Grado SR60X Review

S
SetupScore EditorsUpdated Feb 2026
manage_search 29 Expert Reviews
schedule4 min read
Grado SR60X headphones with open-back design, featuring bright sound signature
71 / 100
check_circle Good
starstarstarstar star_half
4.4
Amazon Rating 576 reviews

The Bottom Line

The Grado SR60X headphones offer a bright sound signature and excellent sound quality, revealing details in music that other headphones may miss. With an open-back design, these headphones are best suited for quiet environments and audiophiles who appreciate a more spacious soundstage. However, the open-back design also allows others to hear your music, and the headphones may become uncomfortable during long listening sessions.

MSRP: $99.00 $100.00 at Amazon arrow_outward
insights

Our Analysis

The Grado SR60X headphones have established themselves as a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on sound quality. We found these headphones to be a hit among users seeking a bright, detailed listening experience, which is quite a feat for their price range. What really stands out is their open-back design, which, while not suitable for every environment, offers a spacious soundstage and allows for ambient awareness. This design, paired with their bright sound signature, lets listeners catch nuances in music that might otherwise be missed. According to crutchfield.com, 'They are easy to power and offer a bright, clear sound with a good soundstage.' However, this openness comes with trade-offs, as others can hear your music, and it lacks noise isolation, making it less than ideal for noisy surroundings or shared spaces.

View Review Insights

Review Insights

Topic Breakdown

AI-Analyzed

Sound quality

positive 100 mentions

Customers praise the headphones' sound quality, with one customer noting notable emphasis on higher frequencies, while another mentions the sweet top end.

See what people said
"These sound amazing, the Grado experience is like no other, great sound, very balanced and with a wide sound, and they are SUPER COMFORTABLE...."
"...SOUND QUALITY: Phenomenal. Great resolution, soundstage is /meh/ but at $100 you’re still getting more than what you pay for...."
"the sound is great, having to go back to regular headphones was painful, but not I'm not crying over having to deal with the constant crackling...."

Value for money

positive 27 mentions

Customers find these headphones to be outstanding for the money, with one customer noting they are worth it for solo listening sessions.

See what people said
"Grado are the best headphones for the money. High-quality, made in the USA, with excellent imaging and superb on-ear comfort...."
"These sound great for the price but if you want bass get something else"
"Really good sound quality for the price...."

Build quality

mixed 64 mentions

Customers have mixed opinions about the headphones' construction, with some finding them high-quality and remarkably good, while others report poor build quality and describe them as feeling cheap.

See what people said
"Good headphones...."
"Love the headphones, hate the cables."
"Almost a perfect product but these are NOT built to last like most headphones I own. At the very least make a removable cable variant if possible...."

Comfort

mixed 33 mentions

Customers have mixed opinions about the headphones' comfort, with some finding them comfortable while others report issues with the cord and scratchy earpads.

See what people said
"...They’re comfortable, cable looks like it will last forever. I have no complaints, glad I bought them and they’re worth every penny."
"...These honestly are just not comfortable with glasses...."
"They sounded incredible. They were comfortable to wear. They looked beautiful. Two months have passed...."

Durability

negative 25 mentions

Customers report durability issues with these headphones, with several mentioning they broke within two weeks of use, and one customer noting that the pads wear thin over time.

See what people said
"...To make matters worse, the headband broke during the first week of use, the metal attaching the actual drivers is ridiculously weak...."
"...1st time warranty covered a fix. 2nd and 3rd I fixed it but once again glitches...."
"...so much better than a $350 pair of airpods, but these headphones break way too fast...."

Key Points

What Reviewers Love

  • +

    The Grado SR60X has a bright sound signature that allows the user to notice details in music they never heard before.

    Cited by 8 sources

  • +

    Open-back design suitable for quiet environments

    Cited by 6 sources

  • +

    Excellent sound quality

    Cited by 5 sources

  • +

    High sensitivity and low impedance, no need for external amplifier

    Cited by 2 sources

What To Consider

  • Open-back design allows others to hear your music

    Cited by 4 sources

  • Uncomfortable for long listening sessions

    Cited by 3 sources

  • Lack of noise isolation; not suitable for noisy environments

    Cited by 2 sources

  • No specific cons mentioned about the Grado SR60X in the provided context.

    Cited by 2 sources

check_circle Best For

  • Budget-conscious audiophiles
  • Home music listeners
  • Detail-oriented listeners

warning Consider Carefully

  • On-the-go music listeners
  • Users in noisy environments
  • Those needing privacy

Specifications

Performance

Driver type
Dynamic
Frequency response
10Hz-35,000Hz
Sensitivity
99.8dB/mW

Ergonomics

Adjustable headband
Yes
Comfort
Soft Sheepskin Ear Pads

Source Analysis

This review synthesizes insights from 29 independent sources to provide a comprehensive, unbiased assessment.

Expert Reviews (2)

Professional testing labs & tech publications

Verified Source

The Grado SR60x headphones, part of the Prestige Series, are hand built in Brooklyn, New York, featuring 44mm dynamic drivers and a nominal impedance of 32 ohms. They provide detailed midrange sound at an affordable price, but lack substantial bass. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, with vegan-friendly synthetic materials for the headband and earcups.

