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Mitchell And Johnson GL1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£200
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Mitchell And Johnson GL1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.8

Good

5.6

Good

6.4

Good

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.9
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.2
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.9
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#129 in Best Wired Headphones
#435 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Mitchell & Johnson GL1 is a portable over-ear headphone featuring unique 'Electrostatz' hybrid technology, which combines a 40mm dynamic paper-cone driver for punchy bass with an electret electrostatic diaphragm for detailed highs without needing a dedicated amplifier. Its technical specifications include a frequency response of 12 Hz to 30,000 Hz (extendable to 40 kHz), a sensitivity of 110 dB, and a mobile-friendly 32-ohm impedance. Main advantages include a lightweight 216g design, a naturally tuned soundstage, and a tough braided 1.2m cable that is easy to drive directly from smartphones or high-resolution players. However, some users have reported cons such as mediocre build quality with a 'plasticky' feel, potentially uncomfortable thin padding on the headband, and a lack of modern features like wireless connectivity or a detachable cable.

Technical Specifications of Mitchell And Johnson GL1

Overall score

5.8

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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

6.1

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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

hybrid

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

3.1

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

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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

5.2

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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

4.4

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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

5.3

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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

Mitchell

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

over-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

closed-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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Mitchell And Johnson GL1 vs the average headphone

Why is Mitchell And Johnson GL1 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
In-line controls
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
10,000 Hz higher treble extension
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
6 Hz lower bass extension
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
Hi-Res Audio certification
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
10,000 Hz higher treble extension
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
6 Hz lower bass extension
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Mitchell And Johnson GL1 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
24.8% higher weight
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 is heavier than the average headphone (272 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
0.2 % higher distortion
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
No neodymium magnet
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
1 fewer drivers
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
Not headset-ready
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
24.8% higher weight
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 is heavier than the average headphone (272 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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 is heavier than the average headphone (272 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.272 g vs 218 g
Not headset-ready
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.No vs yes
1 fewer microphones
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
0.2 % higher distortion
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % 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%
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.5 % vs 0.3 %
Tangle-prone cable
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
24.3% lower user score
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.43 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.
Mitchell And Johnson GL1 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.43 vs 8.000).6.43 vs 8

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Mitchell And Johnson GL1 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Mitchell And Johnson GL1?

High-resolution audio with detailed mid-range and clear highs
Electrostatz hybrid technology provides electrostatic sound quality without needing a special amplifier
Lightweight and portable design, making them suitable for travel
Good value for money when purchased at discounted prices
Stylish aesthetic, often featuring a sleek chrome or wood finish
Effective passive noise isolation from a tight acoustic seal

What customers dislike about Mitchell And Johnson GL1?

Weak or recessed mid-range frequencies according to some users
Mixed build quality with reports of cheap plastic components and 'janky' non-replaceable cables
Comfort issues during long listening sessions, including thin headband padding and shallow earpads
Small earcup size may not fit users with larger ears or heads comfortably
High initial MSRP often considered overpriced compared to competitors
Requires a significant 'burn-in' period before reaching optimal sound quality

Expert reviews

thetechkaiju.wordpress.com

12/10/2018

BUS RIDE IMPRESSION: Mitchell & Johnson GL1

The Mitchell & Johnson GL1 headphones feature a unique hybrid "Electrostatz" driver technology. This design aims to deliver the fast resolution and detailed audio quality of standard electrostatic headphones without requiring a bulky, high-voltage bias amplifier. On the positive side, the GL1 provides a fast audio resolution, surprisingly tight and deep bass response, detailed...Read more

fullsync.co.uk

30/10/2017

Mitchell & Johnson GL1 headphones review | FULLSYNC

The Mitchell & Johnson GL1 headphones offer an exceptional listening experience, earning a perfect score for audio quality due to their innovative electrostatic technology. Unlike traditional models, they utilize an ultra-thin plastic membrane sandwiched between conductive plates to deliver excellent clarity, punchy bass, and impressive acoustic detail even at high volumes. The...Read more

Video reviews

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