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Scored using 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 Igrado Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado Igrado 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 Igrado
4.9/10

Overall score

Score
4.9/ 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 98% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 98% of headphones
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 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 91% of models
Score components

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 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 93% of models
Score components

52%

4.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

8.4

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 93%
?

User score

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

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Where to buy
    N/A~ £55
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Grado Igrado

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 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 93% of models
Score components:

52%

4.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

8.4

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Grado Igrado has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.5
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
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Grado
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
85 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 85 g, lighter than 79.5% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Grado Igrado vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 61% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (85 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    85 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 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 %
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 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.
  • 61% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (85 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    85 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 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 %
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 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.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado Igrado is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 12.5% worse value for money
    Grado Igrado has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.46 vs 7.3).
    6.46 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado Igrado is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 12.5% worse value for money
    Grado Igrado has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.46 vs 7.3).
    6.46 vs 7.27
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 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 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    100 dB vs 110 dB
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 10 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2006 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2006
    2006 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
15/08/2007
Review · Open-back on-ear headphone
Verdict
The Grado iGrado is a detailed, open-sounding on-ear that's excellent value, but it leaks so much sound it's no use for commuting.
uk.pcmag.com
08/09/2006
Review · Street-style on-ear headphone
Verdict
The Grado iGrado is a comfortable, efficient on-ear, but its forward midrange and muted highs fall short of the Sennheiser PX-100.
theheadphonelist.com
22/06/2014
Review · Budget street-style headphone
Verdict
The Grado iGrado offers Grado's punchy sound for rock and metal at a budget price, but its open design and rigid band limit it.
macworld.com
27/12/2006
Hands-on review · Behind-the-head street-style headphone
Verdict
The Grado iGrado sounds like a classic Grado in a light, portable frame, but its plain looks and open design limit everyday appeal.
reviewed.com
27/12/2006
Lab test · Budget on-ear
Verdict
The Grado iGrado sounds good for its price, but the hard band and open backs make it a poor pick for travel or long sessions.
avguide.ch
29/08/2007
Review · Neckband street headphone
Verdict
The Grado iGrado is a natural-sounding street headphone with punchy bass and a comfortable neckband, but it lets in outside noise and doesn't fold.
connect.de
14/04/2008
Review · On-ear headphone
Verdict
The Grado iGrado is a clear, uncolored on-ear that suits music at 192 kbps and higher, though its all-plastic build may put some buyers off.
lesnumeriques.com
07/02/2013
Review · Neckband on-ear headphone
Verdict
The Grado iGrado is a light, precise on-ear with a wide soundstage, but its plastic build and fussy earcup placement make it feel cheap.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado Igrado

  • Excellent sound quality for the price, utilizing drivers from the higher-end SR60/SR60i models
  • Lightweight and secure fit makes them suitable for exercise and outdoor activities
  • Detailed, natural soundstage with clear instrument separation
  • Punchy and precise bass response compared to other 'streetstyle' headphones
  • High efficiency allows them to be easily powered by mobile devices and laptops

What customers don't like about Grado Igrado

  • Rigid, non-adjustable neckband can be uncomfortable or too small for many adult head sizes
  • Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation
  • Build quality feels plasticky and 'cheap' with visible molding seams
  • Thin, non-detachable cable is prone to tangling or breaking over time
  • Foam ear pads can cause pressure pain during long listening sessions

Verdict

The Grado iGrado is an entry-level, street-style neckband headphone featuring the same 40mm dynamic drivers used in the prestigious SR60 series. Designed for portable use, it employs an open-back architecture with a vented diaphragm and neodymium magnets to produce a detailed, 'front-row' sound signature with a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz, 32-ohm impedance, and 100dB sensitivity. Its main pros include an exceptionally high-quality sound for its budget-friendly price, a lightweight design (often cited under 100g) ideal for active users, and a secure fit for exercise. However, its notable cons include significant sound leakage and lack of isolation due to the open design, a rigid plastic build that may feel flimsy, and a non-adjustable neckband that some users find uncomfortable during extended listening sessions.

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