RØDE, the Australian audio brand best known for its microphones and studio gear, has introduced a new addition to its headphone lineup: the NTH-50. Priced at $99 on Amazon, this wired on-ear headphone model aims to serve DJs, podcasters, and audio engineers who need reliable sound monitoring and a durable design, without straining their budgets.

If you’ve followed RØDE’s product journey, you might already know its earlier NTH-100 over-ear headphones, which won attention in the professional audio community. The NTH-50 builds on that foundation, but with a few design and price adjustments that make it more accessible and portable for everyday creators.

At first glance, the NTH-50 looks familiar—some have even compared it to the well-known Sennheiser HD25 Pro, a classic in DJ and field recording circles. But RØDE has made it clear this isn’t just a copy. The NTH-50 swaps the HD25’s split headband for a single, contoured headband designed to relieve pressure on the top of the head, making it more comfortable for long stretches of use. It’s even been designed to better accommodate people who wear glasses, which is a nice nod to real-world comfort.

What’s under the hood? The NTH-50 houses custom 40mm dynamic drivers inside what RØDE calls an innovative resonant chamber. This setup is tuned to deliver clear, accurate sound with minimal distortion—important if you’re working in the studio, mixing audio, or recording live performances. 

The headphones cover an impressive frequency range (5Hz to 35kHz), providing detailed lows, mids, and highs without exaggerated bass or treble. In short, they’re built to give you a neutral sound profile that helps you hear what’s actually in your recordings, not just what sounds “fun.”

While the NTH-50 doesn’t have active noise cancelation (ANC), it offers solid passive noise isolation thanks to its snug, on-ear fit and closed-back design. RØDE reports about -21dB of isolation, which can help block out a fair amount of background noise—handy if you’re monitoring in a noisy environment like a live venue or busy studio. Plus, the isolation works both ways: it helps prevent sound from leaking out, which is useful if you’re recording near a sensitive microphone.

One thing that stands out about the NTH-50 is its focus on flexibility and longevity. The headphones come with a 1.7-meter cable that combines both straight and coiled sections, giving you enough length to move comfortably at a desk or mixing console. You can connect the cable to either ear cup, thanks to RØDE’s locking 3.5mm jack system, and the package includes a 3.5mm-to-¼-inch adapter so you can plug into various audio setups.

RØDE also leans into modularity with this design: the ear cushions, headband, and cable can all be replaced if they wear out over time. This not only extends the life of the headphones but also makes them more practical for studios or shared workspaces, where multiple people may be using the same gear. The ear pads are lined with memory foam, designed to conform to your head and promote airflow, reducing heat buildup during long sessions.

For creators who want even more versatility, RØDE offers the optional NTHMic accessory, which transforms the NTH-50 into a broadcast headset—ideal for podcasting, live streaming, or commentary work.

Durability is another central feature. The NTH-50 sports aluminum faceplates and a matte black, scratch-resistant finish, designed to hold up under the bumps and knocks of daily studio or field use. RØDE backs this up with a lifetime warranty, which is notable at this price point. It’s a practical touch, especially for creators who know how quickly gear can wear down with regular use.

The RØDE NTH-50 slides into a specific niche: affordable, wired on-ear headphones for professionals who need reliable, accurate monitoring without extra frills. It’s not trying to compete with wireless consumer headphones or ANC-heavy models, and it’s not built for casual music listening on the go. Instead, it’s a practical tool for creators who want to focus on their work, whether that’s mixing tracks, monitoring live sound, or recording a podcast.

For $99 on Amazon, the NTH-50 offers an approachable entry point into RØDE’s headphone lineup, with a design that emphasizes sound clarity, comfort, and replaceable parts. It may not be flashy, but it’s designed to get the job done.