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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality in music is your top priority, you may prefer the Grado GT220, as they offer slightly better overall sound quality. However, if you value features like active noise cancelling and app customization, which the GT220 lacks, then the Sony WF1000XM5 would be a better fit. The Sony model also supports a high-quality Bluetooth codec (LDAC) for better sound over Bluetooth, which the Grado doesn't have. For calls and meetings or when you are on the go, the Sony earbuds are designed with better noise isolation and longer battery life, making them more suitable for travel and lengthy phone conversations. Lastly, the Sony WF1000XM5 is optimized for both Android and Apple devices and includes ear/head detection features, unlike 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 Grado GT220
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.3
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.0
The Grado GT220 is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
4.9
The Grado GT220 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Battery
5.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$259
$298
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Grado GT220 has a price of $259 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.1
5.1
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Grado GT220 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.4
The Grado GT220 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.8
8.5
The Grado GT220 and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Grado GT220 and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Grado GT220 | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$259 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Grado | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 36 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Grado GT220 or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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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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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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