Grado GR8 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado GR8 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    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.

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.

Technical Specifications of Grado GR8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.6
Grado GR8 has a technical score of 4.58 points, which is lower than that of 67.8% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
Grado GR8 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

5.9
Grado GR8 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 85.5% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Grado GR8 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

balanced armature
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Grado GR8 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Grado GR8 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Grado GR8 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Grado GR8 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Grado GR8 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Grado GR8 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Grado GR8 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Grado
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

9 g
Grado GR8 weighs 9 g, lighter than 96.5% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Grado GR8 vs the average headphone

  • 95.9% lower weight
    Grado GR8 is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Grado GR8 is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.9 g vs 218 g
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Grado GR8 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Grado GR8 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (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
    Grado GR8 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado GR8 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Grado GR8 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Grado GR8 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (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
  • 95.9% lower weight
    Grado GR8 is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Grado GR8 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Grado GR8 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Grado GR8 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado GR8 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Grado GR8 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Grado GR8 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Not headset-ready
    Grado GR8 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grado GR8 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado GR8 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 years older release date
    Grado GR8 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2009
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado GR8 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado GR8 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado GR8 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado GR8 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Grado GR8 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado GR8 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Grado GR8 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Grado GR8 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grado GR8 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Grado GR8 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Grado GR8 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Grado GR8 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 13.2% worse value for money
    Grado GR8 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.95 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Grado GR8 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.95 vs 6.736).5.95 vs 6.74
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Grado GR8 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
    Grado GR8 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90

Graphic comparison of Grado GR8 and

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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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

A
avforums.com
31/07/2012

The AVForums review of the Grado GR8 highlights their ability to deliver a natural, detailed, and unforced sound signature similar to Grado’s full-sized headphones, emphasizing a flat, accurate bass response over artificial boosting. While praised for their comfort and lack of ear fatigue during long sessions, the in-ear monitors are noted for a, at-the-time, high price point and a...Read more

D
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019

The Grado GR8 in-ear headphones step into the portable audio market with an exceptionally lightweight, bullet-head design crafted for listeners seeking high-quality sound on the go. Utilizing a highly efficient "moving armature" design, these earphones deliver a remarkably balanced, texture-rich, and detailed three-dimensional soundstage. Their standout performance features a highly...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
12/10/2011

The Grado GR8 in-canal earphones offer excellent, finely balanced audio performance designed to satisfy audiophiles looking for a natural, flat frequency response. They feature an ultra-lightweight, 0.3-ounce design with a shiny dark blue metallic finish, providing a highly secure and comfortable fit that naturally blocks out passive ambient noise. Equipped with a moving armature...Read more

C
cnet.com
13/05/2011

The Grado In-Ear GR8 review on CNET highlights a pair of lightweight, 9-gram earbuds designed to offer audiophile-quality acoustics. A major benefit noted in the review is the versatile sound signature, which uses a single moving armature design to bypass driver crossover, delivering highly accurate notes, natural lifelike imaging, and even separation across musical genres....Read more

H
head-fi.org
17/07/2012

The Head-Fi review "Ortofon EQ-5 and Grado GR8: Battle of the Moving Armatures" compares two distinct, premium in-ear monitors. The Ortofon e-Q5 is highlighted for its durable, dual-part metal housing and punchy, dynamic bass with an organic mid-range. However, the e-Q5 suffers from a lack of a cable slider and high sensitivity that produces background hiss. In contrast, the Grado...Read more

H
head-fi.org
11/09/2009

The Grado GR8 in-ear monitors are described as providing a lifelike, organic, and well-balanced sound with exceptional treble and mid-range clarity, offering an airy, spacious soundstage ideal for classical or acoustic music. These lightweight, comfortable earphones are lauded for their natural tonality and lack of listening fatigue, making them a strong alternative to more clinical...Read more

H
head-fi.org
13/09/2009

The Grado GR8 in-ear monitors are described in the Head-Fi thread as offering a highly balanced, natural, and organic sound signature, moving away from the typical aggressive, bright treble of traditional Grado headphones. Key strengths include exceptionally smooth, full-bodied mids with excellent male vocal performance and highly detailed, non-fatiguing highs that create a...Read more

T
totallydubbed.net
19/08/2012

The Grado GR8 is a lightweight, moving armature driver earphone evaluated at an expensive purchase price of £280. The reviewer notes several prominent pros, including a very elegant golden packaging, a high-quality aesthetic finish, and an incredibly lightweight design that offers outstanding comfort when worn over the ear. Additionally, it features excellent microphonics with...Read more

E
enjoythemusic.com
01/10/2010

The Grado GR8 is a $299 single moving armature in-ear monitor (IEM) that delivers an impressive, high-end "headstage" reminiscent of Grado’s traditional over-the-ear SR-series headphones. Vocals sound exceptionally lifelike, and the treble avoids the cheap "one-note" pitfalls of competing models by cleanly differentiating high-pitched sounds like metal cymbals. It provides a...Read more

A
avguide.ch
11/06/2014

Sound Character and Polarization The Grado iGi earphones deliver a unique sound profile that separates them from competitors and polarizes listeners. The audio features prominent mid-range frequencies, which provide a natural, warm volume for big-band jazz and realistic acoustic textures for classical strings without overpowering the treble or bass. However, this specific tuning is...Read more

T
tweakers.net
01/03/2025

The review evaluates thirteen sub-100 euro in-ear headphones, highlighting that wireless earbuds can deliver a respectable sound experience, active noise cancellation (ANC), and good battery life without requiring top-tier pricing. The JBL Tune Beam 2 stands out as the best overall choice and the top performer for ANC, boasting an exceptional battery life of up to 15 hours without...Read more

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