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Grado Igi Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£80
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado Igi 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%

4.2

Technical Score

20.0%

6.4

User score

Poor
4.2

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%

4.2

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
6.4

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%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(57)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(57)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 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

  • 8.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • grado-igi
grado-igi

Best prices in UK

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 iGi is a lightweight (9g) wired in-ear headphone featuring proprietary wide-bandwidth dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, 24-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 105dB. Its main characteristics include an exceptionally balanced and detailed soundstage typical of the Grado house sound, facilitated by an oxygen-free copper cable and four sizes of interchangeable eartips that provide an effective passive acoustic seal. Pros include its impressive clarity, rhythmic drive, and energetic bass performance for its price class; however, cons involve a lack of an inline microphone, potential harshness in the upper frequencies during long sessions, and mediocre build quality reported by some users.

Technical Specifications of Grado Igi

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%

4.2

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

4.2
Grado Igi has a technical score of 4.21 points, which is lower than that of 83% 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%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(57)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(57)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.4
Grado Igi has a user score of 6.36 points, which is lower than that of 89% of products in this category.
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.
3.5
Grado Igi has a popularity of 3.5 points, which is lower than 57.4% 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%

10

Price

6.2
Grado Igi has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 74.9% 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 Igi 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

dynamic
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

9 mm
Grado Igi uses a driver size of 9 mm, smaller driver size than 92.3% of headphones and equal to 2.6% 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi vs the average headphone

  • 95.9% lower weight
    Grado Igi 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 Igi is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.9 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Grado Igi 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 Igi includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Grado Igi has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 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 Igi has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 95.9% lower weight
    Grado Igi is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Grado Igi has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Grado Igi 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 Igi has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Grado Igi uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Grado Igi has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Grado Igi 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 Igi has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado Igi does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 years older release date
    Grado Igi was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2009
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Grado Igi has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 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 Igi has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado Igi 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 Igi does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi 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 Igi has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 25.8% lower user score
    Grado Igi has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.36 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Grado Igi has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.36 vs 8.000).6.36 vs 8
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Grado Igi uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado Igi uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 8 years older release date
    Grado Igi was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2009
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Grado Igi was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2009 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Grado Igi and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
57 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
57 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Grado Igi?

  • Exceptionally balanced sound across the frequency range
  • Tight, quick, and impactful bass response
  • Impressive clarity and detail for the price point
  • Spacious soundstage with good width for an in-ear model
  • Lightweight and portable design suitable for travel
  • Includes four sizes of ear tips to ensure a proper seal
  • Tactile raised dot on the left earphone for easy orientation in the dark

What customers dislike about Grado Igi?

  • Lack of control in upper midrange and lower treble can cause harshness or sibilance
  • Prone to listening fatigue during sessions longer than an hour
  • Mediocre build quality and overall flimsy feel
  • Poor isolation from external noise compared to competitors
  • Cable is non-detachable and lacks an inline microphone/remote
  • Highly sensitive to source quality; poor performance with low-bitrate tracks
  • Uncomfortable for some users due to fit or material choices

Expert reviews

M
majorhifi.com
04/06/2016
Grado IGE Review

The Grado iGe is an economically priced $99 in-ear headphone aimed primarily at casual consumers and smartphone users. It distinguishes itself as the manufacturer’s first earphone to incorporate an Apple-licensed controller. Performance-wise, it delivers a deep, strong, and rich low end that mostly stays clean, alongside highly accurate, almost pristine midrange frequencies....Read more

W
whathifi.com
01/09/2016
Grado iGe review

The Grado iGe in-ear headphones represent the brand's first venture into smartphone-optimized listening, introducing a "Made for iPhone" three-button inline remote and microphone. Priced at £100, these entry-level buds replace the older iGi model and feature an improved driver response housed inside a functional, easily-gripped rubberized casing. The packaging includes four sizes of...Read more

R
rudyscorner.com
12/11/2009
The In-Ear Monitor Quest, Part 4: Grado iGi

The review of the Grado iGi in-ear monitors (IEMs) highlights that a mandatory, lengthy break-in period of 100 hours is required to transform the sound from "stiff" and "squished" to a performance featuring tight bass and an exceptionally clean midrange. Once fully broken in, the IEMs deliver high-quality musical impact and are described as having the clearest midrange the reviewer...Read more

H
head-fi.org
27/10/2010
Grado iGi Earphones

The Grado iGi earphones offer a budget-friendly in-ear monitor (IEM) solution that captures the brand’s signature, detailed, and airy sound, particularly excelling in rock and metal genres. Key strengths include an energetic, non-fatiguing sound signature, efficient design not requiring an amplifier, and excellent isolation when a proper seal is achieved. However, the iGi is limited...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013
Grado iGi Review

The Grado iGi is a discontinued budget-oriented dynamic in-ear monitor (IEM) that originally launched with an MSRP of $89. On the positive side, the earphones deliver a tight and quick bass response with good impact, excellent clarity and detail across the frequency range, and a spacious soundstage with impressive width. However, these acoustic strengths are heavily offset by a...Read more

W
whathifi.com
30/01/2012
Grado iGi review

The Grado iGi wired earbuds offer an exceptionally balanced sound across the entire frequency range, delivering an appealing tone that adapts well to different tracks, whether exciting or soothing. Tested at a price tag of £90, these headphones prove to be worth the money by providing highly detailed and dynamic audio. Reviewers noted their impressive capability during quiet,...Read more

A
avguide.ch
11/06/2014
Nine In-Ear Headphones Reviewed: High-End Earbuds

The Grado iGi earphones deliver a highly unique, midrange-forward sound signature that strongly polarises listeners, resulting in either deep appreciation or total rejection. Priced at around 110 Swiss Francs, these audiophile-focused in-ear headphones completely ditch an in-line remote and microphone to invest entirely in sound quality. Their physical design stands out due to an...Read more

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