Compare DALI IO-12 Headphones vs Soundcore Space 2

A 3.5mm analog jack/cable is repeatedly confirmed for wired listening.

ANC is broadly described as effective for reducing low rumbles and general ambient noise, but it is not considered class-leading compared with flagship Bose, Sony, or Apple models; some mention susceptibility to wind noise. Noise cancellation adjustability is limited to onboard mode switching in most coverage, with some sources noting multiple ANC modes, but no fine tuning via app.

ANC is one of the most supported strengths, especially against low-frequency travel noise, though it does not match top flagships.

Advanced features are unusually broad for the price, including AI assistant, translation, Nap Mode, Soundscape, and white noise.

The look is clean, subtle, and discreet, with black available for the most low-profile appearance.

ANC background noise is much lower for rumble and crowd noise, but voices, high tones, and some hiss can remain.

ANC sound impact is positive in the direct evidence: one review says it does not hurt the sound.

One review specifically says ANC does not adversely affect the headphones' sound, which is a positive sign.

Android users get the best experience through Fast Pair and LDAC support, while iPhone users lose LDAC.

Multiple sources confirm there is no companion app for the IO-12.

The Soundcore app is repeatedly described as feature-rich, useful, and central to ANC, EQ, HearID, and extras.

Multiple reviews explicitly cite aptX options, including higher-tier variants such as aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, as part of the IO-12 wireless feature set.

Wear detection and auto-play/pause are repeatedly listed as useful quality-of-life features.

Bass is typically described as tight and controlled in Hi-Fi mode with convincing weight, while Bass mode adds slam and warmth without turning into a boomy mess, though it can trade away some treble presence.

Bass is repeatedly described as punchy, full, or impactful without usually becoming muddy, though a few reviewers found it bass-forward.

Battery life is commonly cited around 35 hours, with at least one real-world report closer to 30 hours; overall it is respectable but not exceptional relative to cheaper competitors.

Battery life is one of the strongest consensus positives, with most reviews citing around 50 hours ANC and 70 hours without ANC.

Bluetooth connectivity is commonly reported as stable, with fast pairing and few to no dropouts even in busy environments.

Bluetooth performance is modern and generally well supported, centered on Bluetooth 6.1 and app-connected wireless use.

Bluetooth 6.1 is repeatedly cited, giving the Space 2 a very current wireless spec.

Build quality is repeatedly described as ultra-premium, with strong materials and a luxury feel that holds up to travel use when handled with care.

Build quality is mostly good for the price, though not all reviewers find it premium or rugged enough.

Hi-res playback is supported through LDAC and high-res wired/wireless certification, but USB-C audio is not supported.

Buttons are often praised for responsiveness and tactile feedback, but a few reviewers mention accidental activation, especially when adjusting volume or leaning against a seat while traveling.

Physical buttons are praised as straightforward, tactile, and easier than uncertain touch gestures.

Cable quality feedback is mixed: some appreciate the included cables and finish, while at least one reviewer calls the cable frustrating to use and prefers the shorter option.

The carry case is typically praised as premium and protective, with good structure and compartments, but it adds bulk and can be impractical for compact packing.

The included carry pouch is the recurring weak point; reviewers often wanted a hard-shell case.

Charging is described as taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from flat with no fast-charge boost mentioned, and one reviewer notes behavior consistent with limiting charge to protect long-term battery health.

Charging is highly rated because multiple reviews cite five minutes of charging for roughly four hours of playback.

Clamping force is usually described as secure but comfortable, ranging from light to moderately firm depending on the reviewer, without feeling unstable.

Clamping force is mostly comfortable and stable, though one review found it strong and heat-building.

Codec support is positioned as strong for a premium wireless headphone, with repeated mentions of AAC and aptX-family options that help preserve detail over Bluetooth.

Codec support is strong for the class, with AAC/SBC plus LDAC and, in one review, LC3 support.

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistently praised aspects, with roomy earcups and plush pads that avoid pressure points for many listeners.