Pros
  • Detailed midrange sound for the price
  • Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Vegan-friendly synthetic materials
Cons
  • Lacks substantial bass
Verified Source

The Grado SR60X is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade from mass-market headphones with its open-back design and comfortable on-ear fit. It offers good value for money and high sensitivity, making it compatible with most devices without the need for an external amplifier. However, its open-back design means it doesn't isolate from the environment, making it unsuitable for use in noisy settings or where privacy is desired.

Pros
  • Offers a step up in audio quality over consumer headphones
  • Reasonable price relative to other open-back headphones
  • Comfortable design with thick, light foam
  • High sensitivity and low impedance, no need for external amplifier
Cons
  • Lack of noise isolation; not suitable for noisy environments
  • Open-back design allows others to hear your music
  • Requires a 3.5mm jack or dongle for modern smartphones

Video Reviews (1)

Hands-on demonstrations & setup guides

SoundProof Brothers
SoundProof Brothers
  • Ideal for music enthusiasts prioritizing mid and clear sound.
  • Suitable for long listening sessions due to comfort.
  • Handcrafted quality at an accessible price point.

Community Discussions (14)

Real owners sharing experiences

Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • The Grado SR60X is suitable for those who prefer a bright/neutral tonal balance.
  • The Grado SR60X is compatible with a variety of music genres, making it a versatile option.

u/Less_Treat_9981

Setup Showcase
Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • Best for those who appreciate a unique sound signature and are not concerned about privacy
  • Not ideal for use in public settings due to open-back design
  • May require adjustments for comfort, such as bending the steel headband
Limited community engagement

u/altrightobserver

Setup Showcase
Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • Grado SR60X is a good entry-level open-back headphone option for those new to the audiophiles' world.
  • The brand is known for its durability and excellent customer service.
  • Grado headphones are appreciated for their sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
Limited community engagement

Customer Reviews Amazon

What buyers are saying

starstarstarstar star_half
4.4

576 reviews

Sound quality • 100 Value for money • 27 Build quality • 64 Comfort • 33 Durability • 25

Recently Added Reviews

star star star star star

Great product!

Hal T. January 2, 2026
This headband cushion improved the comfort of my 325x headphones. It makes it easier to position them for a snug fit, which I feel contributes to an improved listening experience. When installing it, I think it is better to leave the zipper closed at one end ,slide it over the headband from the right after disconnecting the right earphone and finish zipping it once it is on the headband.
star star star star star

Inexpensive Comfort Upgrade

Joe November 12, 2025
This neoprene headband cushion cover is a surprisingly great comfort upgrade and might be the most inexpensive upgrades you can make for your headphones. I initially ordered it to use with my Grado SR325e, which aren’t exactly uncomfortable but it has actually made a huge difference, transforming long listening sessions into incredibly comfortable experiences.The genius of this cover is its stretchy, zippered design. It was super quick and easy to install (literally seconds), and because the material stretches so well, it also fit perfectly on several other headphone models I own.A nice design touch is the protective fabric flap sewn underneath the zipper and completely eliminates any worry about the metal zipper damaging the original headband. I haven’t made use of the hanging loop yet but I could see where it could come in handy while traveling.Highly recommended for a universal comfort boost and exceptional value!
star star star star star

SImple but nice idea

jmdan December 12, 2025
It’s simple, fits well, and does the job perfectly. Not that the phones were necessarily uncomfortable before, but they are a little better now. They stay in place better, which seems counterintuitive but there you go.
star star star star star

Perfect headphones crown cover, wider compatibility than listed

Hart-Lee December 7, 2025
This cushion cover turned out to be exactly what I needed to fix/upgrade my old headphones. The top part of my headphones had been peeling for a while, but even before that I never found it particularly comfortable. After watching a movie or something using these headphones, I’d find the top of my head was a bit sore.This cover solves both those problems. It’s made with strong and fairly stretchy materials, so it easily wrapped around the headband and I don’t have to worry about peeling anymore. It’s also much more comfortable with the extra cushioning. In fact, since it’s fairly stretchy I was able to stuff some extra padding inside before zipping it up so it’s now extra comfortable. I just watched a full movie last night with my headphones on and felt completely comfortable the whole way through.The design itself seems like it makes this cover compatible with a very wide range of headphones. For reference, I’m using Panasonic ear muff style headphones and it wrapped around easily and looks quite good when it’s on. Super easy to apply this cover in seconds thanks to the zipper.Recommended!
star star star star star

Simple upgrade that adds comfort and protects the headband

Maxwell December 13, 2025
This headband cushion cover fits my headphones nicely and feels well made. The padding adds extra comfort, especially during longer listening sessions, without making the headphones feel bulky. The fabric is soft, and the cushioning helps reduce pressure on the top of the head.

Reviews shown are from Amazon customers and do not reflect our editorial assessment.

The Verdict

The Grado SR60X is a worthwhile but imperfect entry-level option for home listeners who can tolerate its open-back limitations and potential comfort issues during long sessions. Its bright, detailed sound offers a genuine step up from consumer headphones at a budget-friendly price — but those in noisy environments or who need privacy while listening should look elsewhere.

Pricing Reference

Updated Feb 24, 2026
29 sources analyzed Updated February 22, 2026
About our review methodology

Score methodology: Weighted average of 1 expert ratings. Community discussions used for qualitative insights only.

Sources breakdown: 4 expert reviews, 1 video reviews, 14 community discussions

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