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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for superior sound quality and active noise cancellation for focused listening or air travel, the Apple AirPods Max would be the better choice; they also have a more robust build quality. However, they're bulkier and much more expensive than the Grado GT220. On the other hand, Grado GT220 earbuds are more portable, sweatproof for exercise use, and offer wireless charging, which is convenient. Also, while not as strong in noise isolation, they still provide excellent sound quality and are more suited for those who prefer a more lightweight and less pricey option. Both support AAC codec for high-quality audio, but neither comes with a lossless codec. 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 Max
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Grado GT220
- The Grado GT220 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Max.
Key differences
Music
7.3
6.3
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
8.8
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Grado GT220 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
10.0
5.3
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$259
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Grado GT220 costs $259.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.1
The Apple Airpods Max and Grado GT220 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
6.6
6.9
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods Max are both only fair for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.7
5.5
The Apple Airpods Max and Grado GT220 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to have excellent build quality, while the Grado GT220 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Grado GT220 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Grado GT220 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Grado | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 36 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 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 | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
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 Max 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.
By the numbers
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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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