If you want a lightweight USB-C wired headset for PC with an in-line mic and simple controls, choose Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK; if you need on-ear headphones built for detailed monitoring and passive noise isolation, choose Rode RØDE NTH-50. For everyday computer listening and calls, I’d pick the Audio-Technica; for focused creative work, the Rode has the stronger case.
Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK vs Rode RØDE NTH-50 at a Glance
• Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK strength: USB-C connection, in-line microphone and media controls, and a lightweight, fold-flat design. Trade-off: No stated noise control; it is a wired on-ear model.
• Rode RØDE NTH-50 strength: A custom 40 mm driver, detailed audio design, passive noise isolation, and a detachable cable. Trade-off: At 220 g, it weighs more than the Audio-Technica’s 111 g, and its listed connection is 3.5 mm rather than USB-C.
• For everyday PC calls and listening: Choose the Audio-Technica for its USB-C connection and in-line call controls.
• For focused listening and creative work: Choose the Rode for its stated monitoring focus and passive isolation.
• Who should buy which: The Audio-Technica suits someone who prioritizes light weight and easy computer calls; the Rode suits someone who prioritizes listening detail, isolation, and cable flexibility.
The ATH-S120C-BK is a wired, on-ear headphone with a USB-C connector and an in-line microphone. Its controls let you play or pause audio, skip tracks, change volume, and answer or end calls. For a PC setup with a compatible USB-C port, that combination makes it a practical choice for switching between a video meeting, a podcast, and music without reaching for the computer every time.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Its strongest everyday advantage is the listed weight: 111 g. The compact design folds flat for storage, which makes it easier to tuck away when you finish working or carry it alongside a laptop. Audio-Technica also describes it as compatible with iOS and Android devices, broadening its usefulness beyond computer listening.
I’d choose it for a light, straightforward wired headset where calls and media controls matter more than isolation. Skip it if passive noise isolation is a priority, or if you specifically need a detachable cable: neither feature is listed for this model. It is also not a Bluetooth headset, despite wireless technology appearing in the product information; its specified connection is wired USB-C.
The NTH-50 is a wired, on-ear headphone aimed at monitoring and creative work. Its custom-matched 40 mm driver and resonant chamber are designed to deliver balanced bass while preserving clarity in the midrange and treble. The product information also describes its acoustic design as focused on accurate response and low distortion. Those features make it the more purpose-built option for listening closely to audio while editing or creating.
Passive noise isolation is another meaningful distinction. It may suit a desk or studio environment where reducing surrounding sound helps you concentrate, though it is not active noise cancellation. The contoured headband is intended to reduce wearing fatigue, and the headphone uses aluminium construction. The cable detaches and can connect on either side, giving you more flexibility when routing it around your workspace.
The trade-off is a listed weight of 220 g, roughly twice the Audio-Technica’s 111 g. The NTH-50 also uses a 3.5 mm connection, so check that your PC has a compatible headphone input or an appropriate way to connect it. I’d consider it for monitoring and focused listening, but not as the simpler pick for USB-C computer calls: an in-line microphone and call controls are not listed.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for answering calls from the headset → Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK. It has an in-line mic and controls for answering and ending calls.
• Best for lightweight wear → Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK. Its listed weight is 111 g, compared with 220 g for the Rode.
• Best for folding away between sessions → Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK. Its housings fold flat for storage.
• Best for passive isolation → Rode RØDE NTH-50. Passive noise isolation is a stated feature; active noise cancellation is not.
• Best for focused monitoring and creative listening → Rode RØDE NTH-50. Its custom 40 mm driver and acoustic design are presented for detailed, accurate listening.
• Best for cable-routing flexibility → Rode RØDE NTH-50. Its cable detaches and attaches on either side.
• Best match for a long-work-session comfort feature → Rode RØDE NTH-50. Its contoured headband is designed to help minimize wearing fatigue, though the Audio-Technica is substantially lighter by the listed weights.
The connection and microphone details deserve a careful check before choosing. The Audio-Technica’s USB-C connector is convenient if your PC supports audio over USB-C, but that compatibility should not be assumed for every port or computer. The Rode’s 3.5 mm connection is familiar, but the product information does not list an in-line mic or call controls. If headset calls are central to your workday, that makes the Audio-Technica the more straightforward choice based on the stated features.
It’s also easy to confuse passive isolation with ANC when browsing for computer audio gear. The NTH-50 is described as providing passive noise isolation; neither model lists active noise cancellation. If your goal is specifically anc bluetooth earbuds for pc, neither product matches that description: both are wired, on-ear headphones. And if you want a wireless headset, neither has a listed Bluetooth connection.
My Verdict
I’d buy the Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK for a general-purpose headset for PC because it pairs a USB-C wired connection with an in-line mic, useful call controls, low listed weight, and fold-flat storage. That is a practical mix for meetings, videos, and everyday listening. I’d choose the Rode instead if my main job were monitoring audio and I valued passive isolation, its detachable cable, and its stated focus on detailed sound more than the extra weight or 3.5 mm connection.
FAQ
Which is better for PC calls, the Audio-Technica or Rode?
The Audio-Technica is the clearer fit based on the listed features: it has an in-line mic and controls for answering and ending calls. The NTH-50’s product information does not list an in-line microphone or call controls.
Does the Rode RØDE NTH-50 have active noise cancellation?
No active noise cancellation is listed. The NTH-50 is described as providing passive noise isolation, which is different from electronic ANC. The Audio-Technica lists no noise control.
Which headphones are lighter for long PC sessions?
The Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-BK is listed at 111 g; the Rode NTH-50 is listed at 220 g. The Rode has a contoured headband designed to minimize wearing fatigue, while the Audio-Technica’s main comfort-related advantages are its light weight and compact design.
Is the Rode NTH-50 worth choosing over the Audio-Technica?
That depends on which features matter to you. The Rode brings passive isolation, a custom 40 mm driver, and a detachable cable; the Audio-Technica brings USB-C, an in-line mic and controls, and lower listed weight. Check the current price on Amazon before deciding, since price is not the basis of this comparison.
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