OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Meze 12 Classics Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£60Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Meze 12 Classics Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Meze 12 Classics
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

7.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 69% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 67%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.3

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 74%
7.4

User score

User score
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 78%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Meze 12 Classics

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.3

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.4
Popularity
Popularity
6.2/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Popularity:
Meze 12 Classics has a popularity score of 6.2 points, which is higher than that of 53.5% of products in this category.
6.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.1
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
8 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 8 mm, smaller driver size than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
16 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 16 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 54.1% of headphones and equal to 4.2% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
?
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Meze
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
113 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 113 g, lighter than 77% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Meze 12 Classics vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 48.2% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (113 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    113 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 48.2% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (113 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    113 g vs 218 g
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 8.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.4/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Meze 12 Classics
    the average pair of headphones
    Meze 12 Classics has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.36 vs 8).
    7.36 vs 8
  • 1 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2.2% worse value for money
    Meze 12 Classics has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.11 vs 7.3).
    7.11 vs 7.27
  • 8.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.4/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Meze 12 Classics
    the average pair of headphones
    Meze 12 Classics has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.36 vs 8).
    7.36 vs 8
  • 2.2% worse value for money
    Meze 12 Classics has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.11 vs 7.3).
    7.11 vs 7.27
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 1 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Joshua Valour
✓ explicit
20/06/2018
Hands-on review · sound comparison with the 11 Neo
Verdict
Meze 12 Classics isn't my preferred sound signature, but it's a good, somewhat cheaper alternative if you like it.
9.5
JustAnotherFlutist
≈ estimated
03/02/2018
Hands-on review · gaming, recording and teaching use
Verdict
Meze 12 Classics sound is worth more than its price and is a clear step up from the previous model.
9.0
Agufish
≈ estimated
18/07/2018
Hands-on review · flight, listening and gaming use
Verdict
Meze 12 Classics offers excellent sound, comfort and build for the price, though cable noise and a weak mic are drawbacks.
9.0
Steve from Boston
≈ estimated
31/07/2017
Hands-on review · fit, isolation and phone compatibility
Verdict
Meze 12 Classics are comfortable, strongly isolating earphones that sound great and feel well built.
8.0
Porta.Fi
≈ estimated
01/12/2016
Comparison review · sound signature and build
Verdict
Meze 12 Classics have a pleasant, musical sound and great build quality, best suited to heavy metal and classical.
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headphone.guru
08/05/2017
Hands-on review · Budget in-ear monitors
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics are a great-value in-ear with walnut build and powerful bass that sounds well above its price, though the bass leans heavy.
theaudiophileman.com
02/08/2018
Listening test · Walnut earphones
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics is a walnut-cased earphone with a spacious sound and superb value, though its treble softens on very high-resolution tracks.
everydaylistening.net
17/11/2016
Everyday listening · Wood-housed earphones
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics is a detailed earphone with slam bass and a wide stage, best for electronic music, though its midrange sounds unnatural on most other genres.
moonstarreviews.net
27/04/2018
Listening test · Walnut in-ears
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics is a light, warm-sounding in-ear that wears comfortably cable-down with a clean midrange, though its deepest bass rumble is weak.
simplyaudiophile.wordpress.com
14/10/2018
Hands-on test · Wood earphones
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics is a warm, punchy earphone with quick bass and a premium wood look, though its treble lacks clarity and its mic sounds muffled.
E
edwardnoble.com
26/07/2018
Summary of the review
Meze 12" Classics Review
audiobacon.net
17/05/2017
Track-by-track test · Walnut earphones
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics is a richly textured earphone that looks pricier than it is, but it needs Comply foam tips to sound its best.
resonancereviews.com
27/12/2016
Hands-on review · Walnut earphones
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics is light, comfortable and beautifully built with clean treble decay, but its bass lacks rumble and its performance is only average for the price.
H
head-fi.org
30/08/2016
Summary of the review
Meze 12 Classics - Reviews - Head-Fi
soundbsessive.com
13/10/2016
Listening test · Wooden in-ears
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics is a neutral, detailed earphone that excels with jazz and classical, though its dry tone and lower sensitivity need more phone volume.
A
avguide.ch
07/04/2019
Summary of the review
Sound, Design, and Comfort - Meze Audio – Perfectionism
(Translated)Show original
M
mysoundbook.eu
13/11/2026
Summary of the review
Meze 12 Classics Walnut Review: Hands-On Test
(Translated)Show original
lesnumeriques.com
18/05/2017
Lab test · Wired in-ears
Verdict
The Meze 12 Classics are light, comfortable in-ears with clear, sharp sound and good isolation, suiting listeners who want bright tones over warm or bass-heavy ones.
M
magic-mastering.com
N/A
Summary of the review
Meze 12 Classics - Earphones - Magic Mastering
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
27/11/2018
Summary of the review
Meze 12 Classics: Best Price - Les Numériques (User Reviews)
(Translated)Show original
S
stereo-head.it
05/05/2021
Summary of the review
Meze 12 Classic V2 – Elegant IEMs – Review
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
07/08/2023
Summary of the review
Meze Audio, the headphones that please everyone
(Translated)Show original
I
iphoneitalia.com
05/10/2018
Summary of the review
Meze Audio 99 Classics and 11 NEO: Two Headphones for Audiophiles!
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Meze 12 Classics

  • Elegant design featuring high-quality walnut wood and aluminum materials
  • Warm, smooth, and fatigue-free sound signature suitable for long listening sessions
  • Punchy and well-defined bass response without being overwhelming
  • Generous accessory kit including a hard carrying case and Comply foam tips
  • Lightweight and comfortable ergonomic fit for most users
  • Excellent value for money, competing well with more expensive IEMs

What customers don't like about Meze 12 Classics

  • Fixed, non-detachable cable limits long-term durability and customization
  • Significant cable microphonics (noise when the cable rubs against clothing)
  • Soundstage is often described as narrow or congested
  • Treble lacks high-end sparkle and can feel rolled off for some listeners
  • Inline microphone quality is mediocre and can sound muffled
  • Fit can be tricky for some ears, occasionally slipping out during movement

Verdict

The Meze 12 Classics are entry-level, bullet-style in-ear monitors featuring an 8mm titanium-coated Mylar driver with a copper-clad aluminum voice coil, housed in a handcrafted walnut wood and copper-anodized aluminum shell. Technically, they offer a frequency response of 16 Hz to 24 kHz, an impedance of 16 Ohms for easy driving, and a sensitivity of 101 dB, providing a warm, organic, and balanced sound signature with a spacious midrange. Main pros include their elegant build quality, comfortable fit with included Comply foam tips, and a smooth, non-fatiguing audio delivery. However, notable cons include a non-detachable cable that is prone to microphonics (cable noise) and a lack of technical detail compared to more analytical monitors.

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