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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 SR125e Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado SR125e 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 SR125e
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 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 84% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

8.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 84% of headphones
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 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 84% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
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 95% of models
Score components

52%

4.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 95%
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 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–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 80%
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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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Headphones model ranking

Ranked #1 of 1,029 models in Headphones (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Grado SR125e

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 95% of models
Score components:

52%

4.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
8.4/ 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–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
7.9/ 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–² Better than 75% of models
Popularity:
Grado SR125e has a popularity score of 7.9 points, which is higher than that of 75.2% of products in this category.
7.9
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

6.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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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
145 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 145 g, lighter than 71.2% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
2.4
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.4, lower clamp force than 92.2% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Show more

Grado SR125e vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 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.
  • 33.5% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (145 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    145 g vs 218 g
  • 1.9 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.4 vs 4.3
  • 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 %
  • 1.1 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.3 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.
  • 33.5% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (145 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    145 g vs 218 g
  • 1.9 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.4 vs 4.3
  • 1.1 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.3 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.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 6.9% worse value for money
    Grado SR125e has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.8 vs 7.3).
    6.8 vs 7.27
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Grado SR125e is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).
    £160 vs £90
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2.2 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.
  • 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

9.0
Buttery Digs
≈ estimated
11/02/2017
Unboxing and first listen · records at home
Verdict
Grado SR125e's sound makes it a satisfying first serious pair, despite a heavy cable and loud leakage.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
25/11/2014
Hands-on test · Open-back sound
Verdict
The Grado SR125e is a detailed, lively open-back for home listening, but its leaky sound and unusual look may not suit everyone.
R
rtings.com
30/05/2016
Summary of the review
Grado SR125e/SR125 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
headphonereview.com
01/11/2016
Hands-on review · Open-back on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR125e sounds big and balanced for home listening, but its cheap-feeling pads make it less comfortable than its sound would suggest.
joesgeekfest.wordpress.com
31/03/2017
Personal listening review · Open-air sound
Verdict
The Grado SR125e offers crisp, detailed sound with tight bass for quiet home listening, though its open design leaks sound to others nearby.
homestudiobasics.com
04/05/2022
Comparison review · Open-back sound
Verdict
The Grado SR125e is clear, detailed and lively, but its harsh midrange bump and bulky cable make it hard to recommend over the Koss KPH30i.
consumerreports.org
14/08/2014
Lab test · Open-air on-ear
Verdict
The Grado Prestige SR125e is a detailed, mostly neutral home headphone with good impact, though its bass can be boomy and its midrange edgy.
misauriculares.com
15/11/2019
Personal listening review · Open-back on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR125e is lively and dynamic at home, but its sharp treble, heavy cable and hot foam pads make long listening tiring.
M
misauriculares.com
20/11/2019
Summary of the review
Comparison: Grado SR125e vs Philips Fidelio X2/00
(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 SR125e

  • Lively and fast sound signature with excellent transient response
  • Exceptionally clear and detailed midrange performance
  • Wide and airy soundstage due to the open-back design
  • Lightweight and simple retro-style construction
  • Punchy and tight bass that handles complex tracks well
  • Easy to drive without needing a dedicated amplifier or DAC

What customers don't like about Grado SR125e

  • Cumbersome, non-detachable cable that is widely considered too thick and stiff
  • On-ear foam pads (S-Cushions) can become hot and uncomfortable during long sessions
  • Poor noise isolation and significant sound leakage by design
  • Aggressive mid-range/treble spikes that may lead to ear fatigue or sound 'shouty'
  • Flimsy and plasticky build quality compared to higher-end models
  • Limited value proposition over the more affordable SR60e or SR80e models

Verdict

The Grado SR125e is an open-back, on-ear headphone from the Prestige Series featuring 32-ohm impedance, a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, and a sensitivity of 99.8dB. Key technical characteristics include hand-matched drivers to within 0.1dB, an eight-conductor cable with ultra-high purity long-crystal copper voice coils, and a proprietary SpaceBlack polycarbonate housing designed to minimize unwanted resonances. Its primary pros are a lively, fast sound with a wide soundstage, exceptional midrange clarity, and a lightweight 145g design that makes them easy to drive even without an external amplifier. However, notable cons include significant sound leakage and poor noise isolation due to the open-back design, a fixed and occasionally cumbersome thick cable, and on-ear foam cushions that some users find uncomfortable for long sessions.

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