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Dali IO 8 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£530
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 35 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Dali IO 8 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.4

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%

7.5

Technical Score

20.0%

7.1

User score

Very good
7.5

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%

3.9

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

7.6

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

Very good
7.1

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%

2.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(22)
amazon
5.0
(5)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(22)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(5)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Very good
  • 7.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    9.0

    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

  • 6.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    5.7

    Battery life

    18.0%

    2.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 6.4
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    5.7

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 6.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    2.6

    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-8 is a premium wireless over-ear headphone featuring custom 50mm paper fibre cone drivers and a wide frequency range of 10Hz to 43kHz. It offers high-fidelity audio performance with support for aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs, a 35-hour battery life (30 hours with ANC), and an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. Key advantages include its luxurious build from real leather and metal, highly effective 'Audiophile ANC' with transparency modes, and the ability to work in full passive mode via a 3.5mm connection or as a 24-bit/96kHz USB-C DAC. However, notable drawbacks include the complete lack of a companion control app, circular ear pads that may feel small for some users, and a premium price point that faces stiff competition from established tech rivals.

Technical Specifications of Dali IO 8

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%

3.9

Features

10.0%

5.7

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

7.6

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

7.5
Dali IO 8 has a technical score of 7.48 points, which is higher than that of 89% 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%

2.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(22)
amazon
5.0
(5)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(22)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(5)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.1
Dali IO 8 has a user score of 7.09 points, which is lower than that of 77.8% 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.
2.6
Dali IO 8 has a popularity of 2.6 points, which is lower than 63.2% 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%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

7.7

Price

7.5
Dali IO 8 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 74.3% 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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

?
Show more
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 8 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 8 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 8 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

180 ms
Dali IO 8 has audio latency of 180 ms, higher audio latency than 64.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
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

no
Dali IO 8 does not support multipoint. 65.1% 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 8 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 8 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 8 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

N/A
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 8 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 8 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

30 hours
Dali IO 8 offers battery life with ANC of 30 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 43.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% 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 8 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

yes
Dali IO 8 supports quick charge. 31% 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 8 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

325 g
Dali IO 8 weighs 325 g, heavier than 86.8% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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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Show more

Dali IO 8 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Dali IO 8 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 8 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Dali IO 8 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 8 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Dali IO 8 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 8 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Dali IO 8 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 8 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
  • 23,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Dali IO 8 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (43,000 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 8 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (43,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.43000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • More flexible connectivity
    Dali IO 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Better IP rating
    Dali IO 8 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 8 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Dali IO 8 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Dali IO 8 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Dali IO 8 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 23,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Dali IO 8 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (43,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Dali IO 8 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 1.17 hours shorter charging time
    Dali IO 8 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 8 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 8 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Dali IO 8 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Dali IO 8 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 5 hours longer battery life
    Dali IO 8 has a higher battery life than the average headphone (35 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Dali IO 8 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Dali IO 8 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Dali IO 8 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Dali IO 8 has more microphones than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Dali IO 8 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Dali IO 8 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Dali IO 8 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 7 newer release date
    Dali IO 8 was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
Features
  • 49.1% higher weight
    Dali IO 8 is heavier than the average headphone (325 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 9 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Dali IO 8 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Dali IO 8 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 17 dB lower max SPL
    Dali IO 8 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (93 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 10 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Dali IO 8 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (93 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 52.5 ms higher audio latency
    Dali IO 8 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (180 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 49.1% higher weight
    Dali IO 8 is heavier than the average headphone (325 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 8 is heavier than the average headphone (325 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.325 g vs 218 g
  • 9 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Dali IO 8 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (93 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 8 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 52.5 ms higher audio latency
    Dali IO 8 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (180 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    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

    Dali IO 8 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (180 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.180 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • 5.89x more expensive
    Dali IO 8 is more expensive than the average headphone (£530 vs £90).
    Dali IO 8 is more expensive than the average headphone (£530 vs £90).£530 vs £90
  • No neodymium magnet
    Dali IO 8 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
    When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.

