Grado SR225i Review | 93 Data compared

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

Grado SR225i review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.5

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%

3.5

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.5

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%

3.7

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

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

  • 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

  • 1.4
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.4

    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

  • 4.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.4

    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

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £200

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 SR225i is a high-performance, open-back on-ear headphone featuring dynamic drivers matched to within 0.05 dB, a frequency response of 20Hz – 22kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 98 dB/mW. Main characteristics include a 50% increase in rear air flow via an improved metal screen and the use of Grado's larger 'bowl' cushions to create a spacious, transparent soundstage with highly detailed midrange and crisp treble dynamics. Its primary pros are its stellar clarity for critical listening and its efficient design that allows it to be driven easily by portable devices. However, cons include a lack of sub-bass extension, an uncomfortable foam earpad design that can cause ear fatigue during long sessions, and the inconvenience of a heavy 6.3mm plug that requires an external adapter for most standard 3.5mm jacks.

Technical Specifications of Grado SR225i

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

3.5
Grado SR225i has a technical score of 3.51 points, which is lower than that of 93.7% 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 SR225i 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%

3.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

5.3
Grado SR225i has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.3 points, which is lower than 93.9% 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 SR225i 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 SR225i 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 SR225i 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

20 Hz
Grado SR225i reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% 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

no
Grado SR225i does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Grado SR225i is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

N/A
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

no
Grado SR225i does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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 SR225i 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 SR225i 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 SR225i does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

170 g
Grado SR225i weighs 170 g, lighter than 64.1% of headphones and equal to 1.1% 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

3.1
Grado SR225i has a clamp force of 3.1, lower clamp force than 77.3% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
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Grado SR225i vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Grado SR225i has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Grado SR225i has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i 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 %
  • 22% lower weight
    Grado SR225i is lighter than the average headphone (170 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 SR225i is lighter than the average headphone (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.170 g vs 218 g
  • 1.2 lower clamp force
    Grado SR225i has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 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 SR225i has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3.1 vs 4.3
  • Open-back design
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i 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
  • 22% lower weight
    Grado SR225i is lighter than the average headphone (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 1.2 lower clamp force
    Grado SR225i has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • Open-back design
    Grado SR225i uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Grado SR225i has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Grado SR225i 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 %.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Grado SR225i 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.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado SR225i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Grado SR225i uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 3 mm tighter earcup width
    Grado SR225i has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Grado SR225i has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Grado SR225i 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.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado SR225i does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 years older release date
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i 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 SR225i does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i 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
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i 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
  • 27.2% worse value for money
    Grado SR225i has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.30 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 SR225i has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.30 vs 6.736).5.3 vs 6.74
  • 4.65x less popular
    Grado SR225i is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 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 SR225i is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Grado SR225i 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 SR225i uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Graphic comparison of Grado SR225i and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado SR225i?

  • Highly dynamic and detailed sound quality with excellent clarity
  • Spacious, three-dimensional soundstage due to open-back design
  • Easy to drive even with portable devices like iPods without an external amp
  • Unique, retro aesthetic that many enthusiasts appreciate
  • Lightweight construction making them easy to wear for shorter sessions
  • Strong and reliable factory service and support from Grado

What customers dislike about Grado SR225i?

  • Generally considered uncomfortable for long periods due to stiff foam earpads
  • Open-back design results in high sound leakage and zero noise isolation
  • Heavy and thick non-detachable cable can be cumbersome for portable use
  • Lacks deep sub-bass response, which may disappoint fans of hip-hop or electronic music
  • Build materials (plastic and vinyl) can look and feel 'cheap' to some users
  • Requires a separate 3.5mm adapter for most modern portable devices as it features a 6.3mm plug

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
05/05/2010

The Grado SR225i headphones, as reviewed on Head-Fi, are characterized by an intimate, fast, and airy sound signature that excels in rock and acoustic genres, featuring engaging, fast-attack bass and forward, energetic mids. Key pros include exceptional instrumental separation and a spatial layout that is effective for home theater. However, notable cons include highly fatiguing...Read more

S
stereophile.com
01/03/2012

Tyll Hertsens reviews a heavily modified version of the Grado SR225i headphones, created by user Kojaku and featuring mahogany wood cups, upgraded 26 AWG Solid Core Cryo Silver cable, and a modified "sock mod" pad configuration. Despite the reviewer's usual dislike for stock Grado sound, this DIY version is praised for offering a transparent, smooth, and highly enjoyable sound...Read more

H
headphone.ph
09/08/2014

The Headphone.ph review highlights the Grado SR225i as an open-back, on-ear headphone priced at $250 that offers exceptional audio performance despite a retro design and a simple, boring unboxing experience. On the positive side (pros), the headphones feature a lightweight construction, an expansive, open soundstage, and high-quality instrument layering that provides a concert-like...Read more

C
cnet.com
20/10/2010

The Grado SR225i ($200) open-backed headphones deliver exceptional, clear, and highly dynamic sound quality that excels with well-recorded music and home theater tracks, providing an immersive, wide soundstage where instruments and vocals feel distinctly present. Hand-built in Brooklyn, these headphones feature structurally improved earcups, upgraded drivers, a durable 5.5-foot "Y"...Read more

A
avguide.ch
12/01/2012

The avguide.ch review of the Grado SR225e open-back, on-ear dynamic headphones highlights their decades-old, functional retro style that resembles vintage wartime radio operator gear. The reviewer notes that Grado cuts costs strategically, shipping the headphones in a basic cardboard box without extra accessories and featuring a permanently attached cable. On the positive side...Read more

A
avmagazine.it
29/09/2011

This AV Magazine Forum Thread centers on an Italian community discussion regarding the Grado SR225i open-back headphones. The thread opens with a user considering a used pair for €130, pointing out that Grado products carry highly inflated prices in Italy and Europe compared to their native US market. Community members who own the headphones enthusiastically praise their sonic...Read more

F
forum.tomshw.it
27/03/2012

The Tom's Hardware Italian forum review of the Grado SR225i headphones highlights a significant sonic upgrade from the SR80i model, featuring clean, punchy bass, an expansive soundstage, and an engaging midrange when tested with high-quality audio sources. While the sound performance is highly praised, the review notes that the bass can occasionally feel slightly muddy or lacking...Read more

Video reviews

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