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Grado HempImage © Grado

Grado Hemp

67/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$500
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Grado
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2020

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound7.8
Value6.7

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Grado Hemp is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone with a 44mm dynamic driver, tuned for a lively, treble-forward sound that appeals to audiophiles and fans of Grado's signature character. It offers detailed, textured audio with an engaging presentation, though its niche design means it's not ideal for everyday mixed use. The lightweight build is offset by a non-isolating open-back structure and a cable that may require some getting used to.

What works

  • Detailed and clear sound with a lively character
  • Lightweight open-back design for an airy presentation
  • Engaging, textured audio that suits music-focused listening
  • Attractive natural wood and hemp aesthetic

What doesn't

  • No noise isolation due to open-back construction
  • Comfort may wane during extended listening sessions
  • Cable handling can be finicky
  • Perceived value is modest given the price

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Grado Hemp
Driver44 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size44 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response13 Hz - 28 kHz
Impedance38 Ω
Sensitivity98 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

techradar.com

100

TechRadar describes the Hemp as an open-backed headphone that sounds open, balanced, and entertaining, with excellent sound quality. Its main drawbacks are comfort over long sessions, cable handling, and modest perceived value.

Read the full review

headfonia.com

Headfonia’s review is strongly positive about the Hemp’s sound and character, treating it as an easy recommendation for listeners who like Grado’s style and treble-forward presentation. The review also frames it as a compelling buy at its original price, especially for people drawn to its sonic personality.

Read the full review

majorhifi.com

Major HiFi is enthusiastic about the Hemp, calling it more than a novelty and praising its textured, engaging sound. The review suggests it is broadly enjoyable and recommendable even beyond the audiophile crowd.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Mixedacross 5 videos

Reviewers agree the Grado Hemp delivers exceptional, dynamic sound with deep bass and a lively, open presentation, often calling it the best-sounding Grado they've tried.

Reviewers liked

  • Exceptional, dynamic sound with deep bass and great staging
  • Unique, attractive hemp and maple construction
  • Easy to drive and low sound leakage for open-back design

Reviewers flagged

  • Poor build quality with cheap plastic parts and flimsy headband
  • Uncomfortable stock ear pads that can cause harshness
  • Non-detachable, overly thick cable
9:56

Were these made as a JOKE??? - Grado Hemp Headphones

ShortCircuit630.6K viewsJul 2020

The reviewer initially expected the Grado Hemp headphones to be a gimmick, but after testing them, found them to be a well-made, good-sounding open-back headphone with a unique hemp and maple composite chassis. They praise the flat, smooth sound and low sound leakage, but note the high price, some build quality inconsistencies, and potential discomfort for some users. Overall, they recommend them for collectors or audiophiles with the budget.

50:11

Grado Hemp _(Z Reviews)_ ..GENTLEMEN.. 📞🔥❤️🪓 xXx420xXx

Z Reviews55.5K viewsMar 2021

The reviewer is highly impressed with the Grado Hemp's sound quality, calling it the best-sounding Grado ever made, with excellent low end, smoothness, and soundstage. However, he strongly criticizes the build and ergonomics, including the non-detachable cable, uncomfortable stock pads, and flimsy headband, which he says require significant modifications to be usable. He concludes that while the sound is outstanding, the overall package is held back by outdated design choices.

13:56

Comparison Review: Grado HEMP and Audeze LCD1, Sennheiser HD6XX, and Hifiman Sundara headphones

The reviewer finds the Grado Hemp headphones to be an exciting, dynamic, and fun-sounding open-back headphone with a lively, immediate presentation that stands out against competitors like the Audeze LCD-1, Sennheiser HD6XX, and Hifiman Sundara. While it is bright and not the smoothest or most polite option, its visceral energy, deep bass, and engaging 'live' feel make it a compelling choice, especially for those who enjoy a more vibrant sound.

9:34

They're SO good... but also bad?? - Grado Hemp REVIEW

DMS41.4K viewsMay 2021

The reviewer finds the Grado Hemp headphones sonically exceptional, describing them as the most 'audiophile' headphone they know, with fantastic staging and a natural, engaging sound that evokes live speakers. However, they are heavily critical of the build quality, stock comfort, and stock ear pads, recommending aftermarket pads as essential. Despite these drawbacks, the reviewer considers them one of their favorite headphones and the best Grado they've tried, though they note it's a limited edition.

32:28

(Blaze it!) Grado Hemp - Headphone Highlight

Master Marslander2.3K viewsJul 2023

The reviewer has mixed feelings about the Grado Hemp headphones. They praise the unique hemp wood construction and the overall sound quality, but strongly criticize the build quality, comfort, and the permanently attached, overly thick cable. They recommend replacing the stock ear pads with larger Grado pads for a significant comfort improvement.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.