The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're focused on overall sound quality and built-in control features, the Grado GT220 would be a better choice. It offers superior sound but comes at a premium price and doesn't feature active noise cancelling, which is great for a quieter listening experience found in the Apple AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro are also optimized specifically for Apple devices, have a higher comfort score, and include wireless charging, which the Grado GT220 lacks. For activities like air travel or exercising, the noise cancellation and secure fit of the AirPods Pro might be more beneficial. However, if the sound is your top priority and you don't mind spending a bit more, then go for the Grado 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Grado GT220
The Grado GT220 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro.
Key differences
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
8.8/10
The Grado GT220 and Apple Airpods Pro are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Grado GT220 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
5.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
The Apple Airpods Pro and Grado GT220 are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.1/10
5.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro and Grado GT220 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
6.9/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to be good for phone calls, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7/10
5.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro and Grado GT220 are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
5.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$259
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Grado GT220 costs $259.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to have excellent build quality, while the Grado GT220 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Grado GT220 compare to other earbuds and headphones
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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.
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.