    Importance: LOW

    Dali IO 8 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 17 dB lower max SPL
    Dali IO 8 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (93 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 8 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (93 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.93 dB vs 110 dB
  • 12.9% lower user score
    Dali IO 8 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.09 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 8 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.09 vs 8.000).7.09 vs 8
  • 10 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Dali IO 8 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (93 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 8 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (93 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.93 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Connectivity

Graphic comparison of Dali IO 8 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
22 Reviews
amazon
5.0
5 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
22 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
5 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Dali IO 8?

  • Superior sound quality characterized by a balanced, clear, and detailed audiophile performance
  • Premium build quality featuring a luxury mix of metal, genuine leather, and high-quality textiles
  • Excellent battery life of up to 35 hours (ANC off) or 30 hours (ANC on)
  • Intuitive physical controls on the earcups that avoid the need for a companion app
  • Comfortable for long-haul listening with well-judged clamping force and soft padding
  • Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm passive analogue mode
  • Strong wireless performance with support for high-quality codecs like aptX HD and aptX Adaptive

What customers dislike about Dali IO 8?

  • High premium price point compared to mainstream noise-cancelling rivals
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is effective but not quite class-leading compared to Bose or Sony
  • Ergonomic fit issues for users with larger ears or heads due to the circular earpad shape
  • Lack of a companion app means no custom EQ, firmware updates, or advanced feature customisation
  • The 'Bass' EQ mode is often described as too boomy or overwhelming compared to the superior 'Hi-Fi' mode
  • Carrying case feels slightly less robust or protective than expected for the price
  • Call quality and transparency modes are only average and can be outperformed by competitors

Expert reviews

Z
zdnet.com
28/01/2026
Dali IO-8 headphones review: These wireless headphones transported me to audio nirvana

The Dali IO-8 are premium, over-ear wireless headphones priced at $1,250 that deliver an exceptional, audiophile-grade sonic experience without requiring a companion app or custom EQ adjustments. A major standout feature is their incredible sound clarity, expansive soundstage, and distinct instrument separation across various music genres, easily handling demanding tracks from...Read more

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the-ear.net
10/01/2025
Dali IO-8 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Audiophiles

High-Fidelity Audio Performance The Dali IO-8 headphones deliver a natural, open, and direct signature sound with a highly textured, well-judged bottom-end and notable top-end extension. They offer large dynamic expression and an airy, expansive sound picture that avoids sounding "in-head". In terms of performance value, they provide roughly 80% of the sonic quality of the flagship...Read more

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hifioasis.com
18/02/2025
DALI IO-8 Review

The DALI IO-8 is a premium, closed-back wireless headphone that delivers outstanding, audiophile-grade sound quality right out of the box. Its default "Hi-Fi" sound mode provides a harmonious balance, featuring a rich, warm midrange, non-fatiguing treble, and punchy, authoritative bass that avoids overwhelming the overall mix. Standout features include highly responsive physical...Read more

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stereonet.com
21/10/2024
DALI IO-8 Headphones Review

The StereoNET review of the DALI IO-8 wireless headphones highlights them as a "highly competent, well-conceived, and convincing music-maker" that offers a more accessible alternative to the flagship IO-12, utilizing 50mm paper/wood fibre driver diaphragms. The headphones are praised for a mature design and exceptional, high-fidelity sound featuring a smooth, balanced tone, deep...Read more

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headfonia.com
30/11/2024
DALI IO-8 Review

The DALI IO-8Go is an over-ear Bluetooth/ANC headphone utilizing 50mm full-range dynamic drivers to deliver a refined, hi-fi focused sound signature, positioned as a more compact alternative to the IO-12. It features Bluetooth 5.2 with support for aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, while offering a passive analogue mode and USB-C connectivity, boasting an impressive 35-hour battery...Read more

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hifiplus.com
02/09/2025
DALI IO-8: The Perfect Wireless Headphones

The DALI IO-8 is a premium, closed-back wireless ANC headphone that strikes an excellent balance between price, luxury, and daily practicality, retailing at £499 / $899 / €599. Positioned as a mid-tier offering from the Danish loudspeaker manufacturer, it utilizes 50mm dynamic diaphragms with a 25-ohm passive impedance and weighs 325g. Built with genuine leather, the headset...Read more

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whathifi.com
13/01/2025
Dali IO-8 review

