Grado SR80 vs Sennheiser HD 25: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 25 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 25 - Outstanding overall at around $110.

On-Ear

Score breakdown

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

Sennheiser HD 25 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Grado SR80
Sennheiser HD 25

HearWiki score

Sound

7.6

7.8

Value

6.0

8.0

Price (USD)

$180

$110

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?

Same generation

The Sennheiser HD 25 is 33 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 33 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

SR801991
HD 25202433 yr newer

Specifications

SR80HD 25

Type: On-Ear; On-Ear
Price (USD): $180; $110
HearWiki score: 68; 81
Released: 1991; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 44 mm dynamic; dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 44 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; -
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 16 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: 38 Ω; 70 Ω
Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW; 120 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 120.4
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: buttons; none
Weight: -; 140 g
Detachable cable: No; Yes
USB-C: No; No

Specification comparison of Grado SR80 vs Sennheiser HD 25
Spec	Grado SR80	Sennheiser HD 25
Type	On-Ear	On-Ear
Price (USD)	$180	$110
HearWiki score	68 / 100 Good	81 / 100 Outstanding
Released	1991	2024
Audio
Driver	44 mm dynamic	dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	44 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	-
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	16 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance	38 Ω	70 Ω
Sensitivity	98 dB/mW	120 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	120.4
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	buttons	none
Design
Weight	-	140 g
Detachable cable	No	Yes
USB-C	No	No

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

Sennheiser HD 25

The Sennheiser HD 25 is a lightweight, wired on-ear headphone built for professional tasks like DJing, broadcasting, and field recording. It offers a neutral, accurate sound with good separation and a durable, modular design, though its lack of ANC and limited passive isolation make it less suited for travel or office use. Comfort can be an issue during long sessions, and the cable connection at the earcup is a known weak point.

Pro:Accurate, neutral sound with good separation
Pro:Lightweight and stable fit for active use
Pro:Durable, modular build with detachable cable

Con:Comfort declines during extended wear
Con:Weak passive isolation without ANC
Con:Cable connection at earcup is fragile

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison Grado SR80 Sennheiser HD 25