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Dali IO 12 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£880
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 35 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Dali IO 12 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.6

Technical Score

20.0%

7.4

User score

Very good
7.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

9.6

Sound

20.0%

4.2

Features

10.0%

5.3

Design

8.0%

6.4

Connectivity

6.0%

6.9

Battery

4.0%

8.3

Calls & Controls

Very good
7.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(60)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(60)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Very good
  • 7.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    5.7

    Battery life

  • 7.4
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    5.7

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.5

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 8.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    5.7

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 6.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.5

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    5.7

    IP rating

    16.0%

    5.7

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The DALI IO-12 is a premium over-ear headphone featuring custom-developed 50mm drivers with a world-first patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system and paper fiber cones to minimize distortion and deliver hi-fi sound with a wide frequency range of 10Hz to 48kHz. These headphones support multiple high-res connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX Adaptive/HD), wired USB-C audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, and traditional 3.5mm analog connections in both active and passive modes. Main characteristics include active noise cancellation (ANC), dual sound modes (Hi-Fi and Bass), and a durable luxury design utilizing real leather and aluminum. Key pros are its exceptional audiophile-grade sound quality, impressive 35-hour battery life, and high level of wearing comfort. However, notable cons include its bulky, non-folding design, the lack of a dedicated companion app for deep EQ customization, and ANC performance that falls slightly behind class-leading competitors.

Technical Specifications of Dali IO 12

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

9.6

Sound

20.0%

4.2

Features

10.0%

5.3

Design

8.0%

6.4

Connectivity

6.0%

6.9

Battery

4.0%

8.3

Calls & Controls

7.6
Dali IO 12 has a technical score of 7.61 points, which is higher than that of 90.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(60)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(60)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.4
Dali IO 12 has a user score of 7.36 points, which is lower than that of 72.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
3.5
Dali IO 12 has a popularity of 3.5 points, which is lower than 57.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

5.9

Price

7.1
Dali IO 12 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is higher than 65.7% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Dali IO 12 supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

50 mm
Dali IO 12 uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Dali IO 12 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

10 Hz
Dali IO 12 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Dali IO 12 supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Dali IO 12 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

4
Dali IO 12 has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88.2% of headphones and equal to 5% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Dali IO 12 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
Dali IO 12 supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

5.2
Dali IO 12 uses Bluetooth version 5.2, newer Bluetooth version than 85.6% of headphones and equal to 3% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

10 m
Dali IO 12 offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

?
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Dali IO 12 supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Dali IO 12 supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dali IO 12 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dali IO 12 does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

3
Dali IO 12 offers 3 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 94.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Dali IO 12 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

35 hours
Dali IO 12 offers battery life of 35 hours, higher battery life than 58.6% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

35 hours
Dali IO 12 offers battery life with ANC of 35 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 54.6% of headphones and equal to 4.8% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

0.83 hours
Dali IO 12 needs 0.83 hours to charge, lower charging time than 99.5% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dali IO 12 does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

1,100 mAh
Dali IO 12 has a battery capacity of 1100 mAh, higher battery capacity than 93.2% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Dali
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

370 g
Dali IO 12 weighs 370 g, heavier than 93% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Dali IO 12 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Dali IO 12 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Dali IO 12 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Dali IO 12 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Dali IO 12 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Dali IO 12 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Dali IO 12 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Dali IO 12 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Dali IO 12 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 28,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Dali IO 12 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Dali IO 12 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.48000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • More flexible connectivity
    Dali IO 12 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
    What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
    When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    Dali IO 12 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Dali IO 12 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Dali IO 12 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Dali IO 12 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Dali IO 12 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Water resistance
    Dali IO 12 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Better IP rating
    Dali IO 12 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IP52 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Dali IO 12 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Dali IO 12 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Dali IO 12 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Dali IO 12 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 28,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Dali IO 12 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Dali IO 12 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Dali IO 12 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 1.17 hours shorter charging time
    Dali IO 12 has a lower charging time than the average headphone (0.8 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 83.3% higher battery capacity
    Dali IO 12 has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (1,100 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • USB-C charging
    Dali IO 12 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Dali IO 12 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Dali IO 12 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 5 hours longer battery life
    Dali IO 12 has a higher battery life than the average headphone (35 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 5 hours longer ANC battery life
    Dali IO 12 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (35 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Dali IO 12 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Dali IO 12 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Dali IO 12 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Dali IO 12 has more microphones than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Dali IO 12 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Dali IO 12 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 69.7% higher weight
    Dali IO 12 is heavier than the average headphone (370 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 11 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Dali IO 12 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Dali IO 12 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    Dali IO 12 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 69.7% higher weight
    Dali IO 12 is heavier than the average headphone (370 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Dali IO 12 is heavier than the average headphone (370 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.370 g vs 218 g
  • 11 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Dali IO 12 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Dali IO 12 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 9.78x more expensive
    Dali IO 12 is more expensive than the average headphone (£880 vs £90).
    Dali IO 12 is more expensive than the average headphone (£880 vs £90).£880 vs £90
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Dali IO 12 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Dali IO 12 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    Dali IO 12 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Dali IO 12 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.100 dB vs 110 dB
  • 8.7% lower user score
    Dali IO 12 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.36 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Dali IO 12 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.36 vs 8.000).7.36 vs 8
Total
Overall
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of Dali IO 12 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
60 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
60 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Dali IO 12?

