OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Grado SR325e Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£300Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado SR325e 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 SR325e
5.4/10

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 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 90% of models
Score components

80%

4.6

Technical score

20%

8.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 90% of headphones
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 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 93% of models
Score components

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 93%
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 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 99% of models
Score components

52%

4.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

4.8

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 99%
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%
  • grado-sr325e
  • grado-sr325e
grado-sr325e
grado-sr325e
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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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Grado SR325e

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 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 99% of models
Score components:

52%

4.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

4.8

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

4.6
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 SR325e 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
6.4/ 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 93% of models
Score components:

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

6.4
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
18 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.6% of headphones and equal to 3.6% 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
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% 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
on-ear
Weight
357 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 357 g, heavier than 92.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
3.7
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.7, lower clamp force than 59.9% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Show more

Grado SR325e 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.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.19 % 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 %.
    0.106 % vs 0.3 %
  • 0.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2 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.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 0.45 dB tighter channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (0.1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    0.05 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 0.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2 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.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.19 % 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 %.
    0.106 % vs 0.3 %
  • 0.45 dB tighter channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (0.1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    0.05 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 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.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 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.
  • 63.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (357 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    357 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 12.7% worse value for money
    Grado SR325e has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.45 vs 7.3).
    6.45 vs 7.27
  • 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
  • 12.7% worse value for money
    Grado SR325e has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.45 vs 7.3).
    6.45 vs 7.27
  • 3.33x more expensive
    Grado SR325e is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£300 vs £90).
    £300 vs £90
  • 63.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (357 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    357 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 2.2 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
  • 10.2 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (99.8 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    99.8 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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

4.0
Home Studio Basics
≈ estimated
07/12/2017
Updated hands-on review · comfort, build and sound tests
Verdict
The Grado SR325e has strong bass, but a sharp midrange peak and poor comfort make it one to avoid.
5.0
Home Studio Basics
≈ estimated
23/09/2017
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and build tests
Verdict
The Grado SR325e headphones are good, but hard to justify; the cheaper model is the smarter buy.
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
08/10/2018
Listening review · Open-back on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR325e is a detailed, musical open-back pair for home use, but its sound leaks, so it's best for solo listening.
cnet.com
30/07/2014
Hands-on review · Open-back
Verdict
The Grado SR325e suits listeners who prefer clear, spacious sound over bass, but its firm pads and open design make it poor for travel.
themasterswitch.com
04/07/2018
Hands-on review · Open-back design
Verdict
The Grado SR325e is easy to drive with detailed sound and surprisingly comfortable, but its leaky open back and fixed cable make it a home-only pair.
R
rtings.com
10/06/2016
Summary of the review
Grado SR325e/SR325 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
headphone.guru
22/07/2019
Personal review · Open-back on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR325e is a fun, lively on-ear pair with detailed rock and jazz sound, light enough for walks, though open backs leak sound.
homestudiobasics.com
15/01/2026
Hands-on review · Open on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR325e is fast and detailed with lots of air, but its 2kHz mid-range spike makes it hard to recommend over the cheaper SR60e.
kenrockwell.com
Not Dated
Detailed review · Open on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR325e is a natural, detailed open pair for quiet home listening, but its unboosted bass can sound thin at low volume.
sonic-elevation.com
02/04/2020
Performance review · Open-back on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR325e is a bright, exciting pair with a wide soundstage and clear vocals, best for home listening, but its bass is not ideal for bass-heavy tracks.
connect.de
03/03/2015
Listening test · Open on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR325e is a neutral open on-ear pair that is easy to drive, with creamy vocals, though its bass stays shallower than closed rivals.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Grado SR325e

  • Exceptional clarity and staggering amount of precise detail
  • Fast, agile transient response that handles guitars and complex instruments with ease
  • Spacious, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation due to the open-back design
  • Easy to drive directly from smartphones or portable players without a dedicated amplifier
  • Sturdy, industrial-grade build featuring durable powder-coated aluminum housings
  • Vivid, forward midrange that makes vocals and acoustic tracks sound lifelike

What customers don't like about Grado SR325e

  • Significant sound leakage (bleed) makes them unsuitable for public or office environments
  • Bright, analytical sound signature can be fatiguing or sibilant for treble-sensitive listeners
  • Bass lacks deep sub-bass impact and may feel lean for genres like hip-hop or EDM
  • On-ear (supra-aural) design with rough foam pads and a thin headband can cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Thick, non-detachable cable is cumbersome and has a bulky jack that may not fit phone cases
  • Diminishing returns compared to significantly cheaper models like the [Grado SR60e](https://homestudiobasics.com/grado-sr325e-review-diminishing-returns/)

Verdict

The Grado SR325e is a flagship open-back dynamic headphone from the Prestige Series, featuring a frequency response of 18Hz – 24kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and a high sensitivity of 99.8dB/mW. It is distinguished by its precision-machined powder-coated aluminum housing, 8-conductor cable, and genuine leather headband, which combine to produce a bright, analytical sound signature known for exceptional clarity, fast transients, and a spacious soundstage. Main pros include its unmatched detail retrieval and realistic instrument separation, making it ideal for critical listening and genres like rock or acoustic music. However, notable cons include potential treble sibilance or fatigue for sensitive listeners, a lack of deep sub-bass impact, and the substantial sound leakage inherent to its open-air design.

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