Grado RS2i Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£480
  • Avg. price in US: ~$500
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado RS2i review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.0

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%

3.0

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.0

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%

2.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.6

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

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

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.3

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 2.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.3

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • grado-rs2i
grado-rs2i

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £480

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 RS2i is a high-performance open-air, on-ear headphone from the Reference Series, featuring hand-crafted mahogany housings designed to reduce resonance and enhance tonal purity. It is equipped with 40mm vented dynamic drivers matched to within 0.05dB, providing a wide frequency response of 14Hz – 28kHz, an impedance of 32 ohms, and a sensitivity of 98dB. Key characteristics include an 8-conductor ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) copper cable and 'de-stressed' diaphragms for improved detail. Main pros are its vivid, ultra-lucid midrange, fast transient response, and lightweight design that facilitates long listening sessions. However, it is frequently noted for a treble-heavy tonal balance that can lack deep bass impact, a relatively stiff and non-detachable cable, and foam ear pads that some users find abrasive or uncomfortable.

Technical Specifications of Grado RS2i

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

3.0
Grado RS2i has a technical score of 2.96 points, which is lower than that of 99.5% 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 RS2i 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%

3.0

Overall score

40.0%

8.0

Price

4.5
Grado RS2i has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.5 points, which is lower than 97.1% 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 RS2i 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 RS2i 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 RS2i 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

14 Hz
Grado RS2i reaches a lowest frequency of 14 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 64.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
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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

N/A
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

no
Grado RS2i is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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 RS2i 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

N/A
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 RS2i 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
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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 RS2i 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 RS2i does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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

255 g
Grado RS2i weighs 255 g, heavier than 64.2% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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

2.2
Grado RS2i has a clamp force of 2.2, lower clamp force than 94.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
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Grado RS2i vs the average headphone

  • 2.1 lower clamp force
    Grado RS2i has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    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

    Grado RS2i has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.2 vs 4.3
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Grado RS2i has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Grado RS2i has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Grado RS2i has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Grado RS2i has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4 Hz lower bass extension
    Grado RS2i has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 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 RS2i has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.14 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Open-back design
    Grado RS2i 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 RS2i uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.5 m more useful cable length
    Grado RS2i offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.7 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado RS2i offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.7 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.1.7 m vs 1.2 m
  • 2.1 lower clamp force
    Grado RS2i has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • Open-back design
    Grado RS2i uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.5 m more useful cable length
    Grado RS2i offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.7 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Grado RS2i has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Grado RS2i has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 4 Hz lower bass extension
    Grado RS2i has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado RS2i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 17% higher weight
    Grado RS2i is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Grado RS2i 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 RS2i does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado RS2i does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Grado RS2i has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Grado RS2i has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Not headset-ready
    Grado RS2i is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Grado RS2i has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado RS2i does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 years older release date
    Grado RS2i was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 2009
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado RS2i 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 RS2i does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado RS2i 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 RS2i does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado RS2i 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 RS2i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Grado RS2i is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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

    Grado RS2i is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Grado RS2i has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 RS2i has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 17% higher weight
    Grado RS2i is heavier than the average headphone (255 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 RS2i is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.255 g vs 218 g
  • 5.33x more expensive
    Grado RS2i is more expensive than the average headphone (£480 vs £90).
    Grado RS2i is more expensive than the average headphone (£480 vs £90).£480 vs £90
  • 50.7% worse value for money
    Grado RS2i has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.47 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 RS2i has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.47 vs 6.736).4.47 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Grado RS2i and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado RS2i?

  • Incredible mid-range and treble detail with excellent transients and speed
  • Hand-crafted mahogany wood enclosures that provide natural warmth and a unique aesthetic
  • Lightweight design that feels remarkably airy and doesn't clamp the head too tightly
  • Easy to drive from portable sources like iPods or laptops due to 32-ohm impedance
  • Highly involving and 'intimate' soundstage that makes the listener feel on stage with performers
  • Improved 8-conductor cable over the previous RS2 model for better signal control

What customers dislike about Grado RS2i?

  • Treble-heavy tonal balance that can be fatiguing or sound 'bright' to some listeners
  • Lacks deep sub-bass impact and 'slam,' making them less ideal for EDM or hip-hop
  • Foam ear cushions are often described as stiff, scratchy, and uncomfortable for long sessions
  • Open-back design offers virtually no noise isolation and leaks sound to those nearby
  • Non-removable, thick, and somewhat bulky cable can be cumbersome for some users
  • Simple 'pizza box' cardboard packaging and lack of included accessories (like a 3.5mm adapter)

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
18/08/2008

The Head-Fi comparative review contrasts the Grado SR225, Grado RS2, and Alessandro MS-Pro, highlighting the SR225 as an energetic, rock-focused headphone with fun, aggressive treble, though it suffers from harsh highs and poor sub-bass extension. Conversely, the wood-bodied RS2 offers a warmer, more balanced sound with better bass impact and intimate, forward vocals, though it...Read more

H
head-fi.org
27/10/2010

The Grado RS-2i headphones are praised for a lively, organic sound characterized by superb resolution, articulate micro-dynamics, and tight bass, while being highly efficient for portable use. However, premium amplification is required to eliminate potential treble harshness, and the factory pads cause significant comfort issues that often necessitate aftermarket replacements....Read more

S
soundandvision.com
27/01/2012

The Sound & Vision review of the Grado RS2i highlights a distinctive, handcrafted mahogany design that is remarkably lightweight, though the unit is criticized for its thick cable and abrasive foam earcups. While praised for exceptional inner detail, transparency, and fast transient response, the headphones are considered polarizing due to a lean, treble-dominated sound signature...Read more

S
stereo.de
01/03/2014

The Grado RS2i open-back headphones deliver an energetic, analytical sound featuring exceptional micro-detail resolution and fast transients, ideal for vocal and acoustic tracks. Their handcrafted mahogany housings reduce resonance, while high efficiency makes them easy to drive, with main drawbacks being a treble-heavy, sometimes harsh sound and limited sub-bass. Physical, on-ear...Read more

M
misauriculares.com
16/12/2019

The Hifiman Sundara is an open-back, planar-magnetic headphone priced as a strong competitor to the Sennheiser HD 660 S. The reviewer praises its metal construction, outstanding comfort, and weight distribution facilitated by a synthetic leather suspension headband. Sonically, it delivers a neutral, highly balanced frequency response with lovely bass and mids, coupled with slightly...Read more

H
head-fi.org
27/10/2010

The Grado RS 2i headphones offer a highly open, live-like sound with excellent micro-dynamics and a superb, coherent midrange. Pros include outstanding resolution and ease of driving, though the sound scales with better amplification and the 595 Euro European price is considered high. Cons center on comfort, with stock pads causing pain, and a lack of extreme low-end extension....Read more

Video reviews

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