
Grado GW100x vs Sennheiser HD 650: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 650 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Grado GW100x | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $275 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | X Drivers | dynamic |
| Driver size | 44 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 10Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 103 |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 46 h | - |
| Full charge time | 120 min | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | touch | buttons |
| Voice assistant | microphone for voice calls | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 188 g | 260 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
Grado GW100x
The Grado GW100x are open-back wireless on-ear headphones that prioritize sound quality above all, delivering detailed audio through their large 44mm drivers. With an impressive 46-hour battery life and support for aptX Adaptive, they are a strong choice for audiophiles who value stamina and performance. However, they come with a bare-bones feature set, lacking ANC, app support, and any EQ customization, which may deter users seeking modern conveniences.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality for wireless headphones
- Pro:Long 46-hour battery life
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable design
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Minimal features with no app support or EQ
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lets in ambient noise
Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone built for serious home listening. It delivers a natural, detailed sound with a comfortable fit, though its sub-bass rolloff and bulky design limit it to stationary use rather than portable or active scenarios. Its replaceable cable and balanced connection option add to its appeal for audiophiles.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and natural tonal balance
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable and balanced output support
- Con:Noticeable sub-bass rolloff
- Con:Not portable or suitable for active use
- Con:High impedance requires a dedicated amplifier
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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