  • Class-leading technical sound quality, often described as reaching the level of high-end wired audiophile headphones.
  • Expansive soundstage and precise instrument imaging, especially notable for a closed-back design.
  • Exceptional long-term comfort featuring large, deep, genuine leather ear pads and a relaxed clamping force.
  • Versatile connectivity options including high-quality Bluetooth (aptX Adaptive), USB-C wired DAC mode (24-bit/96kHz), and active/passive analog modes.
  • Simple, intuitive physical controls that avoid the accidental triggers common with touch gestures.
  • Solid battery life of approximately 35 hours.
  • Excellent passive noise isolation due to a strong acoustic seal.

What customers dislike about Dali IO 12?

  • Very high price point compared to mainstream and many high-end competitors.
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is only average for the class, trailing behind flagships from Bose, Sony, and Apple.
  • Lack of a companion smartphone app, which prevents firmware updates and granular EQ customization.
  • Bulky, non-folding design and an exceptionally large carrying case make them less ideal for compact travel.
  • The 'Bass' EQ mode can sometimes muffle vocals or bleed too much into the midrange.
  • Missing some high-end wireless features like LDAC or aptX Lossless codecs.
  • Sub-par performance for users with glasses, as frames can break the ear pad seal and significantly reduce bass response.

Expert reviews

M
majorhifi.com
14/11/2023
Dali IO-12 Review - Major HiFi

The DALI IO-12 headphones, as reviewed by Major HiFi, successfully translate high-end loudspeaker engineering into a wireless format, featuring proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) drivers and rigid paper fiber cones for a detailed, open, and audiophile-level soundstage. These luxury headphones provide immense flexibility through high-resolution wireless support and wired USB-C...Read more

L
lbtechreviews.com
27/11/2023
Dali iO-12 – Tech Reviews

The Dali iO-12 is an ultra-premium, high-end set of closed-back wireless headphones that prioritizes absolute sound purity and robust construction over software gimmicks. Utilizing proprietary Soft Magnetic Composite (SMC) technology borrowed from Dali's high-end loudspeakers, the headphones dramatically reduce driver distortion across the frequency range. The sound profile is...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
29/03/2024
DALI IO-12 Review: A luxury listen - Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the DALI IO-12Go highlights these over-ear headphones as a premium, luxurious option, praising their warm, highly detailed musical sound signature and a 35-hour battery life. Key pros include excellent wireless performance, top-tier build quality, and a comfortable, high-end fit, all without requiring a dedicated companion app. However, the review...Read more

A
audiograde.uk
31/05/2024
Dali IO-12 headphones review - Audiograde

The Dali IO-12 are ultra-premium, closed-back wireless headphones priced at £999 that aim to bridge the gap between portable convenience and high-end home audio performance. Borrowing patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet technology and 50mm paper fibre cones from Dali's flagship loudspeaker ranges, they deliver an incredibly immersive, open soundstage with outstanding...Read more

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futureaudiophile.com
29/09/2025
Review: Dali IO-12 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

The Dali IO-12 wireless over-the-ear headphones ($1,750) are high-end, audiophile-grade "cans" engineered to bring a premium, home-theater-quality listening experience to mobile environments. The reviewer notes that they deliver exceptional detail and an expansive soundstage that sounds significantly more "open" and less compressed than competing wireless models. Major performance...Read more

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rtings.com
23/01/2026
DALI IO-12 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The DALI IO-12 Wireless are premium, comfortable over-ear headphones featuring high-end materials, exceptional wired/wireless versatility, and a 35-hour battery life suitable for long-term use. However, the bulky, heavy design makes them unstable for exercise, while their active noise cancellation (ANC) only adequately handles lower-pitched sounds and struggles with heavy engine...Read more

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hifi.de
20/02/2024
Dali IO-12 Review: Brilliant Sound and Premium Look

Based on the HIFI. DE review, the Dali IO-12 is a €999 luxury, closed-back over-ear headphone engineered to deliver the natural, spacious sound of a traditional hi-fi loudspeaker. The reviewer praises its exceptional audio performance across various musical genres, highlighting a detailed, highly accurate, and airy presentation that mimics open-back designs. Key advantages include...Read more

