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Grado GR8e Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£320
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado GR8e review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.3

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%

4.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.3

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%

4.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

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

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 7.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £320

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 GR8e is a high-performance in-ear headphone featuring a single moving armature driver that delivers a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz, a sensitivity of 118dB/mW, and a nominal impedance of 32 ohms. Its primary characteristics include a lightweight 9-gram design and an oxygen-free copper cable with a gold-plated 3.5mm plug. Main pros include its natural, articulate vocal reproduction, exceptional midrange detail, and a compact, comfortable fit that provides effective passive noise isolation. However, some users note cons such as a lack of deep sub-bass impact, a thin cable that can be prone to tangling, and a minimalist accessory package that lacks an included carrying case or in-line remote.

Technical Specifications of Grado GR8e

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

4.3
Grado GR8e has a technical score of 4.28 points, which is lower than that of 81.3% 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 GR8e 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%

4.3

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

5.6
Grado GR8e has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.6 points, which is lower than 90.7% 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 GR8e 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

8 mm
Grado GR8e uses a driver size of 8 mm, smaller driver size than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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

no
Grado GR8e does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Grado GR8e is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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 GR8e 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

no
Grado GR8e does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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
Show more
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 GR8e 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 GR8e vs the average headphone

  • 95.9% lower weight
    Grado GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Grado GR8e has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Grado GR8e uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Grado GR8e does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    Grado GR8e has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Grado GR8e has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grado GR8e has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado GR8e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    Grado GR8e has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    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

    Grado GR8e has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado GR8e 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 GR8e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado GR8e 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 GR8e has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Grado GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e 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 GR8e has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 3.56x more expensive
    Grado GR8e is more expensive than the average headphone (£320 vs £90).
    Grado GR8e is more expensive than the average headphone (£320 vs £90).£320 vs £90
  • 4.65x less popular
    Grado GR8e 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 GR8e is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 19.3% worse value for money
    Grado GR8e has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.65 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 GR8e has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.65 vs 6.736).5.65 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Grado GR8e and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado GR8e?

  • Articulate and defined sound with excellent detail in the mids and highs
  • Extremely lightweight architecture and compact housing
  • Highly comfortable for long listening sessions with supple silicone tips
  • Impressive three-dimensional soundstage and imaging for an in-ear monitor
  • Versatile sound signature that excels with rock, jazz, and classical music
  • Coherent audio performance due to the single moving armature driver design

What customers dislike about Grado GR8e?

  • Sub-bass response is considered lacking or not deep enough for bass enthusiasts
  • High price point makes them feel overpriced compared to multi-driver competitors
  • Lack of accessories, such as a carrying case, adapters, or iPhone controls
  • Non-detachable, thin cable that some users find prone to tangling or microphonics
  • Limited selection of included ear tips may cause fit issues for some ear shapes
  • Logo on the housing is prone to rubbing off over time

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
26/02/2015
Grado's new line of IEM: GR10e and the GR8e - Head-Fi

A Head-Fi user review for the Grado GR8e highlights good bass depth, a spacious soundstage, and an excellent "crunch" for rock music, though it was ultimately returned due to a specialized sound signature and comfort issues. While praised for its, the IEM is criticized for having an unnatural upper mid-range resonance that causes sibilance, along with a poor fit for smaller ear...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
10/06/2017
Grado IGe vs GR8e Comparison Review - Major HiFi

The Grado IGe ($99) provides a sturdy, chunky build with a powerful, driving low end that makes it highly suited for bass-heavy genres like Rock and Hip Hop. Its 24-ohm impedance makes it exceptionally efficient for portable devices, meaning it requires less power to drive effectively. On the downside, its low end lacks fine detail, and its overall presentation misses out on the...Read more

H
head-fi.org
28/09/2015
Grado GR8e In-Ear Headphone - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Grado GR8e in-ear monitorsGo feature durable build quality with a functional, comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions, praised for high-quality, detailed mid-range and treble performance. Utilizing a single balanced armature, they provide precise instrument separation and clear imaging that excel in genres like rock and classical. However, the GR8e lacks...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
24/04/2016
Grado GR8e Review - Major HiFi

The Major HiFi review by Carroll Moore highlights the Grado GR8eGo as a tiny, lightweight, and surprisingly durable mid-tier in-ear headphone retailing around $299. The core pros centered on its excellent comfort levels—allowing the reviewer to quickly forget they were wearing them—and an articulate, well-defined soundstage that provides great separation between musical notes....Read more

H
headfonia.com
14/04/2015
Grado - GR8e - Headfonia

The Headfonia review of the $299 Grado GR8e highlights it as an evolutionary, single-driver update featuring a durable aluminum alloy sound tube and high efficiency for portable sources. Pros include exceptional comfort from supple Ortofon ear tips, a useful tactile marker for orientation, and a cohesive, airy soundstage ideal for rock and folk music. However, cons involve sparse,...Read more

A
avguide.ch
12/06/2014
Testing Nine In-Ear Headphones - The Elite of Earbuds", "Nine In-Ear Headphones Reviewed - High Society Earbuds

The Grado iGi is an asymmetric in-ear headphone priced at around 110 Swiss Francs that prioritises audio fidelity over modern features, completely omitting an in-line remote and microphone. Developed after the founder's sons took an interest in the form factor, the earphones come with a unique double-sealed plug design alongside various alternative tips to ensure a secure fit and...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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