Comfort is a standout theme across reviews, with many testers wearing them for hours or workdays.

Connectivity is broad for the category, combining Bluetooth, multipoint, LDAC, Fast Pair, and 3.5mm wired listening.

Design is widely described as premium and distinctive, but the dark chocolate color can divide opinion, and the large earcups create a bold, bulky look on some heads.

Design feedback is positive but understated: clean, familiar, good-looking, and available in multiple colors.

A detachable 3.5mm cable gives the headphones a useful wired fallback when Bluetooth or battery is not ideal.

Long-term durability remains uncertain in one review, especially for repeated travel and bag use.

Earcup and pad materials are frequently described as plush, premium leather with generous space for larger ears, contributing to both comfort and isolation.

The memory-foam ear pads are repeatedly described as plush, cushy, deep, or soft.

Earcups are commonly described as able to swivel or lay flat, aiding seal and travel storage even though the overall design does not fold compactly.

One review notes the earcups swivel flat, supporting desk or travel storage.

Without an app, EQ customization is not available beyond onboard preset modes, which limits personalization compared with mainstream flagship wireless headphones.

EQ customization is strong, with custom eight-band EQ, HearID, and meaningful tuning tools repeatedly mentioned.

Hi-Fi mode is commonly described as balanced and relatively uncolored, while Bass mode shifts the tonality warmer and can slightly reduce upper-mid and treble prominence.

Frequency accuracy is not described as reference-grade; one review says fine detail and precision are not the last word.

Headband adjustment is described as smooth and secure, holding its position well once set.

Headband padding is consistently described as cushioned, soft, or evenly distributing weight.

Hinge comments are positive where mentioned, with solid feel or built-to-last impressions.

Immersive audio is only modest: 3D mode can add depth but often sounds thinner, artificial, or less useful than stereo.

Included accessories are generally considered generous, with multiple cables and adapters plus a premium case, though some note the absence of a USB-C to USB-C cable.

Included accessories typically cover the basics: soft pouch, USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, and user guide.

Instrument separation and imaging are consistently praised, with precise placement and clear spacing between layers even in complex mixes.

Instrument separation is a consistent strength in music-focused reviews, with reviewers able to pick apart or place instruments.

Integrated microphone support is clear through repeated mentions of a three-mic array for calls.

LDAC is a major recurring feature, praised for high-res Android listening but limited or absent on iPhone.

Reviews that discuss loud listening report strong composure and minimal distortion at higher volumes, encouraging careful use because it stays clean as you turn it up.

The three-mic or AI noise-reduction system is repeatedly mentioned as helping calls and background suppression.

Call quality is usable to solid, with better performance in typical or quieter environments than in wind or loud settings.

Midrange clarity is repeatedly highlighted as a standout strength, with clean layering and realistic vocal and instrument textures that feel unusually hi-fi for Bluetooth.

Midrange performance is mixed: several reviewers heard clear or forward vocals, while others found vocals recessed or partly masked by bass.

The headphones work across iOS, Android, Bluetooth, and analog wired use, though high-res LDAC favors Android.

Multipoint is noted as supported and convenient for staying connected to two devices, though it is not heavily stress-tested across all sources.

Multipoint is widely mentioned as present and useful, including dual-device connection support, though one review notes no Auracast.

Passive noise isolation is described as strong thanks to large, well-sealing earcups and design details aimed at closing gaps around the ear, providing a solid foundation before ANC is even enabled.

Passive isolation is helped by the sealed earcups and clamping/fit, adding to the ANC performance.

Offline/onboard playback evidence is limited to built-in Nap Mode soundscapes stored on the headphones.

Overall recommendations are strongly positive, especially for buyers seeking value, comfort, ANC, battery, and features.

Portability is a recurring compromise: the headphones are large, do not fold down compactly, and several reviewers mention the case is too big for many backpacks.

Foldability is a travel advantage, though some reviewers note it is not the most compact design.

Premium feel is better than expected for the price in several hands-on comments, though it is not universally premium.

