Grado GW100x Headphone — Wireless, Dynamic Open‑Back
Hear the air between the notes—without the wire
If you love the speed, sparkle, and realism of open‑back Grado headphones but wish you could move around freely, the GW100x brings the house sound into the wireless age. These on‑ear, open‑back headphones pair the brand’s 4th‑gen “X” dynamic drivers with Bluetooth 5.2 and modern codecs to deliver a vivid, spacious presentation that feels like listening with your windows open—natural, unboxed, alive. With up to 46 hours of battery life, USB‑C charging, and a wired fallback when you need it, the GW100x turns everyday listening at home or at your desk into something quietly spectacular.
Why Audiophiles Choose This Product
- Primary Benefit: Engaging, open sound. Expect a clean, enthusiastic, and precise presentation with articulate mids, crisp treble energy, and punchy, well‑controlled bass—very much the Grado signature in wireless form. Multiple reviewers praise its musicality and openness for the price.
- Technical Benefit: 44 mm X‑Series drivers with a more powerful magnetic circuit, lower‑mass voice coil, and re‑shaped diaphragm improve efficiency and reduce distortion—purpose‑tuned for the GW100x.
- Practical Benefit: Up to 46 hours of play time per charge, around a 2‑hour recharge via USB‑C, and an ultra‑light build (about 188 g) for fatigue‑free sessions. On‑ear controls and a built‑in mic keep calls and playback simple.
- Compatibility Benefit: Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive for many Android devices plus AAC and SBC for broad support, along with multipoint to switch between two devices. Prefer wires? Use the supplied 3.5 mm cable any time.
- Unique Benefit: The world’s first open‑back Bluetooth headphone concept refined—Grado’s open design offers a naturally wide, airy stage that closed‑backs can’t match. Note: open‑backs are intentionally leaky and best for quiet spaces.
What’s Included
- Main Product: Grado GW100x Wireless On‑Ear Open‑Back Headphones with 44 mm X‑Series dynamic drivers (Bluetooth 5.2).
- Primary Accessories:
- USB‑A to USB‑C charging cable (approx. 2‑hour charge time).
- 3.5 mm analog audio cable for optional wired listening.
- Secondary Items: Pre‑installed WS foam earpads; built‑in mic and on‑ear controls.
- Documentation: Warranty card, Grado story‑sheet, and instruction booklet.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Wireless Bluetooth on‑ear, open‑back | Freedom of movement with an open, speaker‑like presentation. |
| Drivers | 44 mm Grado X‑Series dynamic | Tuned for lower distortion and higher efficiency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | Robust connection; improved power efficiency. |
| Codec Support | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | High‑quality wireless across Android and iOS ecosystems. |
| Battery Life | Up to 46 hours | Based on ~50% volume; excellent for multi‑day use. |
| Charging | USB‑C; ~2 hours to full | Modern, convenient charging standard. |
| Multipoint | Yes (two devices) | Seamless switching between sources. |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Full audible bandwidth. |
| Nominal Impedance | 38 Ω | Listed for completeness; no external amp required. |
| SPL (1 mW) | 99.8 dB | Ample headroom at typical listening levels. |
| Wireless Range | ~10 m | Standard Bluetooth range in open spaces. |
| Weight | ~188 g | Lightweight for long, comfortable sessions. |
Professional Recognition
- Reviews:
- What Hi‑Fi? called the GW100x “clean, open [and] enthusiastic,” praising battery life and codec support while reminding buyers that open‑backs leak and there’s no ANC or companion app—ideal for home listening rather than commuting. Review last updated November 19, 2024.
- T3 highlighted its “open, balanced and entertaining sound,” comfortable light build, and long battery life, while noting its minimalist feature set. Published February 1, 2023.
- Digital Trends reported the move to Bluetooth 5.2 and the addition of aptX Adaptive as key upgrades over prior generations.
- Heritage: Grado has been hand‑building open‑back headphones in Brooklyn since 1953—one of audio’s most storied family‑run brands.
- Innovation: Grado’s GW100 series introduced the first open‑back Bluetooth headphones and continues to refine leakage control while preserving an open, natural stage.
The Bottom Line
If you value the lifelike imaging and inviting energy of an open‑back Grado but want the ease of wireless, the GW100x nails the brief. It won’t replace your travel cans—open designs leak and there’s no ANC—but in quiet spaces it delivers detail, dynamics, and musical flow that outclass most wireless rivals at this size and weight. Add modern codecs, multipoint convenience, a true two‑day battery, and wired fallback, and you have a trustworthy daily‑driver that stays faithful to Grado’s roots while cutting the cord.
Notes for buyers:
- Best use case: At home, in a studio, or at a quiet desk where open‑back spaciousness can shine (and leakage won’t bother others).
- Platform tips: Android devices often leverage aptX Adaptive; iPhones use AAC. Windows users should ensure the “hands‑free” profile isn’t selected to avoid reduced audio quality during music playback.
This description is based on official specifications and multiple professional reviews to ensure accuracy and credibility.
































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