tasks where accuracy is king. The brand promises “exceptional sound quality and outstanding comfort.” After a solid month of hands-on use, I can say it’s worth unpacking whether these claims hold water.

RØDE NTH-100 Specifications at a Glance

• Type: Full-size, closed-back headphones
• Connectivity: 3.5 mm wired connection
• Driver Size: 40 mm
• Frequency Range: 5–35,000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Colors Available: Black, White
• Included: 2.5-meter 3.5 mm audio cable
• Weight: 350 grams

Design and Comfort: A Bold, Functional Look

Right off the bat, the RØDE NTH-100’s aesthetic feels a bit... busy. There’s a lot going on visually, which might distract those who crave sleek minimalism. But if you’re here for sound, the design’s personality might not bother you much.

The build mixes metal and plastic, with Alcantara fabric on the ear pads and headband—nice touch for long sessions. Unlike RØDE’s typical gold dot branding, this model opts for subtlety, featuring a large but understated “Ø” logo on each earcup with a reflective finish that catches the light just right.

The earcups are lined with thick CoolTech gel cushions. They don’t have ANC, so this gel padding helps block out ambient noise physically. They feel a little unusual at first, especially if you’re in a chilly room, but in a warm office environment, they’re surprisingly effective at keeping you focused.

Weighing in at 350 grams, these are on the heavier side. Coming from testing the 250-gram Sony WH-1000XM5, the difference is noticeable. Your neck will feel it at first, but after some hours, you’ll adapt.

For fit adjustment, there’s a solid clamping mechanism on both sides. It feels sturdy, but movable parts always make me a tad nervous about durability over time. Still, it’s a small price for that perfectly snug fit.

One design choice that might make you pause: the only way to connect is via a 2.4-meter cable with a 3.5 mm jack and a locking plug. The cable is detachable, which is a plus, but the wired-only setup makes these less ideal for on-the-go use. Plus, they don’t fold, so transporting them is clunky at best. These are studio headphones through and through, not for the road warrior.

Sound Quality That Puts Accuracy First

Let’s cut to the chase: the RØDE NTH-100 is all about pure, unadorned sound. No ANC, no wireless Bluetooth bells and whistles, no smart algorithms—just 40 mm drivers delivering the goods.

And honestly? They nail it. The sound profile is wonderfully neutral. The bass and treble hit a masterful balance, so nothing drowns out or overwhelms the rest. This is music to any editor’s ears, as it lets you monitor tracks without distortion or artificial boosts.

The audio is crisp and clear, especially in the high frequencies, with the mids presenting a mostly uncolored, straightforward tone. That means vocals can sometimes seem a bit plain, lacking that extra spark, but it’s a conscious trade-off for accuracy.

What’s fantastic is the trust you can place in these headphones. If there’s a flaw in your audio, you’ll catch it immediately—no bass pumping to hide mistakes, no treble spikes to distract.

While the absence of ANC might concern some, the closed-back design paired with gel pads does a good job at noise isolation. In a quiet room or moderately busy office, ambient sounds are kept at bay, but don’t expect full noise blocking in loud environments.

One important caveat: these aren’t headphones for hands-free calls. There’s no built-in microphone. You can buy the NTH-Mic accessory for attachment, but it’s an additional expense and far from a perfect solution.

Also, I was a bit disappointed the set includes only a soft pouch, not a hard case. For a device built primarily for stationary use, that’s understandable, but if you do need to travel with them, you might want to invest in a sturdier case to prevent damage.

Final Thoughts

In a sea of multi-featured headphones, the RØDE NTH-100 stands out for its stripped-down, focused approach. RØDE’s engineers discarded all distractions—no active noise cancelling, no Bluetooth, no mic—and zeroed in on delivering accurate sound. And boy, did they succeed.

Video editors and sound professionals will appreciate the flat response that avoids exaggerated bass and treble, giving a true representation of their audio work.

Though they can handle casual music listening, their true calling is the professional studio environment.

If it were up to me, I’d love to see wireless connectivity and a foldable design added. Those two tweaks would make these headphones infinitely more portable, bridging the gap between studio precision and on-location convenience.

“RØDE NTH-100 headphones focus solely on delivering precise sound without any gimmicks.”

FAQ

• What kind of connection do the RØDE NTH-100 headphones use?
  They use a wired 3.5 mm connection with a 2.4-meter detachable cable.
• Do these headphones have active noise cancelling?
  No, they rely on their closed-back design and gel cushions for passive noise isolation.
• Are these headphones suitable for casual music listening?
  Yes, but they shine best in professional audio work due to their neutral sound profile.
• Can you use these headphones for phone calls?
  Not directly; there’s no built-in microphone, but an optional accessory (NTH-Mic) is available.
• How portable are the RØDE NTH-100 headphones?
  They are designed for stationary use, do not fold, and come with only a soft pouch, making transport cumbersome.

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