OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Grado GW100 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:15 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado GW100 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 GW100
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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 73% of models
Score components

80%

5.3

Technical score

20%

8.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 73% of headphones
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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 79% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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 85% of models
Score components

52%

4.8

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.8

Design

8%

6.8

Connectivity

6%

5.6

Battery

4%

5.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 85%
8.0

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 60% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 60%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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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Headphones model ranking

Ranked #753 of 1,029 models in Headphones (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Grado GW100

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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 85% of models
Score components:

52%

4.8

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.8

Design

8%

6.8

Connectivity

6%

5.6

Battery

4%

5.8

Calls & Controls

5.3
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 60% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
6.5/ 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–² Better than 58% of models
Popularity:
Grado GW100 has a popularity score of 6.5 points, which is higher than that of 57.7% of products in this category.
6.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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 79% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

6.9
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
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
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
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% 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
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 4.2, newer Bluetooth version than 67.7% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
40 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 40 ms, lower audio latency than 77.2% of headphones and equal to 14.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
15 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 15 hours, lower battery life than 79.3% of headphones and equal to 3.8% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
2 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 47.8% of headphones and equal to 39% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
320 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 320 mAh, lower battery capacity than 82.1% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Grado
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
170 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 170 g, lighter than 64.1% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Grado GW100 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Adaptive support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • LE Audio support
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • 22% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    170 g vs 218 g
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 22% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    170 g vs 218 g
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 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
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Adaptive support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • LE Audio support
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    15 hours vs 30 hours
  • 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
  • 44.8% lower battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (320 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    320 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free 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.
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Grado GW100 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Grado GW100 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • 5.6% worse value for money
    Grado GW100 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.88 vs 7.3).
    6.88 vs 7.27
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free 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.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 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
  • 2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 10.2 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (99.8 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    99.8 dB vs 110 dB
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    15 hours vs 30 hours
  • 44.8% lower battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (320 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    320 mAh vs 580 mAh

Video reviews

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

9.0
J.A.A.R by Wei
≈ estimated
02/06/2021
Hands-on review · wireless mode, sound and battery tests
Verdict
Grado GW100 sounds good over Bluetooth, with a wide soundstage and strong battery life for daily use.
9.0
Deaudiofilos in English
≈ estimated
17/02/2021
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and battery tests
Verdict
Grado GW100 is a very good open wireless headphone with the house sound, though the price is on the high side.
9.5
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
17/08/2020
Hands-on review · wired and wireless sound tests
Verdict
Grado GW100 sounds near-perfect to the creator, but only in its wireless DSP-corrected form.
8.0
Tic Tech Toe Labs
≈ estimated
10/04/2020
Two-week review · sound, comfort and portability tests
Verdict
Grado GW100 sounds very good for wireless, but suits quiet listening rather than noisy commutes.
8.0
Super* Review
✓ explicit
22/10/2018
Hands-on review · sound, Bluetooth and build tests
Verdict
Grado GW100 sounds great wired and very good over Bluetooth, though the build feels a bit lacking for the price.
7.0
MajorHiFi
≈ estimated
12/10/2018
First impressions · sound and build notes
Verdict
Grado GW100 has warm, character-rich sound that suits listeners who want colour over neutrality.
6.0
Home Studio Basics
≈ estimated
29/01/2019
First impressions · sound and build notes
Verdict
Grado GW100 is a good headphone with a mid-range bump, but not worth the asking price in the creator's view.
Shop video
Not graded
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

soundguys.com
06/08/2018
Hands-on review · Wireless open-back
Verdict
The Grado GW100 suits Grado fans and anyone wanting open-back sound without wires, but its leaky design makes it unsuitable for public places.
gizmodo.com
11/10/2018
Review · Wireless open-back
Verdict
The Grado GW100 sounds delightful and leaks less than older Grados, but its flimsy build and missing extras make it a choice mainly for Grado loyalists.
majorhifi.com
08/10/2018
Review · Wireless open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado GW100 is a rich, spacious wireless pair for Grado fans and home listeners, though its open-back design isolates poorly.
R
rtings.com
11/12/2018
Summary of the review
Grado GW100 Wireless Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
eftm.com
14/11/2018
Review · Wireless open-back Bluetooth
Verdict
The Grado GW100 sounds similar to the SR80e in wireless form, best for solo listening at home rather than trains or quiet offices.
techradar.com
07/02/2019
Hands-on test · Open-back wireless
Verdict
The Grado GW100 sounds wide and warm, but its open-back design leaks too much sound for commuting or shared spaces.
H
head-fi.org
22/12/2019
Summary of the review
Grado GW100 - Reviews - Head-Fi
kopfhoerer.de
11/11/2021
Review · Wireless open-back on-ear
Verdict
The Grado GW100 V2 is a comfortable open-back wireless on-ear with deep, clear sound for home office use, though its calls sound muffled.
S
stereo.de
01/03/2019
Summary of the review
Grado GW 100 - Testergebnisse - stereo.de
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
23/03/2019
Summary of the review
Grado GW100 open-back on-ear headphones review
(Translated)Show original
on-mag.fr
23/03/2019
Hands-on test · Wireless open-back
Verdict
The Grado GW100 is a light on-ear Bluetooth pair with rich, lively sound, but its open design suits only quiet rooms.
Z
zococity.es
01/01/2021
Summary of the review
Grado GW100 - Bluetooth Headphones (Product Review and Features v2)
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
28/08/2019
Summary of the review
Grado GW100 Wireless Headphones Review
(Translated)Show original
global.techradar.com
02/12/2019
Review · Wireless open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado GW100 has wide, warm sound, but its open design leaks too much sound for commuting or busy places.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Grado GW100

  • Retains the signature Grado open, airy, and detailed soundstage wirelessly
  • Surprising bass response that is fuller and punchier than typical wired Grado models
  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Unique open-back design allows for situational awareness
  • Physical tactile buttons are intuitive and easy to operate
  • Wired mode capability allows continued use if the battery is dead

What customers don't like about Grado GW100

  • High sound leakage and zero noise isolation make them poor for commuting or public spaces
  • Plasticky build quality feels less premium compared to the price and wood-housed models
  • Loud and irritating voice prompts for 'Power On/Off' cannot be disabled
  • Lack of a companion app means no official way to adjust EQ settings
  • The 15-hour battery life (V1) is relatively low compared to modern wireless competitors
  • Some users report stability issues where the headphones can slide during movement

Verdict

The Grado GW100 is the world’s first open-back Bluetooth headphone, featuring 44mm dynamic drivers matched within 0.05dB and a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz. It offers a lightweight, on-ear design with an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 99.8 dB, supporting Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX for high-quality wireless audio. Its main characteristics include a wide, immersive soundstage typical of the Grado signature and a neutral, clear audio profile that excels with acoustic and vocal-centric genres. The primary pros are its exceptional clarity, comfortable fit for extended sessions, and the ability to be used passively with an included 3.5mm cable if the 15-hour battery dies. However, its open-back design causes significant sound leakage and lacks isolation from ambient noise, making it unsuitable for commuting or office use, and the plastic build may feel less premium compared to competitors.

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