The Dali IO-8 is a superb pair of premium wireless over-ear headphones that sits in the middle of Dali’s lineup and delivers an exceptional sonic experience. Retailing around £599 / $900, these headphones feature a 50mm paper/wood fibre driver and support high-quality codecs including aptX HD and aptX Adaptive. They offer a competitive battery life of 30 hours with active noise...Read more

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majorhifi.com
06/11/2024
Dali IO-8 Review

The Dali IO-8 is a premium wireless, noise-canceling headphone model featuring 50mm custom paper diaphragm and wood fiber drivers, achieving deep signal clarity both wired and wirelessly. It delivers an immersive, wide stereo soundstage with clear separation between left and right channels, alongside an incredibly powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that rivals the...Read more

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audiomonsta.com
09/11/2024
Hi Dali IO-8

The Dali IO-8 is a closed-back, over-ear Bluetooth headphone driven by a 50mm dynamic driver that bridges the gap between the brand's entry-level and flagship portable models. It features a minimalist Danish design built from premium plastic, metal, fabric, and protein leather, delivering an exceptionally comfortable and lightweight fit. Sonically, the IO-8 offers a balanced,...Read more

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cityam.com
13/11/2024
Dali iO-8 headphones review: Outstanding quality

Exceptional Build and Premium Comfort The Dali iO-8 headphonesGo are reviewed as a beautifully constructed, high-end audio product priced at £599 from the Danish manufacturer Dali. Positioned as a more mainstream alternative to the brand's ultra-premium £849 iO-12 model, they immediately justify their price through top-tier materials, including a gleaming brushed metal casing and...Read more

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sound-advice.online
08/10/2024
DALI IO-8 - Sound Advice Review

The DALI IO-8 wireless over-ear headphones (£599) deliver an exceptionally energetic, articulate, and naturalistic hi-fi sound performance via large 50mm paper fibre dynamic drivers. Designed with the same audiophile philosophy as DALI's premium loudspeakers, they prioritize music entertainment over purely academic analysis, offering a wide, well-organized soundstage with great...Read more

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futureaudiophile.com
04/08/2025
Review: Dali IO-8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

The Dali IO-8 is a luxury, $1,250 over-the-ear wireless audiophile headphone designed by a legacy loudspeaker company to deliver upmarket performance. A standout feature is its massive 50mm driver—the largest the reviewer has seen in this category—which provides remarkably low, deep, and dynamic bass when played in its excellent "HI-FI Mode" EQ setting. The headphones boast an...Read more

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audioreviews.org
30/09/2025
DALI IO-8 Wireless ANC Headphones REVIEW (2)", "DALI IO-8 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review (2)

The DALI IO-8 offers an exceptionally bright, airy sound with tight bass when ANC is off, but suffers from distracting treble sibilance and harshness that severely impacts performance. Engaging the Active Noise Cancellation significantly alters the sound profile, forcing a heavy bass mode, while the smaller earcups provide only average isolation compared to competitors. While the...Read more

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likehifi.de
13/01/2026
Review: Dali IO-8 – Hi-Fi Headphones with Bluetooth & ANC", "Test: Dali IO-8 – Hi-Fi Headphones with Bluetooth & ANC

The Likehifi.de review commends the Dali IO-8 as a highly capable over-ear headphone that successfully compresses the brand's renowned loudspeaker expertise into a mobile format. Retailing at 599 Euro, the device is praised for its elegant, minimalist Danish styling, strong build quality utilizing aluminum-paneled ear cups, and highly responsive physical and tactile controls....Read more

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stereo.de
11/10/2024
DALI IO-8 Review - ANC Headphones

summary of the DALI IO-8 review: Review Summary The DALI IO-8 ($500 / ~500 Euro) is a high-quality Bluetooth headphone with active noise cancellation (ANC) that shares many technical traits with DALI's flagship IO-12 model. It features 50mm paper-fiber cone drivers (though missing the flagship's proprietary SMC technology) and uses a premium Sony ANC chipset alongside a Qualcomm...Read more

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lowbeats.de
15/02/2025
DALI iO-8: Impressive over-ear headphones with ANC for 600 euros

