Top 8 Best Grado Headphones of 2023 – Reviews and Comparison

In a blur of headphone brands on the market today, Grado has some of the most uniquely designed headsets in the business. Since 1953, they’ve been crafting headphones in Brooklyn, New York, and are known for producing extremely crisp quality sounds.

Grado Headphones are known for their open-back designs and extremely high-quality sound output.

This not only makes for such a cool vintage appearance, but they also create a full sound stage to maximize the listening experience.

They are ideal for use in studios where the sound quality is crucial.

Grado offers such a wide range of headphones across several classes, so you’re never limited to one type of sound or design.

We’ve made in-depth reviews of some of the best Grado Headphones to help you decide which one is right for you. Explore the unique features of these award-winning headphones and discover why they’ve become such a beloved staple in the audio industry.

1. GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Headphones

Experience improved bass resonance and enhanced clarity with these SR80e Headphones from the Prestige Series. Soft foam earpads create a comfortable fit, and they have the signature Grado vintage design.

Features

• 20 – 20,000Hz frequency response
• Plastic, polymer & foam materials
• Weighs 0.51 lbs
• 1.83m long cable
• Comfortable S-Cushions

Review

The SR80e Headphones are versatile enough to listen to a range of sounds, whether you’re in the studio or playing video games. A 4-conductor cable helps to balance frequencies, creating an even range. This prevents distortion or static so you can listen to more accurate sounds.

An open-back structure makes stereo recording more natural and rounded. This design makes them more suited to indoor use as they do leak some sound and don’t block out much background noise.

The drivers matched at .1dB lend to a punchy bass texture at high speeds, whilst still maintaining exceptional midrange sounds. As mentioned, the open-back construction means the drivers are exposed. This is impressive considering how strong the bass is, as this style usually causes a flat low pitch.

The earpads are very comfortable as they don’t compress your ears or cause pain when taking them off. They are lightweight making them easy to travel with. Plus, the long cable is handy for those playing instruments whilst they’re plugged into a stereo or other device.

2. GRADO SR325e Stereo Headphones

The SR325e Stereo Headphones provide a slightly heavier bass than the previous model. Equally from the Prestige Series, these share a similar classic design with exposed drivers and pleasant foam earpads.

Features

• 8-conductor cable
• Leather headband
• Brushed aluminum exterior
• 18 – 24,000 Hz frequency
• 0.79 lb Weight

Review

These SR325e Headphones are somewhat more heavy-duty when compared to the SR80e. They feature a luxurious leather headband, powder-coated aluminum outer earcups, and soft foam pads that sit nicely on the ears.

Thanks to this heavier construction, the transition between low and high frequencies is very smooth. It also reduces distortion in conjunction with the 8-conductor cable to produce a more detailed and broad sound.

This conductor also adds increased steadiness between the upper and lower frequencies. You’ll truly experience the dynamics of sounds, making them appear brighter and clearer like they’ve been filtered.

Due to the spacious outer design of these headphones, they don’t obstruct external noises from coming through. Because of this, they are best used in a home or studio environment where sound leakage isn’t a problem. Despite the slightly heavier materials, these are still lightweight and easy to carry around with you.

3. Grado SR225e Prestige Series Headphones

The Grado SR225e Headphones reproduce sounds that are truly high-fidelity for accurate bass, midrange, and treble movements. An open-back form gives heightened air circulation for distinct sounds to produce an intimate listening experience.

Features

• 1.7m cable
• Foam, plastic and metal materials
• Adjustable headband
• 20 – 22,000 HZ frequency
• 0.62 lbs

Review

Discover renewed details from your favorite tracks with the SR225e from the Prestige Series. Dynamic de-stressed drivers help to balance sound range and enhance stereo imaging. Compared to some previous models, the drivers on these headphones are updated for the highest quality.

The overall construction is shared between the cable, plastic and metal housing, and the drivers are made to diminish transient distortion to give precise sound reproduction.

In particular, these earphones focus on the specific instrument or voice that is playing at a certain time, which makes for such an enjoyable listening journey. These factors make them perfect for use in a music studio, where audio must be accurate to produce superior compositions.

With an outer metal grill, strong plastic earcups, and pliable foam pads, these are durable headphones that remain comfortable and pleasurable to wear. The earpads are replaceable, which is convenient in the long-term. The open-air design of the metal grill creates rich sounds, but again, it isn’t suitable for blocking out external noises.

4. GRADO SR60e Prestige Series Wired Headphones

Encounter full-spectrum audio with thumping bass sounds and uniform midrange for a fully realistic experience. For such incredible quality in the form and sound value, these are lean towards the affordable side when compared to competitors.

Features

• Open-back
• Plastic, polymer, foam
• 0.27 lbs
• 2.1m cable
• 4-conductor cable

Review

The SR60e Headphones are constructed to dampen static in the plastic construction for more pleasurable listening. New matched .1Db drivers are made to move air through the interior so the vibrations can accurately block any distortions. It maintains the signature Grado sound full of clarity.

While the bass is ideal, the higher pitch trebles are also well thought out. You can hear them in high detail instead of being muffled out like some others on the market. The midrange is smooth so there are no irregularities while listening to all types of music, even harsher metal or electric genres.

What it lacks in a wireless connection it makes up for with a long 2.1m cable, which allows more freedom of movement than others on the market. These have the same super comfortable foam earmuffs as the previous ones, with a leather-like headband that is thin and sits well on the head. They are true on-ear headphones, so they don’t appear bulky.

