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Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£60
Avg. price in US: ~$70
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Good

4.5

Poor

7.0

Very good

1.5
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
7.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
7.7
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.0
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
7.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
4.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
7.7
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
7.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#232 in Best In Ear Headphones
#505 in Best Wired Headphones

Verdict

The Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 is a refined in-ear monitor featuring a signature walnut wood and copper-anodized aluminum housing that houses a titanium-coated 8mm Mylar dynamic driver with a copper-clad aluminum voice coil. It operates with an impedance of 16 ohms, a sensitivity of 101dB, and a frequency response of 16Hz to 24kHz, making it exceptionally easy to drive from mobile devices. Its main characteristics include a warm, musical sound signature with detailed midrange and a wide soundstage, complemented by a durable 1.2m braided 6N OFC cable. Key pros are its elegant handcrafted design, comfortable fit, and balanced, non-fatiguing audio performance. However, cons include the lack of an in-line remote or microphone, a non-detachable cable design, and a tendency for the fabric cable to produce microphonic noise during movement.

Technical Specifications of Meze Audio 12 Classics V2

Overall score

5.0

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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.

Sound

5.2

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

2.2

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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

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

?

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

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

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

N/A

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Connectivity

6.5

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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

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Features

2.7

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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

N/A

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

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

N/A

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

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Battery

1.0

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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Design

6.4

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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

Meze

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

in-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

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

N/A

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Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 vs the average headphone

Why is Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 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
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
48.2% lower weight
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 is lighter than the average headphone (113 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
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 is lighter than the average headphone (113 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.113 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 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
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
48.2% lower weight
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 is lighter than the average headphone (113 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
32 mm smaller driver size
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.2 % higher distortion
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
No neodymium magnet
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
1 fewer microphones
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
32 mm smaller driver size
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 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
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
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
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
1 fewer microphones
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
0.2 % higher distortion
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.5 % vs 0.3 %
No neodymium magnet
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 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
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
13.5% lower user score
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.05 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.
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.05 vs 8.000).7.05 vs 8
3.2% worse value for money
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.52 vs 6.736).
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.
Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.52 vs 6.736).6.52 vs 6.74

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Meze Audio 12 Classics V2?

Exquisite build quality featuring a unique combination of real walnut wood and copper-anodized aluminum
Well-executed V-shaped sound signature with clean, punchy, and textured bass
Smooth and articulate midrange that handles male and female vocals with good clarity
Impressively wide soundstage for an in-ear monitor in its price bracket
Lightweight and comfortable bullet-style design that allows for both cable-up and cable-down wearing
Easy to drive directly from smartphones or laptops without needing a dedicated amplifier

What customers dislike about Meze Audio 12 Classics V2?

Fixed, non-detachable cable which is seen as a major drawback compared to competitors
High level of cable microphonics (noise from the cable rubbing against clothing)
Treble can have a metallic sheen or peakiness that may be fatiguing during long sessions
Lack of sub-bass rumble and deep physical slam
Inconsistent channel identification markers that are difficult to see in low light
No inline remote or microphone for calls and playback control

Expert reviews

gearspace.com

09/03/2021

Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 - User review - Gearspace

The Gearspace review highlights the $69 USD Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 as a budget-friendly earbud featuring a premium walnut and copper-anodized aluminum design. These earphones are praised for offering an exceptionally clean, detailed sound signature with high-definition instrument separation, low distortion (<0.5%), and excellent vocal clarity. Conversely, the review notes a...Read more

ecoustics.com

08/08/2021

Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 In-ear Headphones Review

The Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 is a compelling, budget-friendly pair of wired in-ear headphones priced at $69, offering a premium high-end aesthetic that far exceeds its price point. Built with walnut wood shells and a uniform bright copper anodized aluminum finish, these earphones deliver a warm, smooth, and highly musical presentation. A notable design shift from the original model...Read more

head-fi.org

19/03/2021

Meze 12 Classics V2 - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Meze 12 Classics V2 in-ear monitor features an exquisite, comfortable bullet-style design with a well-executed, fun V-shaped sound signature suitable for direct smartphone use. Priced under $100, the earphones offer high-end craftsmanship, solid technicalities, and a surprisingly wide soundstage for a budget single dynamic driver. Drawbacks include a fixed, stiff cable that is...Read more

forum.headphones.com

09/03/2021

Meze (IEM) 12 Classics V2 - General Headphone Discussion Would you like a summary of the key differences found in these reviews between the V2 and the...

The Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 review highlights a set of budget-friendly, Romanian-made in-ear monitors (IEMs) priced at $69 USD. The reviewer praises their exceptional purity of sound, which mimics the $299 Meze 99 Classics by delivering an extremely clear, crisp, and natural high-definition audio experience. Key technical features include an 8mm titanium-coated mylar driver, a low...Read more

theaudiophilecafecom.wordpress.com

03/06/2021

Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 IEM. - The Audiophile Cafe

The Meze Audio 12 Classics V2 IEM review from The Audiophile Cafe highlights an exceptionally well-crafted pair of ear-monitoring headphones priced affordably at €69. The reviewer praises their stunning build quality, which features a flawless combination of real walnut housings, copper-anodised aluminium accents, and a braided 6N OFC cable. Comfort is another major strength, as the...Read more

majorhifi.com

30/03/2021

MEZE 12 Classics V2 Review - Major HiFi

The MEZE 12 Classics V2 is a $69 consumer-focused, wired earbud that stands out for its high-quality craftsmanship, featuring a walnut wood body paired with an anodized copper shell casing. Internally, it is equipped with an 8mm titanium-coated driver and a copper-clad voice coil attached to a non-detachable, durable oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable with a 3.5mm termination. While the...Read more

audioreviews.org

16/08/2021

Meze 12 Classics V2 Review - Updating A Classic WordPress.com +5

The AudioReviews.org analysis of the Meze 12 Classics V2 highlights a well-executed, wallet-friendly V-shaped sound signature housed in a stunning walnut and copper-anodized aluminum bullet shell, providing a comfortable fit with good, textured bass and clear male vocals. However, the review notes significant cons, including a lack of sub-bass slam, slower driver decay, and a highly...Read more

audiofool.reviews

23/07/2021

Meze 12 Classics v2 - Audiofool Reviews

The Meze 12 Classics V2 earphones feature a barrel-shaped design made from walnut and copper-anodized aluminium, utilizing an 8mm titanium-coated Mylar dynamic driver. The sonic signature mimics the warmth of Meze’s larger 99 Classics, presenting an elevated sub-bass with a gentle rumble and a relaxed, smooth mid-range that prevents listener fatigue. While the soundstage holds...Read more

audioreviews.org

16/08/2021

Meze 12 Classics V2 Review – Updating a Classic

The AudioReviews.org review of the Meze 12 Classics V2 highlights an excellent, durable design, improved cable, and a well-tuned V-shaped sound with great bass extension that is easy to drive. However, the IEM faces stiff competition, with drawbacks including a fixed cable, mediocre technicalities compared to peers, and a peaky treble that can cause fatigue.

afdigitale.it

07/08/2023

Meze Audio, the headphones that please everyone

This review outlines Meze Audio’s brand philosophy and highlights three specific models within their diverse lineup, underscoring the Romanian company's emphasis on user-serviceable designs, high comfort, and eco-conscious manufacturing practices. The pros of Meze Audio products include highly sustainable construction utilizing easily replaceable components, premium aesthetics, and...Read more

stereo-head.it

05/05/2021

Meze 12 Classic V2 – the elegant IEMs – Review

The Meze 12 Classic V2 is an entry-level, single 8mm titanium-coated dynamic driver in-ear monitor (IEM) priced at 69 euros, designed with an elegant bronze and wood "bullet" shape that ensures a lightweight and comfortable fit for all ear sizes. Sonically, it deviates from the standard commercial V-shaped sound signature to prioritize a warm, musical, and highly pleasing midrange,...Read more

head-fi.org

19/03/2021

Meze 12 Classics V2 - Reviews - Head-Fi (Dutch contribution)

The Meze 12 Classics V2 in-ear monitor is praised for its elegant, well-built walnut and copper design and an engaging V-shaped sound signature that features a warm, non-overbearing bass and clear, forward vocals at an accessible price point. Users highlight its high-quality construction, comfortable fit, and low impedance, which allows for easy driving directly from mobile devices....Read more

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