OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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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 RS1e Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£750Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado RS1e 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 RS1e
5.3/10

Overall score

Score
5.3/ 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 92% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

6.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 92% of headphones
5.7

Value for money

Value for money
5.7/ 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 96% of models
Score components

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

6.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
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%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.1

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.4

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 93%
6.8

User score

User score
6.8/ 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 89% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

4.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 89%
  • grado-rs1e
grado-rs1e
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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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Grado RS1e

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%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.1

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.4

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
6.8/ 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 89% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

4.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.8
Popularity
Popularity
4.1/ 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 66% of models
Popularity:
Grado RS1e has a popularity score of 4.1 points, which is lower than that of 65.2% of products in this category.
4.1
Value for money
Value for money
5.7/ 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 96% of models
Score components:

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

6.6

Price

5.7
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
50 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 8.2% 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
12 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 64.9% of headphones and equal to 2.1% 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
?
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
Show more
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
255.1 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 255.1 g, heavier than 64.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
2.7
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.7, lower clamp force than 85.5% of headphones and equal to 2.3% of headphones.
Show more

Grado RS1e vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 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.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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 %
  • 1.6 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.7 vs 4.3
  • 3.37 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (4.6 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    4.57 m vs 1.2 m
  • 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.
  • 1.6 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.7 vs 4.3
  • 3.37 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (4.6 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    4.57 m vs 1.2 m
  • 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.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 17% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (255.1 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    255.1 g vs 218 g
  • 8.33x more expensive
    Grado RS1e is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£750 vs £90).
    £750 vs £90
  • 28% worse value for money
    Grado RS1e has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.68 vs 7.3).
    5.68 vs 7.27
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 8.33x more expensive
    Grado RS1e is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£750 vs £90).
    £750 vs £90
  • 28% worse value for money
    Grado RS1e has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.68 vs 7.3).
    5.68 vs 7.27
  • 17.3% lower user score
    User score
    6.8/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Grado RS1e
    the average pair of headphones
    Grado RS1e has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.82 vs 8).
    6.82 vs 8
  • 44.3% less popular
    Grado RS1e is less popular than the average pair of headphones (4.07 vs 5.9).
    4.07 vs 5.87
  • 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.
  • 17% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (255.1 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    255.1 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 2.2 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
  • 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.
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

4.0
Passion for Sound
≈ estimated
11/12/2020
Long-form review · listening, measurements and comparisons
Verdict
Grado RS1e is too flawed for its price; cheaper rivals are more enjoyable to listen to.
Not graded
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

soundandvision.com
04/08/2016
Magazine review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado RS1e is a light, wide-open headphone with clear detail that suits listening at home more than on the move.
joewilcox.com
23/10/2016
Personal review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado RS1e sounds defined and spacious and rewards high-quality sources, but its bass lacks punch and it is pricey.
positive-feedback.com
12/03/2018
Listening comparison · RS1 vs RS1e
Verdict
The Grado RS1e beats the original RS1 with tighter focus, clearer highs and a bigger soundstage, though the RS1 sounds warmer and more laid back.
S
superbestaudiofriends.org
22/02/2020
Summary of the review
Grado RS1e Review - All Grado Gloriousness
homestudiobasics.com
14/05/2022
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado RS1e has detailed, fast sound and good bass, but its 2kHz peak, bright treble and bulky cable hold it back.
O
open-end-music.com
02/03/2015
Summary of the review
Grado Headphones Review: The Third Generation
(Translated)Show original
M
maplatine.com
30/12/2018
Summary of the review
Grado RS1e Hi-Fi Headphones - Discontinued Products - maPlatine.com
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
25/06/2022
Summary of the review
Grado RS1x Review (Detailed Comparison with the RS1e)
(Translated)Show original
Z
zococity.es
2026
Summary of the review
Sound Profile Analysis of the GRADO RS1e
(Translated)Show original
R
remusic.it
29/03/2022
Summary of the review
Brocksieper EarMax SE headphone amplifier
(Translated)Show original
Y
yumpu.com
21/09/2016
Summary of the review
SUONO No. 509 - Grado Reference RS1E Headphones
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Grado RS1e

  • Exceptional midrange clarity and 'vivid' detail retrieval
  • Natural, organic sound signature with excellent timbre for acoustic instruments and vocals
  • Spacious and open soundstage that provides good instrument separation
  • Fast transient response, giving music a lively and engaging 'energetic' feel
  • Lightweight design that is easy to drive even from portable devices like smartphones or laptops
  • Beautiful handcrafted mahogany wood earcups providing a unique, retro aesthetic

What customers don't like about Grado RS1e

  • Poor on-ear comfort; the stock 'L-cushion' foam pads are often described as scratchy or painful over time
  • Cumbersome, thick, and non-detachable cable that can feel heavy and awkward
  • Noticeable bass roll-off, resulting in a lack of deep sub-bass 'slam' for electronic or hip-hop music
  • Bright or peaky treble that may cause sibilance or fatigue for treble-sensitive listeners
  • Questionable build quality for the price, specifically regarding the plastic adjustment sliders and overall 'flimsy' feel
  • Significant sound leakage due to the open-back design, making them unsuitable for public or noisy environments

Verdict

The Grado RS1e is an open-back, on-ear headphone handcrafted in Brooklyn featuring 50mm dynamic drivers housed in resonance-reducing mahogany wood chambers. Technically capable, it offers a frequency response of 12Hz–30kHz, 32-ohm impedance for easy driving by portable devices, and drivers matched to within 0.05dB for precise stereo imaging. Its main characteristics include a warm yet highly detailed sound signature, particularly praised for its vivid midrange and 'organic' timber that excels with acoustic and vocal tracks. Pros include a spacious soundstage, fast transient response, and a lightweight 9oz build with a genuine leather headband. However, common cons include a lack of sub-bass impact due to bass roll-off, a thick and cumbersome non-detachable cable, and potential discomfort from the foam L-cushions during long listening sessions.

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