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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a wired connection for zero latency, consider the Audio Technica M50x, which is also more affordable. The Grado GT220, being a wireless option, offers more freedom of movement and convenience without cables. For an immersive music experience, the M50x is known for its studio-quality sound, while the GT220 provides the perk of easy connectivity with devices. If making phone calls is essential, the GT220 includes a microphone, a feature the M50x lacks. Your choice should reflect your specific needs: wired reliability and studio sound or wireless convenience and functionality. 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 M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Grado GT220
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.3
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.1
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
6.9
The Grado GT220 is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
8.8
The Grado GT220 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
TV and Video
7.8
5.5
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$259
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Grado GT220 costs $259.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Grado GT220 are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.5
8.8
The Grado GT220 and Audio Technica M50x both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Grado GT220 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Grado GT220 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Grado | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | 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 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
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 M50x 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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Why trust us
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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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