The DALI iO-8 is a closed-back over-ear headphone praised for its balanced, "speaker-like" sound signature, offering natural vocals and precise instrument timbre across genres. Featuring a sophisticated design, it prioritizes tactile on-ear controls over app dependency and provides a comfortable, high-fidelity listening experience. While offering effective audiophile-grade ANC, the...Read more

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test.de
01/07/2025
Review: Dali iO-8 | Stiftung Warentest

Stiftung Warentest evaluates wireless headphones based on sound, ANC, comfort, durability, and hazardous substances, with top models featuring over 40-50 hour battery life and balanced sound. While premium options show strong durability in structural tests, budget models often suffer from poor build quality, leading to cracked plastics and inadequate noise cancellation, alongside...Read more

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global.t3.com
07/04/2025
Dali IO-8 Review: Exquisite Sound

The Dali IO-8 is a premium pair of wireless over-ear headphones that delivers exceptional, natural sound quality and top-tier construction, pricing itself at $899 / €599 as a more affordable alternative to Dali's flagship IO-12 model. A standout feature is its true passive playback capability, allowing users to listen via a 3,5-mm or USB-C wired connection even when the battery is...Read more

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lite-magazin.de
08/10/2024
Dali IO-8 – Authentic Hi-Fi Sound Anywhere

The Dali IO-8 is a premium, closed-back over-ear Bluetooth headphone designed to deliver the signature high-fidelity sound of Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries (Dali) in a portable format. Priced at 599 Euro, it features custom-developed 50-millimeter paper and wood fiber cone drivers engineered by the same team behind the flagship Dali Kore speakers. Visually, it boasts...Read more

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global.techradar.com
13/08/2025
Best Wireless Headphones and Earbuds (Dali IO-8 Section)

The Sony WH-1000XM4 remains TechRadar's top choice for the best wireless headphones due to its exceptional overall value, consistently outranking newer models when found under €200. Its strongest advantages include excellent and highly adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), multipoint pairing, automatic pausing with conversation detection, and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling....Read more

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on-mag.fr
05/02/2025
Test Dali IO-8 : un casque sans fil audiophile qui trouve le juste équilibre sur la forme comme sur le fond

The Dali IO-8 is a €600 premium wireless audiophile headphone that delivers solid performance without major flaws, though it does not fully innovate in its price segment. On the positive side, it offers exceptional comfort with well-balanced weight distribution and plush earpads, despite weighing 325 grams. It features an intuitive, button-only control system that bypasses the need...Read more

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digitalvideoht.it
06/05/2025
Dali IO-8 | Digital Video HT

The Dali IO-8 is a mid-tier closed-back wireless headphone that inherits premium features from the flagship IO-12, such as a 50mm dynamic paper-fiber driver and a robust connectivity suite featuring Bluetooth 5.2 (supporting aptX HD and Adaptive) alongside USB-C and 3.5mm wired options. Synthesized for use with its active electronics turned on, the headphone delivers a balanced,...Read more

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global.techradar.com
16/12/2024
Dali IO-8 review

The Dali IO-8 wireless over-ear headphones mark the brand's entry into a more competitive market segment at a premium price point of €599, offering an exceptional alternative for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound without unnecessary digital gimmicks. Built with an outstanding standard of craftsmanship, these 325-gram headphones feature a sophisticated design with brushed...Read more

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hifi.nl
08/10/2024
DALI IO-8 wireless audiophile ANC headphones", "DALI IO-8 wireless headphones with audiophile ANC

The DALI IO-8Go review highlights these wireless over-ear headphones as a premium choice engineered by the same team behind the flagship KORE loudspeakers. A standout feature is the large 50mm dynamic drivers made from DALI’s proprietary paper and wood fiber material, which deliver a highly detailed, natural, and relaxed sound profile. The device boasts exceptional versatility,...Read more

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hifi.nl
08/10/2024
DALI IO-8 Review: Hi-Fi Sound, Noise Cancelling, and Pure Style

Overview The DALI IO-8 is a wireless, noise-canceling headphone priced at 599 euros that focuses on delivering an authentic hifi experience rather than overwhelming users with smart features. Drawing from DALI's four decades of speaker expertise, these headphones utilize 50-mm drivers with paper and wood pulp cones designed by the same team behind their high-end KORE speakers. The...Read more

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