OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
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 Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£440Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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 Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 95% of headphones
6.1

Value for money

Value for money
6.1/ 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 95% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 95%
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 89%
?

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

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Where to buy
    N/A~ £440
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 Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

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
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 Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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
6.1/ 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 95% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

6.1
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
44 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 44 mm, larger driver size than 83% of headphones and equal to 0.7% 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
13 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 13 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 64.6% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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.
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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 Labs
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
218 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 218 g, lighter than 49.9% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
2.2
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.2, lower clamp force than 93.3% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Show more

Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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.
  • 4 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (44 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    44 mm vs 40 mm
  • 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.
  • 2.1 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.2 vs 4.3
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 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 %
  • 5 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (13 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    13 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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.
  • 2.1 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.2 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.
  • 4 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (44 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    44 mm vs 40 mm
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 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 %
  • 5 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (13 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    13 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.45 dB tighter channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (0.1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    0.05 dB vs 0.5 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.
  • 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
  • 4.89x more expensive
    Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£440 vs £90).
    £440 vs £90
  • 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.
  • 19.8% worse value for money
    Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.07 vs 7.3).
    6.07 vs 7.27
  • 4.89x more expensive
    Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£440 vs £90).
    £440 vs £90
  • 19.8% worse value for money
    Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.07 vs 7.3).
    6.07 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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
  • 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.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition

  • Exceptional and engaging open-back sound quality with impressive clarity and precision.
  • Surprisingly deep, powerful, and tight bass response compared to traditional Grado models.
  • Smooth, airy treble extension that limits fatiguing sibilance and shoutiness.
  • Expansive and immersive soundstage with accurate instrument separation and imaging.
  • Unique and attractive bi-wood aesthetic using sustainably sourced hempwood and maple.
  • Highly efficient and easy to drive from almost any source without needing a powerful amplifier.
  • Extremely lightweight overall chassis design.

What customers don't like about Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition

  • On-ear (supra-aural) fit causes discomfort, irritation, and ear soreness during extended use.
  • Stock foam earpads (F-cushions) feel thin, scratchy, and let the ears press flat against the drivers.
  • Thick, stiff, and permanently attached cable that is unwieldy and prone to kinks.
  • Disappointing perceived build quality for the price, featuring basic plastics and visible glue marks.
  • Drivers are permanently glued inside the housings, making DIY cable or hardware modifications difficult.
  • Virtually non-existent passive noise isolation due to the open-back design, resulting in high sound leakage.

Verdict

The Grado Labs The Hemp Headphone Limited Edition is an open-back, on-ear dynamic headphone featuring unique housings crafted from highly compressed industrial hemp and maple wood. It is equipped with 44mm de-stressed drivers matched to within 0.05dB, delivering a wide frequency response of 13Hz to 28kHz with a nominal impedance of 38 ohms and a sensitivity of 98dB. This model is characterized by its rich, warm tonality, expansive soundstage, and energetic bass response that differs from the typically brighter Grado house sound. Key pros include its exceptional musicality, lightweight 218g build, and high efficiency that makes it easy to drive even with portable sources. However, notable cons include its bulky, non-detachable 8-conductor cable that is prone to tangling, potential long-term discomfort from the flat foam F-cushions, and significant sound leakage inherent to its open-air design.

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