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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're focused on cost, the Audio Technica ATH M30X headphones are a more budget-friendly option and are especially suited for critical listening thanks to a strong overall sound quality. They're comfortable to wear for extended sessions and have closed-back ear cups for better noise isolation, but they're not portable and lack a built-in microphone. Conversely, the Grado GT220 earbuds are pricier but offer the convenience of wireless connectivity and a charging case that extends their battery life, along with built-in controls and a microphone for calls. The Grado earbuds might not offer the same soundstage, but they're a better choice for active use or travel since they're smaller and come with sweatproof certification. 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Grado GT220
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
5.1
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.9
The Grado GT220 is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
8.8
The Grado GT220 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
5.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$259
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Grado GT220 costs $259.
Build Quality
7.2
8.8
The Grado GT220 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Grado GT220 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Grado GT220 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Grado | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 36 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
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 Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Grado GT220
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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