OVERALL
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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Grell OAE1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grell OAE1 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Grell OAE1
5.2/10

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▼Worse than 95% 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

▼Worse than 93%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.7

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Battery

4%

4.0

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 88%
?

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • grell-oae1
grell-oae1
Where to buy
    N/A~ £260
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 Grell OAE1

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components:

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.7

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Battery

4%

4.0

Calls & Controls

5.2
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Grell OAE1 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

9.2

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
12 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 64.9% of headphones and equal to 2.1% 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
Show more
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
Grell
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
375 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 375 g, heavier than 93.3% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
3
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3, lower clamp force than 79.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% of headphones.
Show more

Grell OAE1 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 0.25 % 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 %.
    0.05 % vs 0.3 %
  • 12,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (32,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    32,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3 vs 4.3
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 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.
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3 vs 4.3
  • 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.
  • 0.6 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    1.8 m vs 1.2 m
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 0.25 % 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 %.
    0.05 % vs 0.3 %
  • 12,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (32,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    32,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 8 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2024 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2024
    2024 vs 2016
  • 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.
  • 72% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (375 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    375 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.
  • 10.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (91.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    91.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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.
  • 14% worse value for money
    Grell OAE1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.38 vs 7.3).
    6.38 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
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grell OAE1 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 14% worse value for money
    Grell OAE1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.38 vs 7.3).
    6.38 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grell OAE1 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Grell OAE1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 72% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (375 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    375 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 10.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (91.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    91.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No neodymium magnet
    This pair of headphones does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 2 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (2.5 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    2.5 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

6.0
UtmostCoin Reviews | Quality Over Hype
≈ estimated
08/07/2025
Long-term test · one month with amps and sources
Verdict
Grell OAE1 is hard to recommend broadly; it rewards good amps and sources but is not easy to live with.
9.0
ConvinceMeAudio
≈ estimated
27/05/2025
Hands-on review · long-term use and sound comparison with HD650
Verdict
Grell OAE1 has a unique, spacious, non-fatiguing sound and is recommended if its tuning suits you.
5.0
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
31/12/2024
Opinion video · listening impressions and design talk
Verdict
Grell OAE1 is not hated, but it is unimpressive and dull, with some design details the creator dislikes and little to love.
9.0
Ryan Ho
≈ estimated
03/12/2024
Hands-on review · comparison with other headphones
Verdict
Grell OAE1 is a very good, immersive headphone for fun sound, with slightly softer highs than some rivals.
3.0
Super* Review
≈ estimated
21/07/2024
Measurements and listening tests · frequency response analysis
Verdict
Grell OAE1 disappoints with muffled bass and rough treble that EQ cannot fully fix, so it is not recommended.
7.0
Zadius Tech
≈ estimated
07/07/2024
Purchased review · unboxing, sound and gaming tests
Verdict
Grell OAE1 is a warm, comfortable pick for relaxed listening and gaming, but not for detail-focused or studio use.
Shop video
Not graded
Brand video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
headfonia.com
25/06/2025
Summary of the review
DROP + Grell OAE1 Review
headfonics.com
04/01/2025
Hands-on review · Wide-stage open-back
Verdict
The Drop + Grell OAE1 is an open-back with a big sense of space, though its tight clamp and bloated bass hold it back.
R
rtings.com
25/07/2025
Summary of the review
Drop + Grell OAE1 Headphones Review
theheadphonelist.com
17/06/2025
Review · Bass-heavy open-back
Verdict
The Grell OAE1 is a polarizing open-back with deep sub-bass and a laid-back, dark tone, though its tight clamp and metallic treble hold it back.
den-fi.com
27/09/2024
Measurement review · Bass-heavy open-back
Verdict
The Grell OAE1 has very heavy bass and a harsh 5kHz peak, making it sound more like a gaming headset than a headphone for critical listening.
audioreviews.org
25/10/2025
Second-opinion review · Warm open-back
Verdict
The Drop + Grell OAE1 offers punchy bass with real impact and comfortable long listening, but its veiled treble lacks crispness and fine detail.
audioreviews.org
19/07/2025
Hands-on test · Open-back comparison
Verdict
The Drop + Grell OAE1 is a solid open-back pair with deeper bass than most rivals, but its husky, boomy tone wins no category against the HD6XX.
pragmaticaudio.com
09/07/2025
Measurement review · Open-back test
Verdict
The Grell OAE1 is a speaker-like, bass-rich open-back that rewards listeners who enjoy its unusual tuning, though a tight fit and placement sensitivity can hold it back.
hifi.de
06/06/2025
Review · Angled-driver open-back
Verdict
The Grell OAE1 gives open-back headphones punchy bass, but blurred vocals and a hollow treble make it a poor choice for classic hi-fi listening.
kopfhoerer.de
23/06/2025
Open-back, warm tuning
Verdict
The Grell OAE1 suits quiet rooms and relaxed music like jazz and blues, with a warm sound, though its subdued treble may not please everyone.
kopfbox.de
09/07/2025
Hands-on review · Bass-heavy open-back
Verdict
The Grell OAE1 is an open-back with powerful bass that suits rock and metal fans, though its polarizing tuning won't please everyone.
H
heise.de
10/05/2024
Summary of the review
Bass and Stage: The Grell Audio OAE1 Open-Back Headphone Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grell OAE1

  • Unique front-mounted driver design that attempts to mimic a speaker-like, natural sound presentation
  • Deep and impactful bass response with significant sub-bass extension, which is rare for open-back headphones
  • Expansive soundstage and imaging, particularly excelling with live recordings and orchestral music
  • Robust build quality featuring metal parts and a 'built like a tank' construction
  • Highly rewarding 'fun' sound signature once the listener's brain adapts to the unique tuning
  • Relatively easy to drive, performing well even with simple sources like mobile dongles or laptops
  • Ingenious single-sided cable entry that correctly assigns channels regardless of which side it is plugged into

What customers don't like about Grell OAE1

  • Divisive and unconventional frequency response that can sound muffled, veiled, or 'broken' compared to standard reference headphones
  • Significant comfort issues including high clamping force and headband pressure hotspots for users with larger heads
  • Extreme sensitivity to physical placement on the head; slight shifts can drastically alter the sound signature
  • Lack of midrange clarity and lower treble detail, which can make some instruments sound 'low-resolution'
  • Poor noise isolation and significant audio leakage due to the fully open-back design
  • Limited headband adjustment range that may not accommodate all head sizes comfortably
  • Some users find the velour earpads to be scratchy or cheap-feeling

Verdict

The Grell OAE1 is an innovative open-back dynamic headphone featuring 40mm biocellulose drivers in a unique, front-mounted geometry designed for a speaker-like soundstage and exceptional sub-bass for an open design. Key features include a warm sound signature, 38 Ohms impedance, and a versatile dual-entry cable system, offering robust build quality and impressive imaging. However, some users may find the clamping force uncomfortable, and the sound profile features a notable upper-midrange dip with reduced high-frequency detail.

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