Over-Ear
Grado Hemp
78Great
$9
Full review dataGrado Hemp vs JLab JBuddies Pop Wired: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Grado Hemp comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Grado Hemp - Great overall at around $9.
Over-Ear
JLab JBuddies Pop Wired
62Average
$12
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Grado Hemp
Sound8.5
Value6.5
JLab JBuddies Pop Wired
Sound6.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Grado Hemp | JLab JBuddies Pop Wired |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $9 | $12 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 62 / 100 · Average |
| Released | 2020 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 44 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 13Hz-28kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.2 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 9.14 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 48 h |
| Battery incl. case | - | 48 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Voice assistant | - | voice assistant |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 218 g | 128.14 g |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 1 |
What reviewers said
Grado Hemp
The Grado Hemp is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone that delivers a lively, detailed, and engaging sound signature with a treble-forward character typical of the brand. Its natural wood housing and lightweight build add visual charm, but the open design offers no noise isolation and long-term comfort can be hit or miss. This is a specialized pick for audiophiles who appreciate its energetic tuning, not a versatile all-rounder for everyday use.
- Pro:Textured, engaging sound with strong detail retrieval
- Pro:Lightweight and attractive wooden construction
- Pro:Open, airy presentation with a wide soundstage
- Con:Open-back design provides no isolation and leaks sound
- Con:Comfort can become an issue during extended listening sessions
- Con:Cable handling and overall finish feel less refined
JLab JBuddies Pop Wired
These affordable wired over-ears are tailored for younger listeners, combining a comfortable fit with a built-in volume limiter to protect developing ears. They deliver clear, well-balanced sound for their price point, though the compact design may not suit older children or adults. A practical, safe pick for parents seeking budget-friendly audio gear for kids.
- Pro:Kid-safe volume cap protects hearing
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for small heads
- Pro:Clear, enjoyable sound for the price
- Con:Fit may be too snug for older kids or teens
- Con:No wireless or extra features at this price
- Con:Bass and loudness are limited by design
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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