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Grado SR225e Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£220
Avg. price in US: ~$200
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado SR225e review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Poor

3.2

Poor

9.0

Exceptional

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
1.2
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.9
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
3.6
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.9
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

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#711 in Best Wired Headphones
#1282 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Grado SR225e is an open-air, supra-aural headphone featuring a dynamic driver with a frequency response of 20Hz–22kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and 99.8dB sensitivity. Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, it is characterized by its large, non-resonant air chambers and drivers matched to within 0.05dB for precise stereo imaging. Main pros include its exceptional transparency, fast transient response, and a rich, detailed midrange that excels with acoustic and live recordings. However, notable cons include its polarizing on-ear comfort, high sound leakage due to the open-back design, and a fixed, bulky eight-conductor cable that can be cumbersome for some users.

Technical Specifications of Grado SR225e

Overall score

4.4

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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.

Sound

2.7

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

2.8

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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

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

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

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

6.2

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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

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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Features

2.7

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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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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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Design

6.1

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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

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 SR225e vs the average headphone

Why is Grado SR225e better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado SR225e 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 SR225e includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
1.9 lower clamp force
Grado SR225e has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.4 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 SR225e has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.4 vs 4.3
34 mm more spacious earcup width
Grado SR225e offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (77 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado SR225e offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (77 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.77 mm vs 43 mm
Open-back design
Grado SR225e 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 SR225e uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.8 m more useful cable length
Grado SR225e offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 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 SR225e offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2 m vs 1.2 m
12.8% higher user score
Grado SR225e has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.02 vs 8.000).
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.
Grado SR225e has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.02 vs 8.000).9.02 vs 8
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Grado SR225e has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 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 SR225e has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
2.15x more popular
Grado SR225e is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 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 SR225e is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
1.9 lower clamp force
Grado SR225e has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
34 mm more spacious earcup width
Grado SR225e offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (77 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Open-back design
Grado SR225e uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.8 m more useful cable length
Grado SR225e offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Grado SR225e has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado SR225e includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Grado SR225e worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Grado SR225e has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Grado SR225e 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 SR225e does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
5.5% higher weight
Grado SR225e is heavier than the average headphone (230 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No passive noise reduction
Grado SR225e 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 SR225e has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado SR225e has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
10.2 dB lower max SPL
Grado SR225e has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (99.8 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
1 fewer microphones
Grado SR225e has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Grado SR225e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Grado SR225e 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 SR225e does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Grado SR225e 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 SR225e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Grado SR225e 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 SR225e 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 SR225e 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 SR225e 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
2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado SR225e has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99.8 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 SR225e has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (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
Grado SR225e has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Grado SR225e has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
14.5% worse value for money
Grado SR225e has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.89 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 SR225e has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.89 vs 6.736).5.89 vs 6.74
Tangle-prone cable
Grado SR225e 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 SR225e uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Grado SR225e and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Grado SR225e?

Exceptional clarity and resolution, especially for acoustic and live performances
Open and spacious soundstage that provides great instrument separation
Lightweight and simple, durable design
Highly efficient and easy to drive from most sources (phones, laptops)
Excellent value for money, often cited as the 'sweet spot' of the Prestige line
Neutral and natural sound signature that excels with rock, jazz, and classical music

What customers dislike about Grado SR225e?

Generally considered uncomfortable for long listening sessions due to the firm 'L-cushion' foam pads
Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation
Bass response lacks deep sub-bass 'thump' and may feel thin for EDM or hip-hop
Thick, heavy, non-detachable cable can be cumbersome and prone to tangling
Treble can be peaky and fatiguing for some listeners on certain recordings
Aesthetic and build materials can feel 'cheap' or 'plasticky' compared to competitors

Expert reviews

medium.com

18/08/2023

Review of the Grado SR225 Headphones

The Medium review of the Grado Prestige SR225e highlights the headphones' surprising durability, noting the retro design and plastic construction withstand years of heavy, daily use without damage. Sonically, the review praises the perfectly matched drivers for delivering highly accurate, high-fidelity sound, even under extreme volume. While the lack of a microphone or volume...Read more

consumerreports.org

Not Dated

Grado Prestige SR225e Headphone Review

The Consumer Reports review of the Grado Prestige SR225e highlights these open-back headphones for their exceptional, airy sound quality, natural timbre, and impressive midrange/treble clarity. Featuring medium sensitivity, the unit delivers high-resolution audio suitable for both home and portable equipment without needing an amplifier. Conversely, the open-air, on-ear design lacks...Read more

homestudiobasics.com

23/02/2025

Grado SR225e Review: Is the Fabled Clarity Worth the Compromises?

The Grado SR225e is an open-back, on-ear dynamic headphone that fails to justify its roughly $200 price tag due to critical design and acoustic flaws. The reviewer notes that the build quality remains cheap and flimsy, matching cheaper entries in the lineup. Comfort is considered poor and a downgrade from lower models because the new L-cushion pad variation forces the user's ears to...Read more

head-fi.org

19/08/2014

Grado Labs SR225e | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The Grado Labs SR225e is an open-back, on-ear headphone praised for high-fidelity audio, featuring exceptional clarity, an engaging midrange, and a punchy, energetic sound ideal for rock and vocals. Upgraded "e" series drivers provide a controlled, sparkly treble and tighter, more textured bass compared to lower-tier models. Conversely, the, significant drawbacks include a basic...Read more

rtings.com

08/06/2016

Grado SR225e/SR225 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The Grado SR225e/SR225 are open-back, on-ear headphones praised by RTINGS for their exceptionally accurate, neutral sound profile and lightweight, comfortable fit for seated listening. They are ideal for critical, stationary listening due to their natural, uncolored audio reproduction, but they lack a secure, stable fit. Conversely, the open-back design results in significant noise...Read more

joeltimothy.com

28/02/2016

Grado SR225e - joeltimothy.com

In his ongoing review, Joel Timothy shares his initial experiences with the Grado Prestige Series Model SR225e Headphones, highlighting their physical design and unique fit. Pros mentioned include a cool retro aesthetic with a visible inner grill, a highly durable cord resembling a thick instrument cable, and hand-assembled Brooklyn craftsmanship. However, the physical build also...Read more

avforums.com

07/10/2014

Grado SR225e Headphone Review - AVForums

The AVForums review concludes the Grado SR225e headphones are a highly successful update, delivering an honest, accurate sound with a deep, punchy bass and exceptional, detailed vocals. They offer a wide soundstage and excellent imaging for both music and media, providing performance comparable to more expensive, previous-generation models. However, the headphones are designed for...Read more

avguide.ch

16/03/2015

Review of Eight Really Good Headphones (Grado SR225e)

The Grado SR225e is an open-back, dynamic "on-ear" headphone (which can verge on over-ear depending on ear size) built with a functional, decades-old retro design reminiscent of military radio operators. On the positive side, it delivers an exceptionally natural, precise, and honest sound reproduction that captures the authentic tone of instruments and vocals while creating a...Read more

connect.de

24/03/2020

Grado Prestige SR225e Review", "Grado Prestige SR225e Headphones Review

The Grado Prestige SR225e is a dynamic, open-back on-ear headphone that maintains the brand’s classic aesthetic while offering a refined HiFi tuning for approximately €249. It features drivers selected for tight tolerances (0.5 dB) and voice coils made of high-purity, long-crystal copper. Weighing only 180 grams, it is designed primarily for home use rather than active exercise, as...Read more

maplatine.com

15/12/2020

The Grado SR225e Hi-Fi Headphones

The maPlatine.com review highlights the Grado SR225 as an exceptional open-back Hi-Fi headphone that visually mirrors the lesser SR125 but achieves superior performance through meticulously sorted internal components. The pros of this headphone center around its incredibly fluid, homogeneous audio reproduction and impressive technical execution. It delivers an extensive soundstage...Read more

auriculares-hifi.com

08/02/2021

Sony MDR-Z7 Review: Detailed comparison with Grado SR225e

The Sony MDR-Z7 is a closed-back, high-end headphone launched in 2014, known for its premium Japanese craftsmanship, durable metal construction, and high comfort level despite its 335-gram weight. According to the reviewer, the headphone delivers a warm and dark sound signature characterized by excellent, well-positioned mids and prominent, full-bodied bass that does not muddy the...Read more

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