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Grado GW100x vs V-Moda S-80: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Grado GW100x vs V-Moda S-80, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

Grado GW100x leads on 6 of 6 measures.

  • Grado GW100x
  • V-Moda S-80
HearWiki score
76
-
Sound
8.8
-
Battery
9.0
-
Calls
7.5
-
Value
7.2
-
Price (USD)
$280
$400

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?

Half a step newer

Both shipped in 2022. The Grado GW100x edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.2 against 5.1. The V-Moda S-80 answers on convenience features: it adds Companion app.

  • GW100x2022
  • S-802022
What differsGW100xS-80

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.1

Everyday features

Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Multipoint pairing.

Specifications

GW100xS-80
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$280
$400
HearWiki score
76
Not scored
Released
2022
2022
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
44 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
44 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
38 Ω
-
Sensitivity
99.8 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.2
5.1
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
15 m
Battery life
46 h
20 h
Full charge time
120 min
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Weight
188 g
354.4 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
1
-
Mic sensitivity
-42 dBV
-

What reviewers said

Grado GW100x

The Grado GW100x are open-back wireless on-ear headphones that prioritize audiophile-grade sound over extra features. With large 44mm drivers, long battery life, and support for aptX Adaptive, they deliver a detailed and lively listening experience. The design is minimal, lacking ANC and app support, but the comfortable, lightweight build makes them a solid choice for purists who value sound quality above all.

  • Pro:Excellent audio detail and open-back soundstage
  • Pro:Long battery life of up to 46 hours
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Lacks app support and custom EQ
  • Con:Feature set is very basic for the price

V-Moda S-80

The V-Moda S-80 is a versatile on-ear Bluetooth headphone that doubles as a personal speaker by flipping the earcups outward, with magnetic shields for customization and a companion app for EQ tuning. It offers a 20-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint, and a sturdy 40mm dynamic driver setup.

  • Pro:Unique flip-to-speaker design
  • Pro:Interchangeable magnetic shields
  • Pro:Custom EQ via companion app
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Heavier at 354g for on-ear
  • Con:Pricey at around $400

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

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New comparisonGrado GW100xV-Moda S-80