8 Best Meze Headphones (October 2026) Audiophile Guide

Meze Audio has built a quiet cult following among audiophiles by doing something most headphone brands refuse to do: building headphones designed to be repaired, not replaced. Based in Baia Mare, Romania, the company pairs walnut wood, manganese spring steel, and screw-together construction with sound signatures that lean warm and musical rather than clinical. After spending months with the current lineup, I put together this roundup of the best Meze headphones you can buy in 2026 so you can pick the right pair for your listening habits, your amp, and your budget.

If you have ever wondered why people obsess over a single brand of headphones, the answer with Meze usually comes down to two things: heirloom build quality and a sound that is easy to love for hours on end. This guide covers the eight Meze over-ear models currently available on Amazon, ranging from the entry-level 99 NEO all the way up to the flagship LIRIC planar magnetic. Whether you want a closed-back pair for late-night gaming or an open-back set for jazz and classical, there is a Meze for that.

One quick note before we get into the reviews. Meze is famous for its self-adjusting headband and replaceable components, but the sound signature varies a lot between models. Some are V-shaped and bass-forward, others are neutral and balanced. I have called out exactly what each pair sounds like, who it suits, and who should skip it. This is the roundup I wish I had read before buying my first pair of best Meze headphones.

Table of Contents

• Top 3 Picks for Best Meze Headphones
  • Meze 109 PRO Open-Back
  • Meze 99 Classics Walnut Black
  • Meze 99 NEO Closed-Back
• Best Meze Headphones in 2026
• 1. Meze 109 PRO – Walnut Wood Open-Back Flagship
  • MEZE AUDIO 109 PRO | Wired Over-The-Ear Walnut Wood Audiophile Open-Back Headphones | 50mm Dynamic Drivers | Low Impedance 40 Ohms | Cables and Carrying Pouch Included | 2-Year Warranty
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who the 109 PRO suits best
  • Who should skip the 109 PRO
• 2. Meze 99 Classics (Walnut/Black) – The All-Rounder Closed-Back
  • Meze 99 Classics Wired Wooden Closed Back Over Ear Headphones with Microphone (Walnut/Black)
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • How the 99 Classics holds up for gaming
  • Long-term comfort and durability
• 3. Meze 99 NEO – The Budget Entry Point
  • MEZE AUDIO | 99 NEO | Closed-Back Headphones for Audiophiles | Gaming | Podcasts | Home Office | Wired Over-Ear Headphones with Mic and Self Adjustable Headband
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who the 99 NEO is built for
  • Where the 99 NEO falls short
• 4. Meze 105 AER – Lightweight Open-Back Sweet Spot
  • MEZE AUDIO 105 AER | Wired Over-The-Ear Lightweight Audiophile Open-Back Headphones | 50mm Dynamic Drivers | Low Impedance 42 Ohms | Cables and Carrying Pouch Included (Black)
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Where the 105 AER excels
  • Things to know before buying
• 5. Meze 99 Classics (Walnut Gold) – The Original Icon
  • MEZE AUDIO | 99 Classics Walnut Gold | Wooden Closed-Back Headphones for Audiophiles | Gaming | Podcasts | Home Office | Wired Over-Ear Headphones with Mic and Self Adjustable Headband
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Why the Walnut Gold endures
  • Care and longevity notes
• 6. Meze 99 Classics Second Gen – Neutral Tuning Refresh
  • MEZE AUDIO | 99 Classics Second Gen | Wooden Closed-Back Headphones for Audiophiles | Gaming | Podcasts | Wired Over-Ear Headphones with 3.5 mm to USB-C Adapter and Self-Adjusting Headband
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should upgrade to V2
  • Trade-offs to weigh
• 7. Meze 105 Silva – Dual Focus Open-Back Design
  • MEZE Audio – 105 Silva Open Back Headphones – Brown
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • How the 105 Silva differs from the 105 AER
  • Use cases the Silva handles well
• 8. Meze LIRIC 2nd Generation – Planar Magnetic Flagship
  • MEZE AUDIO | LIRIC 2nd Generation | Wired Over-Ear Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones for Audiophiles | Macassar Ebony Wood Earcups | Detachable Magnetic Earpads | Premium Braided Cable Included
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who the LIRIC 2nd Gen is built for
  • Why the reviews are polarized
• Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Meze Headphones
  • Open-back vs closed-back Meze headphones
  • Dynamic driver vs planar magnetic driver
  • Amplifier pairing by model and budget
  • Genre and use-case matching
  • Build quality and the Meze serviceability ethos
• FAQs
  • Are Meze headphones any good?
  • What are the number 1 rated headphones?
  • Is Meze Elite worth it?
  • Are Meze headphones comfortable to wear?
  • Which Meze headphone is best for gaming?
• Final Thoughts on the Best Meze Headphones in 2026