5. GRADO SR125e Prestige Series Open-Back Stereo Headphones

These all-black Prestige Series SR125e Headphones are made with Grado’s patented SpaceBlack Polycarbonate which absorbs vagrant vibrations for a more stable sound.

Features

• Open-back design
• Swiveling earcups
• 0.6 lbs lightweight
• Plastic, polymer, foam

Review

These SR125e Headphones are high-performance with a remarkable distinction between sound textures. Wide-open audio is produced because of the open-back structure. You have an equally smooth range between each level of sound: A punchy bass, animated midrange, and sparkling treble.

You have the best of all worlds with this even range, as these headphones focus on all aspects of audio. They don’t emphasize just one part of a song, instead, they bring out accurate beats from the source.

Pure audio can even be achieved on smaller electronic devices like a mobile phone, or iPad, which is difficult to find. The produced sound never feels excessive, as everything is well balanced to allow precise sounds to come through.

In terms of the construction, these are more stable than they may look at first glance. Although skinny in structure, they are sturdy thanks to firm plastic and stiff metal rods attached to a faux leather band. The foam pads are removable, which is handy for long-term use as you can replace them if they become weathered. Swiveling earcups let you sit them on your chest with ease when they’re not in use.

6. Grado Reference Series RS1e Headphones

Taking a step in a slightly different direction, these are part of the Reference Series. This class of headphones has specially hand-built drivers that are made to tune well with mahogany wood.

Features

• Open-air configuration
• 8-conductor cable
• Lightweight 0.66 lbs
• Full Leather Headband
• Metal Gimbals

Review

The RS1e Reference Series Headphones has earpieces that went through an intricate curing process that has augmented the tonal quality for unbeatable sound quality. An open-back design produces a very spacious audio full of purity for clean listening.

As we’ve mentioned in the previous models, this kind of design where the drivers are visible from the outside is not ideal for noise-canceling. They’re not made for listening to music on a busy train or to block out the low rumbles of an airplane, but they are made for enhancing sounds to their true form.

As well as exuding elegance from its exterior, these headphones generate rich sophisticated sounds. With the 8-conductor cable and 50mm transducer, the subsequent sound experience is controlled, yet with thorough dynamics. This also allows even the softest details of any music to be revealed for a fresh listening venture.

These are such handsome headphones that truly stand out from the crowd. The headband area is made from soft real leather, and the foam earpads sit so comfortably on the ears, so you could listen for hours. The subtle peek of gorgeous brown mahogany on the earcups adds so much class. They can certainly complement many styles, even with their vintage aesthetic.

7. GRADO PS500e Professional Series Wired Headphones

The PS500e Headphones are designed for true audiophiles with a passion for high-fidelity sounds that need to be heard with surgical precision. They are made for the Professional Series which uses metal housings for unprecedented accuracy.

Features

• Powder-coated aluminum
• 8-conductor cable
• Hybrid mahogany chamber
• 0.76 lbs
• 44mm speakers

Review

Hear every breath and tonal change with these PS500e Professional Series Headphones. A hybrid air chamber made from wood and metal is made to disperse resonances for uninterrupted flow. You’ll be able to hear full-bodied vocals on songs, terrific dynamics, and a particularly smooth top-end.

As these are designed for professional audio work, they deliver roomy sounds where you can hear and differentiate every instrument separately and clearly. Flaws in music are exposed quite obviously, which is why they compliment sound specialists so well as it helps them spot errors and resolve them.

The design is sleek, yet simple. This adds to its classiness as a headset for professionals in the audio business. Brushed aluminum outer ear cups with full black foam pads offer such a polished look, whilst still maintaining an element of charm with the vintage exposed stereo feel.

These ear cups can swivel for ease-of-use, and they fit snugly on your head with the sturdy leather headband. They are perfect for business use, even with the stripped-back aesthetic because they have such an appealing look that differs from most headphones on the market.

8. Grado GR10e Wired In-Ear Headphones

On the opposite end are these GR10e Wired In-Ear Headphones. These deliver the signature sound of all Grado headphones in a much smaller design. These suit people who are on the go and want to experience the Grado sound without the feel of over-ear headphones.

Features

• 3.5mm stereo plug
• 20 – 20,000 Hz response
• 1.3m cable
• 0.02 lbs super lightweight
• 6 additional ear tips included

Review

Starting with the exterior design, these are quite stunning and enjoyable to look at. They boast a mellow teal green shell with a copper-toned aluminum band that sits at the edge of the ear tips with a frosted transparent look.

The branding is clearly stamped on the sides, and there are left and right indicators placed clearly for you to see. You receive multiple tips in the package so you can use them in the long run.

These offer a higher level of accuracy than your average in-ear headphones. Upgraded materials provide an extension to the high and low-frequency ranges. The level of distortion has also been drastically reduced.

You can enjoy an equal mix between high, midrange, and low bass sounds for an all-rounded sound experience. This makes them perfect for working out as you can hear every detail in the music. You’re getting audiophile sound quality in a compact package.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a casual listener or studio producer, these Grado Headphones offer unbeatable sound and exclusive designs that make them stand out from competitors. Discover what you’ve been missing out on, you’ll probably never be able to go back to regular commercial-grade headphones that you’ll find on the general market.

Grado Headphones offer a step up from that and present a wide range to suit all kinds of listeners. Experience the acclaimed “Grado Sound” for yourself with your pair based on our carefully compiled list and reviews.