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Grado GR8 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado GR8 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Grado GR8
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 87% of headphones
6.6

Value for money

Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 89%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 73%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • grado-gr8
grado-gr8
Where to buy
    N/A~ £260
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Grado GR8

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Grado GR8 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

6.6
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
balanced armature
Driver size
?
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Grado
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
9 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 9 g, lighter than 96.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Grado GR8 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 95.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    9 g vs 218 g
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 0.45 dB tighter channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (0.1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    0.05 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 95.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    9 g vs 218 g
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 0.45 dB tighter channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (0.1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    0.05 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado GR8 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado GR8 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 10.1% worse value for money
    Grado GR8 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.61 vs 7.3).
    6.61 vs 7.27
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Grado GR8 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 7 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2009
    2009 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Shop video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

cnet.com
13/05/2011
Listening test · Single-driver in-ear
Verdict
The Grado GR8 is a light, smooth-sounding in-ear that suits many genres, but its tiny tips and lack of extras make it hard to justify for average listeners.
uk.pcmag.com
12/10/2011
Listening test · In-canal earphone
Verdict
The Grado GR8 is a lightweight, balanced in-ear with clear sound and a secure fit, but it has no carrying case and no iPhone controls.
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Review · Accurate in-ear sound
Verdict
The Grado GR8 is an accurate, very light in-ear with balanced sound, but it isn't built for active use and its bass is tight rather than deep.
avforums.com
31/07/2012
Review · Natural-sounding in-ear
Verdict
The Grado GR8 is a natural, lifelike in-ear that suits long listening sessions and flights, though its cord joint and lack of a case are weak points.
enjoythemusic.com
01/10/2010
Hands-on test · Wired in-ear
Verdict
The Grado GR8 is a natural, lifelike in-ear with a good seal for travel, but its short cable and need for more volume limit home use.
totallydubbed.net
19/08/2012
Long-term review · Wired in-ear
Verdict
The Grado GR8 is light, comfortable and well isolated when worn over the ear, but its thin bass and washed-out mids don't justify the high price.
thegadgetdigest.com
17/07/2026
Lab tests · Open-back on-ear
Verdict
The Grado GR8 is a light, open on-ear pair with wide, detailed sound for checking mixes and calls, but it leaks sound and lacks punch in action scenes.
thegadgetdigest.com
18/07/2026
Lab tests · Wired in-ear
Verdict
The Grado GR8 is a neutral, detailed in-ear that suits vocals and close listening, but its rolled-off treble lacks sparkle and its cable cannot be removed.
T
tweakers.net
01/03/2025
Summary of the review
Round-up: Thirteen In-Ears (Grado Comparison)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado GR8

  • Excellent audio performance with highly accurate, detailed, and uninhibited sound
  • Lightweight architecture and extremely comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Balanced frequency response with particularly natural and full-bodied vocals
  • Impressive stereo separation and a wide, realistic soundstage for in-ear monitors
  • Secure fit that effectively isolates outside noise when properly sealed
  • Low microphonic cable that minimizes noise from friction or handling
  • Highly efficient design that is easy to drive with portable devices

What customers don't like about Grado GR8

  • Steep price point that may not be justified for the average listener
  • Bass response is tight but lacks depth and profound sub-bass impact
  • Scanty offering of accessories, notably missing a carrying case or pouch
  • Thin, lightweight cable can feel fragile or prone to tangling
  • Limited selection of included silicone ear tips may lead to fit issues for some
  • No integrated smartphone controls (e.g., volume or microphone)
  • Slight distortion may occur at maximum volume on tracks with deep bass

Verdict

The Grado GR8 is a high-end, Japanese-manufactured moving armature in-ear headphone featuring a single, wide-range transducer designed for exceptional sonic coherence without crossovers. It offers a 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, high 120-ohm impedance, and 118dB sensitivity, delivering an exceptionally detailed, articulate sound with a surprisingly large, three-dimensional soundstage and tight, accurate, though not overpowering, bass. Key strengths include an incredibly lightweight, comfortable fit for long listening sessions, excellent passive noise isolation, and a revealing, energetic character ideal for rock and acoustic music. Cons include a thin, fragile-feeling cable that tangles easily, lack of a carrying case or microphone/controls, and a steep price point with limited, potentially challenging, eartip sizing for some users.

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