Grado GT220 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $278.

True Wireless

Grado GT220

60Average

$260

Full review data

True Wireless

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WF-1000XM6 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

Grado GT220
Sony WF-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

8.3

9.3

Noise cancelling

0.0

9.2

Battery

6.2

8.4

Calls

6.0

8.4

Value

4.2

8.1

Price (USD)

$260

$280

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Sony WF-1000XM6 (2026) against Grado GT220 (2021). The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, Top codec LC3 against aptX, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Wear detection, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

GT2202021
WF-1000XM620265 yr newer

What differsGT220WF-1000XM6

Bluetooth: 5.0; 5.3
Top codec: aptX; LC3
LE Audio (LC3): No; Yes
ANC type: None; Adaptive
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes

Level on: Wireless charging, USB-C, Water resistance.

Specifications

GT220WF-1000XM6

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $260; $280
HearWiki score: 60; 85
Released: 2021; 2026
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 8 mm dynamic; 8.4 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 8 mm; 8.4 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; -
Bluetooth: 5.0; 5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX; SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
Wireless range: -; 10 m
Battery life: 6 h; 12 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 8 h
Battery incl. case: 36 h; 24 h
Full charge time: 120 min; 90 min
Quick charge: -; 3 min → 1 h
Wireless charging: Yes; Yes
Active noise cancelling: No; Yes
ANC type: none; adaptive
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes
Controls: touch; touch
Voice assistant: Yes; Google Assistant
Weight: 5 g; 6.5 g
Case weight: 42 g; 47.1 g
Water resistance: IPX4; IPX4
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Microphones: 2; 8
Call noise reduction: -; Yes

Specification comparison of Grado GT220 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Spec	Grado GT220	Sony WF-1000XM6
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$260	$280
HearWiki score	60 / 100 Average	85 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2026
Audio
Driver	8 mm dynamic	8.4 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	8 mm	8.4 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	32 Ω	-
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.0	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	No	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	6 h	12 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	8 h
Battery incl. case	36 h	24 h
Full charge time	120 min	90 min
Quick charge	-	3 min → 1 h
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	none	adaptive
Transparency mode	No	Yes
Companion app	No	Yes
Custom EQ	No	Yes
Wear detection	No	Yes
Controls	touch	touch
Voice assistant	Yes	Google Assistant
Design
Weight	5 g	6.5 g
Case weight	42 g	47.1 g
Water resistance	IPX4	IPX4
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Calls
Microphones	2	8
Call noise reduction	-	Yes

What reviewers said

Grado GT220

The Grado GT220 true wireless earbuds prioritize a lively, open sound signature that reflects the brand's audiophile heritage, wrapped in a lightweight and comfortable fit. They offer a solid six-hour battery per charge with a total of 36 hours via the case, support aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs, and include IPX4 splash resistance plus wireless charging. However, their feature set is deliberately minimal—no ANC, transparency mode, app support, or multipoint—making them a niche pick for listeners who value pure sound over modern conveniences.

Pro:Engaging, detailed sound with Grado's signature tuning
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
Pro:Strong battery life with pocketable charging case

Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
Con:Feature set is basic with no companion app or EQ
Con:Premium price for limited extras

Sony WF-1000XM6

The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and a robust feature set, including LDAC support and multipoint connectivity. They perform exceptionally well for music and calls, though their premium price and case size are minor trade-offs. With strong battery life and IPX4 water resistance, they are a versatile, high-performance choice for most listeners.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
Pro:Solid battery life and wireless charging case

Con:Premium price point
Con:Included ear tips may not suit all ear shapes
Con:Charging case is somewhat bulky

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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