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ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Grado SR60i Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado SR60i Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

4.9/10

Overall score

Score
4.9/ 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 98% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 98% 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%

4.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 93%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

52%

4.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.7

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 95%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £110
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 SR60i

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

52%

4.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.7

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Grado SR60i has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
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%

4.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

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
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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
125 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 125 g, lighter than 75.1% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
2
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2, lower clamp force than 95.9% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Show more

Grado SR60i vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 42.7% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (125 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    125 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 2.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2 vs 4.3
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 1.1 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    130 dB vs 110 dB
  • 42.7% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (125 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    125 g vs 218 g
  • 2.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2 vs 4.3
  • 1.1 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    130 dB vs 110 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.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 13.8% worse value for money
    Grado SR60i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.39 vs 7.3).
    6.39 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
  • 13.8% worse value for money
    Grado SR60i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.39 vs 7.3).
    6.39 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado SR60i is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 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.
  • 7 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    April 2009
    2009 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
01/01/2014
Hands-on review · sound, fit and portability
Verdict
Grado SR60i is well built and comfortable, recommended despite sound leakage and a bulky cable.
9.0
ZeosPantera
≈ estimated
01/01/2014
Hands-on review · a few days of listening and comparisons
Verdict
Grado SR60i offers smooth, clear sound at a budget price and is recommended despite its heavy cable and open back.
9.5
Clint the Audio Guy
≈ estimated
06/02/2012
Hands-on review · 90 minutes of listening and comfort tests
Verdict
Grado SR60i offers the best sound at this price and is strongly recommended, despite minor drawbacks such as slightly weaker bass.
7.0
Phong Khach Cua Jun - PKCJ
≈ estimated
01/02/2024
Hands-on review · two Grado models compared
Verdict
Grado SR60i offers detailed analogue sound with character and could be the best value for casual listeners, but its build lags modern rivals.
9.0
Geekanoids
≈ estimated
29/04/2011
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and cable
Verdict
Grado SR60i is highly recommended for sound and comfort, though the open design leaks sound.
8.0
NJDevilfan26
✓ explicit
10/01/2010
Hands-on review · daily use for editing, calls and home listening
Verdict
Grado SR60i delivers great sound and comfort, but it is less portable.
Shop video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
17/04/2009
Listening test · Budget open-back
Verdict
The Grado SR60i is a tight, punchy, well-organised pair for serious indoor listening, but it leaks sound at volume and looks dated.
techradar.com
25/06/2009
Listening review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado SR60i is a highly recommended open-back pair with detailed, satisfying bass, far more comfortable than older models, though its treble sounds slightly coloured.
H
headfonia.com
01/10/2009
Summary of the review
The Grado SR60i, compared to the SR60 - Headfonia
stereophile.com
03/05/2010
Long-term owner review · Classic value
Verdict
The Grado SR60i keeps the warm, honest sound of its classic predecessor with a slightly more vivid midrange, still a bargain for home listening.
unbox.ph
01/10/2011
Hands-on review · Rock-friendly open-back
Verdict
The Grado SR60i is a vivid, forward pair for rock and guitar music, but its open design leaks sound and the soundstage is flat.
avforums.com
18/01/2013
Hi-fi review · Budget open-back
Verdict
The Grado SR60i holds its own in a crowded market, with spacious, detailed sound and comfort, but it leaks sound and suits quiet home listening only.
theheadphonelist.com
10/06/2014
Long-term user review · Entry-level on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR60i is a clear, bright pair for rock and pop at home, a strong value that suits quiet rooms rather than the commute.
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Long-term listening test · Open-back
Verdict
The Grado SR60i is a clear, detailed pair with fatigue-free treble that beats pricier rivals at home, though its open design limits use on the move.
consumerreports.org
(Not specified in snippet)
Lab test · Open-air on-ear
Verdict
The Grado SR60i offers warm, very good sound and comfort, but its bass is less defined than the best and it lets outside noise in.
applesfera.com
29/03/2009
Hands-on test · Open-back home headphones
Verdict
The Grado SR60i has a flat, natural sound that suits jazz, electronic and rock, but its open design leaks sound, so keep it for home use.
E
estatica.it
23/11/2013
Summary of the review
Review of the Sansa Clip+ Portable Audio Player (Tests with SR60i)
(Translated)Show original
F
forum.tomshw.it
20/02/2012
Summary of the review
Personal review of the Grado SR80i (including comparisons and testing of the SR60i)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado SR60i

  • Exceptional value for money, often cited as a top entry-level audiophile choice
  • Lively, energetic sound signature that excels with rock, jazz, and acoustic music
  • Forward and detailed midrange, specifically noted for realistic guitar and vocal reproduction
  • Clear, crisp, and shimmering treble detail
  • Wide-open and airy soundstage due to the open-back design
  • Highly efficient and easy to drive even with portable devices without a dedicated amp
  • Charming retro/vintage aesthetic and handcrafted appeal
  • Excellent potential for modding, including easy earpad swaps to customize sound and comfort

What customers don't like about Grado SR60i

  • Zero noise isolation; sound leaks significantly, making them unsuitable for loud environments or public use
  • Build quality can feel 'cheap' or 'flimsy' due to plastic components and simple assembly
  • Stock foam 'comfy' pads can be itchy or uncomfortable during long listening sessions
  • Non-detachable cable is famously thick, stiff, and prone to kinking or twisting
  • Bass response is tight but lacks deep sub-bass extension and 'slam' for EDM or Hip-Hop
  • Bright sound signature can lead to treble fatigue or 'shoutiness' for sensitive listeners
  • Minimalist headband lacks padding, which can create pressure points for some users
  • Open-back design makes them strictly indoor/home-use headphones

Verdict

The Grado SR60i is an entry-level, open-back dynamic headphone featuring 44mm drivers matched to within 0.1dB, a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, and a 32-ohm nominal impedance. Designed for high efficiency, it delivers a sensitivity of 98dB (1mW) and features a non-resonant air chamber with an upgraded 4-conductor cable and cushioned 'S' foam ear pads. Main pros include its exceptionally clear and detailed midrange, a spacious soundstage that offers a natural performance, and a punchy, well-organized bass. However, its open design results in significant sound leakage, making it unsuitable for public use, and some users find the on-ear foam pads and unpadded vinyl headband uncomfortable for long sessions.

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