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ALTERNATIVES
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Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Grado Signature HP100 SE Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£2,640Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado Signature HP100 SE Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.2/10

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▼Worse than 95% of headphones
3.9

Value for money

Value for money
3.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 99%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 89%
?

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £2,640
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 Signature HP100 SE

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.2
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Grado Signature HP100 SE 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
3.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

3.9
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
52 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 52 mm, larger driver size than 94.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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
3.5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 3.5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 99.3% 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
over-ear
Weight
520 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 520 g, heavier than 98.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Grado Signature HP100 SE vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 12 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (52 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    52 mm vs 40 mm
  • 14.5 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (3.5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    3.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 31,500 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (51,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    51,500 Hz vs 20,000 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 %
  • 0.6 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    1.8 m vs 1.2 m
  • 14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 8 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2024 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 2024
    2024 vs 2016
  • 0.6 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    1.8 m vs 1.2 m
  • 12 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (52 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    52 mm vs 40 mm
  • 14.5 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (3.5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    3.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 31,500 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (51,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    51,500 Hz vs 20,000 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 %
  • 14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 0.46 dB tighter channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (0 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    0.04 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 8 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2024 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 2024
    2024 vs 2016
  • 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.
  • 2.39x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (520 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    520 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 29.33x more expensive
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£2,640 vs £90).
    £2,640 vs £90
  • 86.1% worse value for money
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.91 vs 7.3).
    3.91 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.
  • 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 Signature HP100 SE is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 29.33x more expensive
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£2,640 vs £90).
    £2,640 vs £90
  • 86.1% worse value for money
    Grado Signature HP100 SE has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.91 vs 7.3).
    3.91 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado Signature HP100 SE is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.39x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (520 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    520 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

8.0
Skeeb23
≈ estimated
08/04/2025
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and alternate pads
Verdict
Grado Signature HP100 SE is energetic and fun with a very good sound signature, though clamp force and sibilance are notable drawbacks.
7.0
ZP Productions
≈ estimated
14/03/2025
First look · sound impressions and comparison with Composer
Verdict
Grado Signature HP100 SE is fun and energetic, but less accurate than rivals, so better as a second headphone.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

t3.com
19/02/2025
Listening test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a balanced, detailed and engaging listen, though its perceived value falls short of its sound at this price.
ecoustics.com
10/02/2025
Listening test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE has a very wide, open soundstage and strong vocals, but its heavy weight and thin headband padding make long sessions uncomfortable.
positive-feedback.com
05/02/2025
Reference listening · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a very neutral, transparent reference headphone with fast, precise dynamics, though it reveals poor recordings and needs a long break-in.
hifichoice.com
28/10/2025
Short listening review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE delivers smooth, detailed sound with a wide, precise soundstage, suiting listeners who want a Grado reference headphone.
headphone.guru
29/10/2024
Reference listening · Amplifier pairing
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a revealing reference headphone with a very large, enveloping soundstage and fast transients, but it demands a capable amplifier and clean sources.
M
musictech.com
25/02/2026
Summary of the review
The Grado headphones making life harder for music makers
eddie0817.wordpress.com
03/12/2024
Hands-on test · Source pairing
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE has a wide, detailed sound, but it is very cable-sensitive and sounds best with a strong amp and warmer copper cables.
musicalhead.de
14/02/2025
Listening test · Open-back over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a lively, detailed open-back headphone with surprisingly deep bass, but it needs good amplifiers and recordings and is heavy.
S
stereo.de
04/04/2025
Summary of the review
Grado HP100 SE Review: The Best Dynamic Headphone?
(Translated)Show original
O
open-end-music.com
14/02/2025
Summary of the review
GRADO HP100 SE Review - open-end-music-professional
(Translated)Show original
on-mag.fr
09/04/2025
Expert test · Open-back high-end headphones
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a precise, forceful open-back headphone that suits mastering and seated hi-fi listening, but it is heavy and reveals every flaw in a recording.
hautefidelite-hifi.com
05/03/2026
Bench test · Open-back listening
Verdict
The Grado Signature HP100 SE suits enthusiasts with quiet rooms and good amplifiers, offering transparent, detailed sound while its open design lets in outside noise.
M
maplatine.com
2024/2025
Summary of the review
GRADO SIGNATURE HP100 SE Headphones (Product sheet with review and test)
(Translated)Show original
A
auriculares-hifi.com
04/01/2025
Summary of the review
Grado Labs Signature HP100 SE Headphones & Signature S950 (Headphone Community)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado Signature HP100 SE

  • Exceptional soundstage that is expansive, open, and wide
  • Remarkable detail retrieval and resolution across the frequency range
  • First Grado model to feature a detachable cable system (4-pin mini XLR)
  • Highly dynamic and energetic sound while remaining natural and balanced
  • Premium hand-machined aluminium build with no plastic components
  • Included multiple earpad styles (G-cushions and F-style) for sound tailoring
  • Redesigned headband with 50% more padding for improved fit

What customers don't like about Grado Signature HP100 SE

  • Heavy weight (over 500g) can lead to hotspots or fatigue during long sessions
  • Included 12-conductor cable is bulky, heavy, and stiff
  • High retail price (approx. £2,795 / $2,495) makes perceived value a concern
  • Headband adjustment mechanism can feel 'agricultural' for the price point
  • Upper mid-range can occasionally feel 'shouty' or over-emphasised on some tracks
  • Open-back design is highly revealing of any flaws in the source equipment

Verdict

The Grado Signature HP100 SE is a premium open-back headphone featuring a completely redesigned 52mm dynamic driver with a paper composite cone, copper-plated aluminum voice coil, and high-flux rare-earth magnets. Technically, it boasts an exceptionally wide frequency response of 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz, a low 38-ohm impedance for easy drivability, and a high sensitivity of 117 dB. Main characteristics include individually machined aluminum housings in a space grey finish and, for the first time in Grado's history, a detachable 12-conductor braided cable system. Pros include its expansive soundstage, remarkable detail retrieval, and a refined, neutral sound signature that improves on classic Grado bass extension. Notable cons include its relatively heavy 514g build, a high flagship price point, and a tendency to reveal flaws in lower-quality audio recordings or equipment.

Compare Grado Signature HP100 SE with other products in the Headphones category

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