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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality is a priority and the convenience of wireless connectivity is important for you, the Grado GT220 earbuds offer superior sound quality and are true wireless, which is perfect for on-the-go use. However, if you're on a budget and do not mind using a wired connection, the Beats EP headphones are significantly less expensive while still delivering decent sound quality, reasonable comfort, and durable build. The Beats EP do not have a built-in microphone, so if you plan to make calls or attend meetings, the Grado GT220 with its integrated mic would be a better choice. It is also worth noting that the GT220 includes features like wireless charging and sweatproof certification, making it more suitable for exercise and travel, but the Beats EP offer better sound isolation which can be beneficial in noisy environments. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Grado GT220
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.3
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.1
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
6.9
The Grado GT220 is only fair for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.8
The Grado GT220 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.5
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$259
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Grado GT220 costs $259.
Build Quality
8.0
8.8
The Grado GT220 and Beats EP both have very good build quality, though the Grado GT220 has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Beats EP and Grado GT220 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Beats EP and the Grado GT220 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Grado GT220 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Grado | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 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) | 226.7 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats EP
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Grado GT220
See more
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 Beats EP or the Grado GT220
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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.
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