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Grado SR325e Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£300
Avg. price in US: ~$300
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado SR325e review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.3

Poor

3.1

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
0.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.8
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
2.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.8
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

#726 in Best Wired Headphones
#1293 in Best Headphones with Mic

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.

Technical Specifications of Grado SR325e

Overall score

4.3

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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

2.8

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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

3.6

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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

4.3

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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 SR325e vs the average headphone

Why is Grado SR325e better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Open-back design
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Grado SR325e has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 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 SR325e has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
0.19 % lower distortion
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e 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 %.0.106 % vs 0.3 %
0.8 m more useful cable length
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e 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
Boom microphone included
Grado SR325e includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have 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
Grado SR325e includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
12.8% higher user score
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.02 vs 8.000).9.02 vs 8
2.15x more popular
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
Open-back design
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e 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.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Grado SR325e has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.19 % lower distortion
Grado SR325e 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 %.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado SR325e includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Boom microphone included
Grado SR325e includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Grado SR325e worse than the average headphone?

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63.8% higher weight
Grado SR325e is heavier than the average headphone (357 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Fixed cable
Grado SR325e has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Grado SR325e does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Grado SR325e does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e 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.
No voice assistant support
Grado SR325e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
63.8% higher weight
Grado SR325e is heavier than the average headphone (357 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 SR325e is heavier than the average headphone (357 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.357 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado SR325e 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 SR325e 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
18.2% worse value for money
Grado SR325e has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.70 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 SR325e has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.70 vs 6.736).5.7 vs 6.74
3.33x more expensive
Grado SR325e is more expensive than the average headphone (£300 vs £90).
Grado SR325e is more expensive than the average headphone (£300 vs £90).£300 vs £90
No travel bag
Grado SR325e does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Grado SR325e does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Graphic comparison of Grado SR325e and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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/)

Expert reviews

whathifi.com

08/10/2018

Grado SR325e review - What Hi-Fi?

The What Hi-Fi? review celebrates the Grado SR325eGo open-backed, on-ear headphones as an unbeaten, five-star award winner in the £100–£400 price bracket. The core strengths (pros) of these headphones lie in their exceptional sound performance, which delivers an impeccably balanced, transparent tone across all frequencies, highly expressive dynamics, and precise, agile timing....Read more

head-fi.org

12/08/2014

Grado SR325e - Reviews - Head-Fi.org

The Grado SR325eGo is described by reviewers as a specialized open-back headphone delivering an energetic, "Grado house sound" with exceptional mid-range clarity, forward vocals, and detailed instrument separation, particularly excelling with rock and acoustic genres. Key pros include a tight, textured bass response and an intimate, engaging soundstage, making it a strong choice for...Read more

homestudiobasics.com

15/01/2026

Grado SR325e Review: An Expensive MISTAKE In 2026? - Home Studio Basics

The Grado SR325e is an open-back, on-ear dynamic headphone that delivers a fast, fun, and detailed soundstage with excellent instrument separation and airiness. In terms of positives, its bass is remarkably tight, articulate, and well-textured without overpowering the track, sitting perfectly flat in the mix for genres like rock and jazz fusion. Additionally, the high-frequency...Read more

headphone.guru

22/07/2019

Grado SR325e Open-Backed Headphones - Headphone Guru

The Grado SR325e is a $295 open-backed, on-ear headphone that continues the Brooklyn-based company’s tradition of a "classic house sound" optimized for rock and jazz. Featuring unique powder-coated aluminum earcups instead of the plastic found in lower Prestige models, they offer a distinct 1930s aesthetic and a durable build. While they are heavier than the SR225e due to the metal...Read more

rtings.com

10/06/2016

Grado SR325e/SR325 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The RTINGS.com review identifies the Grado SR325e/SR325Go as above-average, open-back headphones, praised for delivering highly detailed, accurate audio with a spacious soundstage, particularly for critical, neutral listening. Pros include efficient, easy-to-drive performance without needing an amplifier, while key cons involve a lack of sub-bass, a heavy design that causes...Read more

themasterswitch.com

04/07/2018

Review: Grado SR325e | The Master Switch

The Grado SR325e is an open-back headphone from the Brooklyn-based family company that delivers exceptional detail, precise dynamics, and clear vocals, especially for genres like classical, folk, or ambient music. It features a distinctive retro design made of powder-coated aluminum housings, a stiff leather-wrapped headband, and cups that rotate 360 degrees. At an impedance of 32...Read more

cnet.com

30/07/2014

Grado Prestige Series SR325e review: These very clear and open-sounding headphones are exciting to listen to

Sound Performance and Acoustics The Grado Prestige Series SR325e is an open-back pair of headphones that provides an exceptionally clear, highly detailed, and lively sonic performance. Thanks to its open-back design, it delivers spacious stereo imaging and a wider, more immediate soundstage than competing closed-back models like the Sennheiser Momentum or Beyerdynamic T 51p....Read more

avguide.ch

13/01/2015

Test of eight really good headphones

The Grado SR225e is an open-back, dynamic "on-ear" headphone handmade in Brooklyn, featuring a vintage design reminiscent of mid-century radio headsets. It is built entirely for functional audio performance rather than luxury, arriving in a basic cardboard box without accessories and featuring a thick, permanently attached cable. On the plus side, the headphone is lightweight, fits...Read more

stereo.de

21/11/2014

Grado SR325E - Test Results - stereo.de

Stereo magazine highlights the Grado SR325eGo as an open-back, on-ear headphone with a retro design that delivers a highly natural, detailed, and spacious sound. Retailing around €360, this 358-gram model is praised for its exceptional audio fidelity, though its open design offers no isolation from ambient noise. Key drawbacks mentioned include the lack of sound isolation and...Read more

connect.de

03/03/2015

Grado SR325e Review - connect

The connect.de review outlines the Grado SR325e as an open-back, on-ear headphone that heavily embraces a classic, vintage design. As the flagship model of Grado's Prestige Series, its aesthetic balances black Nappa leather with earcups crafted from powder-coated aluminum. The use of aluminum is highly specific; it adds targeted mass to the earcups in order to minimize unwanted...Read more

Video reviews

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