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fairaudio.de
18/04/2024
Dali IO-12: Bluetooth headphones review at fairaudio

The Dali IO-12 is a luxury, closed-back wireless over-ear headphone priced at 999 Euro that effectively balances mobile convenience with high-end audiophile performance. It is highly versatile, supporting Bluetooth 5.2 with advanced aptX, aptX Adaptive, and aptX HD codecs, alongside digital USB-C playback up to 24-bit/96 kHz and traditional analog wired operation. The headphones can...Read more

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kopfhoerer.de
06/05/2024
Dali IO-12 review on kopfhoerer.de

Dali IO-12 The Dali IO-12 is a luxury, closed-back wireless over-ear headphone that commands a premium price tag of approximately €1,000, separating itself from consumer-grade alternatives through exceptional high-resolution sound quality and robust build materials. It features a distinctive cocoa-brown leather and bronze-colored metal design, a highly stable Bluetooth 5.2...Read more

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hifi-regler.de
01/12/2023
Exclusive Dali iO-12 review straight from our studio!

The Dali iO-12 is a premium, over-ear wireless HiFi headphone that integrates Dali's proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) speaker technology to deliver an exceptionally clear, dynamic, and authentic stereo sound signature. It features an elegant "Dark Chocolate" and gold design, crafted with high-quality real leather cushioning that ensures outstanding long-term wearing comfort...Read more

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areadvd.de
16/11/2023
XXL REVIEW: Dali iO-12 – Audiophile Hi-Fi Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation

The AREA DVD review celebrates the Dali iO-12 as a luxurious, audiophile-grade wireless over-ear headphone priced at 999 EUR. The core pros highlight its exceptional construction and audio engineering, featuring real-leather ear cushions and headbands, paired with Dali’s proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) driver technology to drastically reduce distortion and maximize sound...Read more

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lite-magazin.de
24/12/2023
Dali IO-12 – Flagship headphones for every occasion

The Dali IO-12 is a premium, closed-back over-ear headphone that bridges the gap between portable Bluetooth convenience and high-end stationary audio by utilizing Dali’s proprietary speaker technologies, such as paper fiber cones and a patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) driver system. In testing, it earns a "Highlight" rating in the reference class for its exceptionally wide,...Read more

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on-mag.fr
15/01/2024
Dali IO-12 Portable Headphones Review: High-End Hi-Fi Sound Quality Made Simple

The Dali IO-12 is a luxury, ambitious wireless headphone ($1,000) that blurs the line between portable convenience and high-end home audio. It delivers an incredibly wide soundstage, exceptional detail retrieval, dynamic sound reproduction, and a very practical 29 to 36 hours of battery life. The packaging is highly generous, featuring premium leather finishes and an extensive set...Read more

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avpasion.com
10/04/2024
Dali IO-12 review: authentic HiFi sound for your ears, wired and wireless", "Dali IO-12 review: authentic HiFi sound with or without cables

The Dali IO-12 are premium, circumaural wireless headphones priced at €999, designed to bridge the gap between high-end wireless convenience and true audiophile wired performance. The reviewer praises their exceptional luxury construction, featuring large, comfortable, square-shaped genuine leather ear cushions and a soft headband that ensures a firm yet pressure-free fit for hours...Read more

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rkdl.nl
07/02/2025
Dali IO-12 Review: The pinnacle of sound", "Dali IO-12 Review: The cream of the crop in acoustics

The Dali IO-12 is a luxury wireless over-ear headphone designed for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality and versatile connectivity. Featuring a premium design with a real leather headband and large rectangular earcups, the construction is exceptionally robust and durable,. Despite a slightly heavy build, its deep, soft cushioning ensures excellent long-term wearing comfort...Read more

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fwd.nl
21/06/2024
DALI iO-12 - Has everything you need

The DALI iO-12 is a premium, high-end wireless headphone priced at €1,000 that delivers an exceptionally open and spacious soundstage, resembling open-back models despite its closed-back design. It stands out by integrating proprietary Soft Magnet Composite (SMC) driver technology borrowed from DALI's luxury loudspeakers, which eliminates iron distortion to provide striking clarity,...Read more

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hifi.nl
26/12/2023
Review: DALI IO-12 portable headphones, five stars

The DALI IO-12 is a luxury, high-end wireless noise-cancelling headphone priced at 999 euros, specifically engineered for critical audiophile listening rather than mainstream convenience. To avoid sound distortion and elevate performance, DALI integrated its proprietary, iron-free Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) material alongside custom 50-mm paper and wood fiber cones directly into...Read more

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