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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are often somewhat less expensive than the Grado GT220 and might be better for you if you're looking for a pair with a stemmed design that integrates well with the Apple ecosystem, providing features like adaptive sound and spatial audio, especially when paired with Apple devices. However, the Grado GT220 is a premium pair offering higher audio quality with a stemless design that some might find more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Both have a closed design and integrated mics, but neither has active noise cancellation. Battery life is similar, with the AirPods offering slightly less listening time but a quick charging time. If budget and seamless Apple device integration are priorities, go for the AirPods; if audio quality and a discrete look matter more, consider the GT220. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Grado GT220
- The Grado GT220 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (3rd generation).
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.6
6.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Grado GT220 is somewhat better.
Cost
$178
$259
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the Grado GT220 costs $259.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Grado GT220 are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.8
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.5
5.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Grado GT220 are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to have excellent build quality, while the Grado GT220 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Grado GT220 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Grado GT220 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Grado | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Grado GT220
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Dig into reviews and images
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 (3rd 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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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