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Grado SR80 vs JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless - Great overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Grado SR80
  • JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless
HearWiki score
68
78
Sound
7.6
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
6.5
Battery
-
9.2
Calls
-
8.0
Value
6.0
8.0
Price (USD)
$180
$130

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

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless (2024) against Grado SR80 (1991). The JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • SR801991
  • Epic Work ANC Wireless202433 yr newer
What differsSR80Epic Work ANC Wireless

Platform

ANC type
None
Hybrid

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

SR80Epic Work ANC Wireless
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$180
$130
HearWiki score
68
78
Released
1991
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
44 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
44 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
38 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
94 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Latency
-
50 ms
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
-
90 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
60 h
Full charge time
-
60 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 6 h
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
hybrid
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
-
128 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
-
5
Mic sensitivity
-
-38 dBV
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
2-mic ENC

What reviewers said

Grado SR80

The Grado SR80 is an open-back, wired on-ear headphone with a warm, engaging sound that puts vocals front and center while still delivering solid bass for an open design. Its retro styling and lightweight build appeal to purists, but the lack of isolation, somewhat clunky fit, and occasionally harsh treble mean it's best suited for quiet listening sessions rather than on-the-go use. Overall, it offers a classic audiophile tuning at a reasonable price, though its technical limitations keep it from being a versatile all-rounder.

  • Pro:Strong midrange and vocal clarity
  • Pro:Good bass presence for open-back design
  • Pro:Lightweight and classic Grado styling
  • Con:No noise isolation due to open-back design
  • Con:Treble can sound peaky on certain tracks
  • Con:Clampy fit may cause discomfort over time

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless

The JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless is a budget-friendly on-ear headset built for long workdays, combining hybrid active noise cancellation with a clear transparency mode for staying aware. Its standout 60-hour ANC battery life, solid call quality via five mics, and multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity make it a practical choice for office or remote use. While it lacks water resistance and folding hinges, its comfort and feature-packed design earn it strong marks for the price.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life with ANC on
  • Pro:Effective hybrid noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear microphone for calls
  • Con:No water resistance
  • Con:Not foldable for easy transport
  • Con:Only SBC and AAC codecs

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 SR80JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless