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Grado SR325x — Open-back
Grado

Grado SR325x

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $349
VS
Sony WH-1000XM3 wins by 2
Sony WH-1000XM3 — Over-ear · 2018
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM3

Over-ear · 2018

86
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM3 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Grado SR325x lands at 84 and Sony WH-1000XM3 at 86. That puts Sony WH-1000XM3 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Grado SR325x if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Sony WH-1000XM3

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on sound (86 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM3

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on anc (84 vs 0).

Comfort

Grado SR325x

Long-session wearability

Grado SR325x leads on comfort (88 vs 85).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Grado SR325x 84
vs
86 Sony WH-1000XM3

Score breakdown

Grado SR325x
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sony WH-1000XM3
86
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82

Specs side-by-side

Grado SR325x versus Sony WH-1000XM3 — full spec comparison
Spec Grado SR325x Sony WH-1000XM3
Type
Open-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2018

Grado SR325x

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Sony WH-1000XM3

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Grado SR325x vs Sony WH-1000XM3

Which is better, Grado SR325x or Sony WH-1000XM3? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Grado SR325x worth the price? +

At $349, Grado SR325x delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Does Grado SR325x or Sony WH-1000XM3 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Grado SR325x or Sony WH-1000XM3? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on sound (86 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Grado SR325x or Sony WH-1000XM3? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on anc (84 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.