Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. It ranks #150 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $159. The RODE NTH-100 ranks #181, rated 3.7/5, at $129, $30 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: This closed back has a very smooth response, with a deviation of 2.0 dB and the largest peak only 1.2 dB near 4.3 kHz, so it avoids harshness. Watch for: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 1.7 dB low and a 3.5 dB dip near 6.8 kHz softens cymbals and sibilance, while the top octave runs about 2 dB hot, a slightly uneven treble.
The case for the RODE NTH-100: Bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the low mids are lifted about 2 dB, giving a warm, full sound with body in voices and guitars. The tradeoff: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 3.4 dB under target, with a 5.6 dB dip near 7.8 kHz, so cymbals and sibilance sound muted.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $30 saving on the RODE NTH-100 is not enough to make up the difference.
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This closed back has a very smooth response, with a deviation of 2.0 dB and the largest peak only 1.2 dB near 4.3 kHz, so it avoids harshness.
Amazon $159.00 eBay
Bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the low mids are lifted about 2 dB, giving a warm, full sound with body in voices and guitars.
Amazon $129.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | RODE NTH-100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $129.00 |
| Ranked | #150 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #181 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 76 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.01 dB standard deviation | 2.10 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.75 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.80 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 27 Hz (-5.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 110 dB/V |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (285 g) | 0.8 lbs (350 g) |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x from aden, auricularesargentina, boizoff, kuulokenurkka and listener; the RODE NTH-100 from boizoff, cammyfi, kuulokenurkka and suporsalad, all via squig.link.
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