Grado Igrado Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£55
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

3.4

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%

3.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.4

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%

2.7

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

3.4

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

  • 1.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    8.4

    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

  • 4.6
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

    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.

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.

Technical Specifications of Grado Igrado

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

3.4
Grado Igrado has a technical score of 3.43 points, which is lower than that of 94.6% 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 Igrado 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%

3.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.4
Grado Igrado has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.4 points, which is lower than 93.2% 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 Igrado 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

40 mm
Grado Igrado uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 Igrado 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 Igrado 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 Igrado 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 Igrado 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

?
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 Igrado 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
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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 Igrado 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 Igrado 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 Igrado 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

on-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

85 g
Grado Igrado weighs 85 g, lighter than 79.6% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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

open-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

?
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Grado Igrado vs the average headphone

  • 61% lower weight
    Grado Igrado is lighter than the average headphone (85 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 Igrado is lighter than the average headphone (85 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.85 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Grado Igrado 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 Igrado includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Foldable design
    Grado Igrado has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado Igrado has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Open-back design
    Grado Igrado uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado Igrado uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 61% lower weight
    Grado Igrado is lighter than the average headphone (85 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    Grado Igrado has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Open-back design
    Grado Igrado uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Grado Igrado 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 Igrado has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Grado Igrado 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 Igrado does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado Igrado does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Grado Igrado has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Grado Igrado has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    Grado Igrado has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado Igrado does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 11 years older release date
    Grado Igrado was released earlier than the average headphone (2,006 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2006
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado Igrado does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Grado Igrado does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado Igrado 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 Igrado does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado Igrado 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 Igrado 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 Igrado 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 Igrado 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
  • 24.7% worse value for money
    Grado Igrado has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.40 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 Igrado has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.40 vs 6.736).5.4 vs 6.74
  • 4.65x less popular
    Grado Igrado 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 Igrado is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Grado Igrado 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 Igrado 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 Igrado does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado Igrado does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Graphic comparison of Grado Igrado and

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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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
09/05/2010

The Grado iGrado headphones offer a budget-friendly (£55), portable on-the-go design with a neckband, featuring impressive audio performance that rivals more expensive models. Proponents praise the balanced, natural sound with wide soundstage, excellent imaging, and surprisingly tight, substantial bass for an open-back design. Conversely, the, utiltarian, open-air design is...Read more

R
reviewed.com
27/12/2006

The Reviewed article on the Grado Labs iGrado headphones presents a critical look at a budget-friendly audio option, highlighting severe design flaws despite its attractive price point. Pros of the iGrado include a very affordable $50 price tag, which makes its downsides easier to overlook for casual listeners. Performance-wise, the headphones feature minimal distortion across lower...Read more

M
macworld.com
27/12/2006

The Macworld review evaluates the Grado iGrado, a $50 pair of portable, "streetstyle" neckband headphones. The pros center entirely around its impressive audiophile-grade sound quality and physical comfort. Utilizing the exact same drivers as the acclaimed $70 SR-60 model, the iGrado delivers a warm, well-balanced sound, strong midrange detail, and a punchy, pronounced bass response...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
22/06/2014

The Grado iGrado headphones offer impressive sound quality for their sub-$50 price point by using the same acclaimed drivers found in the brand's larger SR60 model. Their primary strength lies in their ability to deliver the famous, forward, and edgy "Grado magic," making them arguably the best-sounding choice in their budget class for rock and metal genres. They feature a full,...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
08/09/2006

The Grado Labs iGrado is a $49 street-style, behind-the-neck headphone that fails to live up to the brand's high reputation, earning a mediocre "Fair" rating of 2.5 out of 5. While they are highly comfortable and utilize the same drivers as the acclaimed SR60 model, the significantly smaller earcup enclosures severely compromise the audio performance. Furthermore, the design...Read more

W
whathifi.com
15/08/2007

The Grado iGrado neckband headphones deliver a brilliantly open, detailed, and clear sound that punches far well above their budget-friendly £45 price tag. A notable upgrade replaced the original standard driver with the upgraded driver from the SR60i hi-fi headphones, alongside a minor aesthetic shift from a black to a brown cable. This specific technical improvement dramatically...Read more

C
connect.de
15/12/2006

The Grado iGrado is a lightweight, dynamic headphone weighing just 75 grams, designed to deliver audiophile-grade performance in a highly portable format. Tested by the German publication connect, it achieved an overall score of 60 out of 120 points, earning a "good" rating overall and an "outstanding" (überragend) value-for-money distinction. Technically, the headphones feature an...Read more

C
connect.de
14/04/2008

The Grado iGrado is an on-ear headphone set designed in New York specifically for the Apple iPod. Made entirely of plastic, these headphones are available in black or white. They feature relatively large sound transducers. They use a neckband design to stay in place on your ears. The price is 80.00 € and the review gives it a high score of 80.0 points. The sound from this device is...Read more

A
avguide.ch
29/08/2007

The iGrado is a semi-open street headphone designed specifically for mobile devices like the iPod, blending Grado's legendary audio heritage with portable functionality. Built with the same driving magnets, voice coils, and diaphragms as the highly acclaimed SR60, it utilizes a bass-reflex construction and lightweight membranes to achieve an exceptionally high-quality sound...Read more

F
forum.lesnumeriques.com
07/02/2013

Review Overview The review forum discussion covers the Grado iGrado, an affordable, ultra-portable behind-the-neck headphone model that utilizes the same praised drivers as Grado's more premium audiophile options. The main selling point highlighted by the community is its excellent sound quality relative to its price point, which offers an open, detailed audio profile highly...Read more

M
maplatine.com
[Date non spécifiée]

The Grado iGRADO is an open-back dynamic headphone specifically engineered for portable use with any device equipped with a 3.5mm jack. To ensure high-quality sound without a premium price tag, Grado equipped this budget-friendly model with the exact same transducers found in their highly acclaimed SR60i headphones. The build features high-quality wiring with High Purity Long...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
07/02/2013

The Grado iGrado is an ultra-portable, neckband-style headphone that delivers impressive high-fidelity audio performance at a budget-friendly price. By reusing the high-end audio transducers from the brand's well-regarded SR60 model, this lightweight, 85-gram open-back headphone punches well above its weight class musically. Its main strengths lie in its wide soundstage, accurate...Read more

P
platomania.nl
12/12/2011

The review on the Platomania webpage highly recommends the Grado i-Grado Black headphones, concluding that they are an excellent option within their price range. The core strength highlights a very detailed sound that delivers excellent value for money. Structurally, the reviewer praises its open-back system, which helps create a natural listening experience. On the downside, the...Read more

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