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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and Grado GT220 depends on what you value most in earbuds. If price is a significant concern and you prefer Apple ecosystem integration with features like ear detection and a strong balance between useability for music, calls, and portability, the AirPods are likely a better fit. The AirPods also have a notably longer combined battery life when considering their charging case. However, if you prioritize overall sound quality, build quality, dust and water resistance, and better control features, you might find the Grado GT220 to be worth the extra investment despite a slightly shorter battery life and higher price. Both pairs offer closed-back designs and wireless functionality, but neither has active noise cancelling. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Grado GT220.
Advantages of the Grado GT220
- The Grado GT220 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (2nd generation).
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.3
The Grado GT220 is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.8
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Grado GT220 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Grado GT220 is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$259
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Grado GT220 costs $259.
Build Quality
7.6
8.8
The Grado GT220 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
4.8
5.1
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
6.9
6.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Grado GT220 are both only fair for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.4
5.5
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Grado GT220 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Grado GT220 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Grado | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 36 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Grado GT220
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Major HiFi
Alex Schiffer | October 2020
"With its superb and functional interface and its highly satisfying imaging, Grado has shown a new talent for delivering a solid true wireless system, and with future improvements, has the potential to really be one of the best."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Grado GT220
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Grado
Grado Labs is a small, family-owned, business based in Brooklyn New York that specializes in high-end, boutique, dynamic headphones and turntable cartridges. They boast a particular house sound, that is to say their products have a particular sound signature unique to Grado, that some audiophiles seem to really like and are unable to find anywhere else. Their high-end headphones are all hand made, completely in house, from a variety of exotic woods and materials going so far as to making one of their most popular products out of hemp.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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