Preset sound modes are generally seen as well-judged: Hi-Fi is the reference setting for balance and clarity, while Bass mode adds punch and warmth, sometimes with a tradeoff in treble and mid presence.

Preset EQs are plentiful and useful, with Soundcore Signature, Acoustic, Bass Booster, and other modes mentioned.

Replaceable earpads are explicitly mentioned as a welcome premium touch, with pads that can be removed for cleaning or replacement.

Some coverage notes the absence of wear sensors and similar smart conveniences found on mainstream flagships, reinforcing the IO-12 focus on audio and simplicity over automation.

Sensor evidence centers on the wear/proximity sensor used for smart wearing detection.

Smart listening features are unusually broad, including HearID, Safe Volume, Soundscape/Nap Mode, and relaxation audio.

Smart Pause is generally reported as seamless or useful once wear detection is enabled or used.

Smudge resistance is a minor weakness, especially for the black finish, which attracts marks or fingerprints.

Day-to-day operation is described as straightforward because settings are handled on the headphones, but the lack of an app also means limited customization and some sources note manual firmware updating.

Setup and software are described as straightforward or easy to navigate, especially after pairing.

Across reviews, sound quality is the headline: a speaker-like, highly resolving presentation that many call among the best in wireless closed-backs, with strong imaging and refinement. Wired sound is often described as equal or better in resolution than wireless, with USB-C and 3.5 mm options; passive use is supported, and some recommend listening powered on to benefit from onboard DSP.

Reviewers broadly describe the Space 2 as strong for the price, with enjoyable, detailed sound and only minor tuning caveats.

Most reviews describe an unusually open, spacious soundstage for a closed-back wireless headphone, with strong width and credible depth; one reviewer notes it is not stadium-wide but avoids feeling claustrophobic.

Reviewers who discussed staging found it wide or spacious for closed-back budget over-ears.

Spatial/3D audio is present but mixed, with several reviewers preferring normal stereo for music.

Fit stability is generally described as secure with a good seal, but the sizing and overall footprint may feel better suited to average-to-larger heads than very small ones.

Stability is supported both by stable pairing comments and by a secure on-head fit.

Control surfaces are generally responsive; some coverage mentions touch-style control areas, but overall interaction is described as clicky and deliberate rather than finicky.

Transparency mode is generally described as clear and practical for awareness, without strong criticism, though fewer reviews go deep on its nuance.

Transparency mode works for awareness but receives mixed notes about hiss, artificial tone, or amplified ambient noise.

Travel friendliness is supported by long battery life, folding design, ANC, quick charge, and relaxation features.

Treble is generally airy, detailed, and smooth, with occasional notes that it can approach brightness on certain recordings; Bass mode can tame the top end if needed.

Treble is generally described as clean, crisp, and non-fatiguing rather than top-tier sharp.

USB-C is highlighted as both a charging and playback option, with multiple sources noting USB audio support up to 24-bit and 96kHz.

USB-C is used for charging and quick charging, but one review notes it does not carry USB-C audio.

Value is one of the strongest conclusions, with reviewers repeatedly saying the features and performance exceed the price.

Voice assistant support is described as available via a press or long-press action, and some sources also mention voice prompts for battery status.

Voice assistant support is available through customizable button actions, including phone assistant or Anka.

Volume output is commonly described as having plenty of headroom, with enough drive to get loud without feeling strained.

One reviewer noted volume needed to be raised in noisy transit, so volume output is adequate but not immune to ANC limits.

Water resistance is a clear limitation because reviewers note no IP rating or no water-resistance claims.

Automatic pause when removed is one of the most consistently mentioned smart features.

Wear detection performance is generally reliable and quick in reviews that evaluated it.

Weight is noted as present but generally not burdensome once worn, though some acknowledge the overall heft and size compared to mainstream travel headphones.

Low weight is consistently praised, with reviewers citing roughly 261–265g and easy long-session wear.

Wind handling is a weakness: a reviewer says the headphones lack wind reduction and struggle in blustery conditions.