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Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£440
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.8

Poor

3.8

Poor

?

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
1.2
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.2
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
2.6
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.2
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

N/A~ £440

Best rankings

#1008 in Best Wired Headphones

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.

Technical Specifications of Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition

Overall score

3.8

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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

4.0

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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

dynamic

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

1.1

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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

N/A

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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

2.7

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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

1.0

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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

6.1

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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

Grado Labs

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

on-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

open-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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Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition vs the average headphone

Why is Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
4 mm larger driver size
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (44 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
2.1 lower clamp force
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
0.2 % lower distortion
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % 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%
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (13 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (13 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.13 Hz vs 18 Hz
Open-back design
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
2.1 lower clamp force
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Open-back design
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.6 m more useful cable length
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
4 mm larger driver size
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (44 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
5 Hz lower bass extension
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (13 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
12 dB lower max SPL
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Not headset-ready
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Not headset-ready
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (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 headphone (£440 vs £90).
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition is more expensive than the average headphone (£440 vs £90).£440 vs £90
31.4% worse value for money
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.13 vs 6.736).
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.
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.13 vs 6.736).5.13 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition 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
Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Grado Labs Hemp Headphone Limited Edition and

Attribute category

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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 dislike 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.

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