Grado GT220 vs Technics EAH-AZ100: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Technics EAH-AZ100 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Technics EAH-AZ100 - Outstanding overall at around $250.

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.

Technics EAH-AZ100 leads on 7 of 7 measures.

Grado GT220
Technics EAH-AZ100

HearWiki score

Sound

8.3

9.2

Noise cancelling

0.0

8.6

Battery

6.2

8.7

Calls

6.0

7.8

Value

4.2

8.1

Price (USD)

$260

$250

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

Technics EAH-AZ100 (2025) against Grado GT220 (2021). The Technics EAH-AZ100 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, Top codec LC3 against aptX, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Wear detection, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

GT2202021
EAH-AZ10020254 yr newer

What differsGT220EAH-AZ100

Bluetooth: 5.0; 5.3
Top codec: aptX; LC3
LE Audio (LC3): No; Yes
ANC type: None; Hybrid
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

GT220EAH-AZ100

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $260; $250
HearWiki score: 60; 86
Released: 2021; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 8 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 8 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 16 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): -; 10 h
Battery incl. case: 36 h; 28 h
Full charge time: 120 min; 120 min
Quick charge: -; 15 min → 1.2 h
Wireless charging: Yes; Yes
Active noise cancelling: No; Yes
ANC type: none; hybrid
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes
Controls: touch; touch
Voice assistant: Yes; Yes
Weight: 5 g; 11.8 g
Case weight: 42 g; 42 g
Water resistance: IPX4; IPX4
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Microphones: 2; 2
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of Grado GT220 vs Technics EAH-AZ100
Spec	Grado GT220	Technics EAH-AZ100
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$260	$250
HearWiki score	60 / 100 Average	86 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2025
Audio
Driver	8 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	8 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	32 Ω	16 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)	-	10 h
Battery incl. case	36 h	28 h
Full charge time	120 min	120 min
Quick charge	-	15 min → 1.2 h
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	none	hybrid
Transparency mode	No	Yes
Companion app	No	Yes
Custom EQ	No	Yes
Wear detection	No	Yes
Controls	touch	touch
Voice assistant	Yes	Yes
Design
Weight	5 g	11.8 g
Case weight	42 g	42 g
Water resistance	IPX4	IPX4
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Calls
Microphones	2	2
Microphone type	-	MEMS

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

Technics EAH-AZ100

The Technics EAH-AZ100 are premium true wireless earbuds that deliver rich, detailed sound through a 10mm dynamic driver, with support for high-resolution LDAC streaming. They combine effective hybrid active noise cancellation with a comfortable, IPX4-rated design, plus smart features like multipoint pairing and wireless charging for versatile daily use. With up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge, they are built to last through long listening sessions.

Pro:Excellent sound quality with LDAC support
Pro:Strong hybrid ANC and transparency modes
Pro:Long battery life with wireless charging case

Con:Premium price point
Con:Touch controls may be overly sensitive
Con:No aptX codec support

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

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