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ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
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Grado SR80i Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado SR80i 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 SR80i
4.8/10

Overall score

Score
4.8/ 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 99% of models
Score components

80%

4.8

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 99% of headphones
6.3

Value for money

Value for money
6.3/ 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 94% of models
Score components

70%

4.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 94%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 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 97% of models
Score components

52%

4.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 97%
?

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

  • grado-sr80i
grado-sr80i
Where to buy
    N/A~ £95
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 SR80i

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 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 97% of models
Score components:

52%

4.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

4.8
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 SR80i 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
6.3/ 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 94% of models
Score components:

70%

4.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.3
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
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% 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
130 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 130 g, lighter than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
2.7
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.7, lower clamp force than 85.5% of headphones and equal to 2.3% of headphones.
Show more

Grado SR80i vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 40.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    130 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.
  • 1.6 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.7 vs 4.3
  • 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.
  • 40.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    130 g vs 218 g
  • 1.6 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.7 vs 4.3
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 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.
  • 14.8% worse value for money
    Grado SR80i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.33 vs 7.3).
    6.33 vs 7.27
  • 14.8% worse value for money
    Grado SR80i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.33 vs 7.3).
    6.33 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado SR80i 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.
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • 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
  • 12 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    98 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 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.
  • 8 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2008 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    2008 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

8.0
aornic
≈ estimated
16/03/2016
Long-term review · years of ownership and repair notes
Verdict
Grado SR80i is recommended mainly for rock fans, though its cheap plastic build and open-back leakage are drawbacks.
9.0
AudioHead
≈ estimated
15/06/2012
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and open-back notes
Verdict
Grado SR80i is a good starting point for audiophiles, with clarity above all, though bass could be improved.
8.0
Joon Lee
≈ estimated
07/05/2012
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and cable tests
Verdict
Grado SR80i is the best rock headphone in its price class for the creator, though bass, heat and the long cable are drawbacks.
10
Sam Pullen (samjpullen)
✓ explicit
22/01/2012
Hands-on review · gaming and amp tests
Verdict
Grado SR80i is strongly recommended as the best headphones tried at this price.
8.0
Snazzy Labs
≈ estimated
29/09/2011
Full review · sound tests with rock, jazz and electronic tracks
Verdict
Grado SR80i is not for everyone, but among the best under this price in the right setting.
9.0
Samma3a
≈ estimated
22/06/2014
Short review · sound, comfort and home-use notes
Verdict
Grado SR80i gives great sound for the price in a musical, home-use open-back pair, with leakage as the main drawback.
9.0
yutubemedia
≈ estimated
12/06/2012
Short review · listening impressions and feature overview
Verdict
Grado SR80i offers clear, balanced sound that the creator considers better than much pricier headphones.
9.5
Marques Brownlee
≈ estimated
16/01/2012
Hands-on review · sound, build and comfort checks
Verdict
Grado SR80i is highly recommended and the best in its category, with open-back sound leakage as the main downside.
10
TQcast
✓ explicit
21/10/2010
Unboxing and review · four hours of home listening
Verdict
Grado SR80i delivers crisp sound for the price and is comfortable to wear, though the long cable limits use.
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
29/01/2010
Expert review · Open-back home headphones
Verdict
The Grado SR80i is a superb-value home headphone with sharp, detailed sound that shines with good recordings, but it leaks sound badly in shared spaces.
cnet.com
22/06/2012
Expert review · Open-back budget headphones
Verdict
The Grado SR80i is a balanced, detailed home headphone with sparkling treble and tight bass, but its open design leaks sound, so keep it for home use.
tasystems.wordpress.com
31/03/2012
Personal review · Open-back home headphones
Verdict
The Grado SR80i delivers clear, undistorted sound that holds up when bass is pushed hard, but its open design leaks so much it's only for home use.
G
gearspace.com
21/05/2012
Summary of the review
Grado SR80i Headphones - User review - Gearspace
on-mag.fr
17/01/2011
Listening test · Open on-ear headphones
Verdict
The Grado SR80i is a light, retro pair whose airy, lively sound suits voices and acoustic music, though it offers almost no sound isolation.
misauriculares.com
14/12/2019
Personal review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Grado SR80i is very light and sounds lively and immersive, but its bright treble can turn shrill and it lacks fine detail.
F
forum.tomshw.it
20/02/2012
Summary of the review
Personal review of the Grado SR80i
(Translated)Show original
alpha-audio.net
14/11/2012
Review · Open-back home headphones
Verdict
The Grado SR80i is a neutral, comfortable open-back pair that sounds relaxed and spacious at home, but anyone nearby can hear what you play.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado SR80i

  • Exceptional audiophile-grade sound quality for the price point
  • Natural and clear vocal reproduction with high levels of detail
  • Wide and airy soundstage due to the open-back design
  • Extremely lightweight and breathable construction
  • High sensitivity makes them very easy to drive with smartphones or media players
  • Unique retro/vintage aesthetic that appeals to many enthusiasts
  • Excellent value for an entry-level hi-fi experience

What customers don't like about Grado SR80i

  • Significant sound leakage makes them unsuitable for public use or quiet environments
  • Zero noise isolation; outside ambient noise is easily heard
  • On-ear foam pads can be uncomfortable or cause ear fatigue during long sessions
  • Build materials (primarily plastic) can feel cheap or flimsy to some users
  • The thick, heavy cable is non-detachable and prone to twisting or tangling
  • Bright or aggressive treble can be piercing at high volumes
  • Lacks the deep, impactful sub-bass found in many modern closed-back models

Verdict

The Grado SR80i is an open-air, dynamic supra-aural headphone featuring a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, 32-ohm impedance, and 98dB sensitivity. It is distinguished by its signature 'de-stressed' diaphragms and upgraded drivers matched to within 0.1dB, which are housed in non-resonant air chambers to minimize transient distortion. These technical enhancements deliver a highly detailed and engaging soundstage with a forward midrange and crisp, airy treble that makes them particularly well-suited for rock and acoustic genres. Key pros include exceptional musical clarity, a lightweight retro design, and an improved four-conductor copper cable that provides tighter bass control compared to its predecessors. However, the open-back design results in significant sound leakage and lacks isolation, making them poor for commuting or office use, and the stock foam earpads can cause physical discomfort or listening fatigue during long sessions due to their bright treble profile.

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