DALI IO-12 Over-The-Ear Wireless/Wired Hi-Fi Headphones with ANC

Pros

• Maximum volume clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.9
  At high volumes the IO-12 stays exceptionally clean, with reported lack of distortion even when pushed loud.
• Comfort during long use ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.9
  Long-wear comfort is consistently reported as a flagship strength, helped by very large oval/square earcups that fully surround the ears and spread pressure evenly. Reviewers commonly describe hours-long listening with minimal pressure points, with the weight kept from feeling cumbersome by the pad design and fit.
• Ear cup padding quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.8
  Earcup padding is repeatedly described as thick, plush and luxurious, with real-leather contact surfaces that feel soft and forgiving. The pad shape and cushioning contribute to a strong seal and comfort, with some designs adding extra padding at the bottom to help maintain the seal.
• Sound quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.8
  Across reviews, sound quality is repeatedly described as among the very best available in a wireless over-ear, with an unusually open, detailed and speaker-like presentation. Wireless playback stays highly resolving, while USB-C/analog wired listening can push resolution, scale and punch even further.
• aptX ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.8
  Codec support is a strength, including aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, giving the headphones strong compatibility with higher-quality Bluetooth streaming options.
• Bluetooth connectivity stability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.8
  Bluetooth connectivity is reported as stable and reliable, with no dropouts observed even in busy environments.
• Instrument separation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.7
  Instrument separation is consistently highlighted as exceptional, with clear spacing and layering that keeps complex arrangements intelligible. Reviewers repeatedly mention precise placement and an effortless ability to follow individual parts without congestion.
• Midrange clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.7
  Midrange is a standout, praised for lifelike vocal presence and very clean layering that keeps instruments distinct even in busy mixes. Multiple reviews note vocals tend to sit forward and realistic for a wireless headphone, helping acoustic and rock recordings sound especially convincing.
• USB-C ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.7
  USB-C is used for charging and can also serve as a direct digital audio connection to a computer, allowing the headphones to use their internal DAC. Reviews note USB-C playback can support up to 24-bit/96kHz natively, with higher rates downsampled.
• Build quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.6
  Build quality is consistently portrayed as flagship-level, with a premium, robust feel and extensive use of real leather on contact points. Reviews describe the construction as luxurious and sturdy, matching the ultra-premium positioning.
• Codec support ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  AAC codec support is included for broad Bluetooth compatibility, providing a solid baseline option alongside the higher-end aptX formats.
• Replaceable earpads ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  Earpads are removable for cleaning and can be replaced, a practical longevity feature that feels appropriate for a flagship-priced headphone.
• Soundstage width ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.6
  Soundstage is widely characterized as unusually spacious for a closed-back wireless design, with a wide stereo field and accurate imaging. Reviews also call out strong separation that helps create a multidimensional presentation with convincing height and decent depth.
• Volume output ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.6
  Volume output has ample headroom for a wireless headphone, delivering strong loudness without feeling constrained compared with many Bluetooth competitors.
• Wired connection sound quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.6
  Wired listening (especially via USB-C) is repeatedly described as taking the IO-12 up another notch, with increased resolution, scale and punch compared with Bluetooth. Multiple reviews note wireless retains the same general character but can sound a bit warmer and less resolved, making wired use the preferred option when maximum fidelity is the goal.
• Carry case quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.6
  The carry case is large, hard, and protective, prioritizing safeguarding the headphones over compact travel convenience. Multiple reviews describe it as premium and sturdy, and worth using to protect such an expensive headphone despite the added bulk.
• Bass performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.5
  Bass is generally tight, fast and well-controlled in Hi-Fi mode with strong extension and satisfying punch when the track calls for it. Bass Mode adds extra thump and warmth and is considered better implemented than typical bass boosts, but some listeners prefer Hi-Fi for the cleanest, most balanced presentation and note Bass Mode can slightly darken the top end.
• Button control usability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.5
  On-device controls are a core part of the experience and are widely described as responsive and intuitive, relying on physical clicks rather than finicky touch gestures. Mode switches (power/pairing, ANC, and sound mode) are reported to happen quickly with clear tactile feedback.
• Clamping force comfort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.4
  Clamping force is generally tuned for a secure seal without excessive pressure, with reviews ranging from light to moderately firm depending on head shape. Overall it is described as stable and comfortable for long sessions, helping the large pads maintain a consistent seal.
• Noise isolation (passive) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.4
  Passive isolation benefits from the large oval/rect earcup shape, which covers the ears more fully and provides strong old-school noise reduction even before turning on ANC.
• Treble clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.3
  Treble is described as lively and detailed with plenty of sparkle, usually staying smooth and non-fatiguing. Some recordings can push it toward brightness or bite (for example very sibilant vocals or high-pitched brass), and engaging Bass Mode can slightly soften the very top end.
• Multipoint connectivity reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.3
  Multipoint is included, allowing the headphones to stay connected to two devices at once for easier day-to-day switching.
• Weight comfort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.3
  Despite some noticeable weight, the headphones are reported to sit comfortably and not feel cumbersome during wear.
• Included accessories ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.3
  Included accessories are strong for a premium model, typically including a sturdy travel case, USB-A to USB-C cable, two 3.5mm cables of different lengths, a 6.3mm adapter, and a flight adaptor. More than one review notes a USB-C to USB-C cable is not included, which can matter for direct phone connections.
• Preset EQ profile quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.1
  Preset sound modes are limited but useful: Hi-Fi is commonly preferred for the most natural, audiophile-leaning balance, while Bass Mode adds extra low-end drive and warmth. Reviews generally agree the mode switch is fast and convenient, with Bass Mode sometimes trading a touch of treble air for added punch.
• Voice assistant integration ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.1
  Voice assistant control is available via a long-press gesture on the earcup control pad, providing quick access to the phone’s built-in assistant.
• Battery ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.1
  Battery life is consistently reported around 35 hours, which most reviewers call respectable and travel-friendly even if not class-leading for the price. Some note it can outlast a few direct premium rivals, and Dali’s charging behavior may cap around 90% to help long-term battery health while still providing plenty of runtime.
• Ear cup swivel/rotation range ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.9
  The earcups pivot to help achieve an even seal and can swivel flat for storage, but the headphones do not fully collapse into a compact folded shape. This helps fit and comfort more than portability.
• Active noise cancellation effectiveness ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 3.7
  ANC is generally described as effective for reducing low-frequency rumble and everyday ambient noise, but it is not considered best-in-class versus top travel models from Sony, Bose or Apple. Several reviews frame it as a music-first implementation that avoids altering the headphone’s sound, though one review notes it can be more susceptible to wind noise than some competitors.
• Charging ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.7
  Charging is via USB-C and typically takes a couple of hours from empty, with no fast-charge quick top-up noted. Several reviews mention the battery may stop charging around 90% as a longevity measure, and status feedback is provided via LEDs and/or voice prompts when powering on.
• Design and Aesthetics ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 3.7
  The IO-12 has a distinctly premium, leather-heavy look that many call luxurious, but the physical size is frequently described as very large and visually bulky. Several reviews also criticize limited style choice, with a dark/chocolate brown finish being the main option at publication time and another color (such as mocha gray) mentioned as coming later.
• Transparency mode quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.6
  Transparency mode is available and is described as letting outside sound in for awareness, toggled via the ANC control. Reviews generally treat it as functional, though few provide detailed quality comparisons against leading transparency implementations.