Top 3 Picks for Best Meze Headphones

Best Meze Headphones in 2026

1. Meze 109 PRO – Walnut Wood Open-Back Flagship

The Meze 109 PRO is the open-back headphone I keep coming back to when I want to actually hear what is in a recording. The walnut wood ear cups are gorgeous, but the real story is the 50mm driver tuned for an ultra-wide 5Hz to 30,000Hz response. That extension gives cymbals, strings, and reverb tails a sense of air that cheaper open-backs simply cannot reproduce.

On classical, jazz, and acoustic music, the 109 PRO feels almost transparent. Instruments sit in distinct positions across a wide soundstage, and transients have real snap. I spent a week listening exclusively to live jazz recordings and kept noticing subtle room reflections I had never heard on my usual planar set.

The 40 Ohm impedance is one of the most appealing things about the 109 PRO. You do not need a flagship amplifier to drive it. My phone and a small dongle DAC were enough to reach satisfying volumes, and a mid-tier tube amp unlocked even more warmth and depth. That flexibility matters if you are upgrading over time.

The biggest complaint I have, and one echoed across the Amazon reviews, is that the treble can get spicy on bright masters. Heavily compressed pop and some hard rock recordings will sound harsh. If your library leans warm and natural, this headphone is a joy. If you mostly listen to aggressively mastered modern music, you may want something smoother.

Who the 109 PRO suits best

This is the best Meze headphone for listeners whose library is heavy on classical, jazz, acoustic, vocal, and well-recorded rock. The open-back design is ideal for quiet home listening where you want maximum detail and a natural sense of space.

It also suits anyone who values longevity. With replaceable ear pads, cables, and a full set of spare parts available, the 109 PRO is built to outlast trends. The 2-year warranty is the longest in the lineup at this tier.

Who should skip the 109 PRO

Skip it if you need isolation. Open-back design leaks sound in both directions, so it is useless on a noisy commute or in a shared office.

Also skip it if you are sensitive to treble peaks or your source chain is bright. The 109 PRO rewards good recordings and punishes bad ones. Bass-heads will also want more low-end punch than this tuning delivers.

2. Meze 99 Classics (Walnut/Black) – The All-Rounder Closed-Back

The Meze 99 Classics in Walnut and Black is the model that put Meze on the map, and it remains the safest recommendation in the lineup. With over 1,600 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is the best Meze headphones pick for someone who wants one pair that does everything well.

I used the 99 Classics as my daily driver for home office work, podcasts, and casual music listening. The self-adjusting headband distributes weight so evenly that I often forgot I was wearing them. The closed-back design blocks enough ambient noise for focused work without sealing you off completely from your surroundings.

Sound-wise, expect a warm, slightly U-shaped signature. Bass has weight and body without bleeding into the mids, vocals sit forward and intimate, and treble rolls off smoothly rather than piercing. This is a forgiving headphone that makes poorly recorded music sound enjoyable rather than harsh.

The included accessories are excellent. You get a hard storage case, two kevlar-reinforced cables (one with a microphone), a 6.3mm adapter, and an airplane adapter. The glue-free, screw-together construction means every component can be replaced, which is rare at this price.

How the 99 Classics holds up for gaming

Reddit users frequently recommend the 99 Classics as a top closed-back pick for PC gaming, especially when noise must stay contained. The closed-back design keeps audio from leaking into the next room, and the warm signature adds punch to explosions and footsteps.

The included mic cable works for voice chat on devices with a 3.5mm TRRS jack. Note that the mic does not work through USB-C adapters, which is worth knowing if your laptop only has USB-C ports.

Long-term comfort and durability

The self-adjusting headband fits almost any head shape without pressure points. The main long-term issue reported is the PU leather ear pads peeling after a year or two of daily use. Replacement pads are affordable and easy to install, so this is a known and solvable wear item.

Cable microphonics (noise transferred through the cable when it rubs your clothing) is the other common complaint. Using the included cable clip or upgrading to a braided aftermarket cable largely fixes this.

3. Meze 99 NEO – The Budget Entry Point

The Meze 99 NEO is the most affordable way into the Meze ecosystem, and it shares the same self-adjusting headband and screw-together construction as its pricier siblings. At 9.12 ounces, it is one of the lightest over-ear headphones I have worn, and that lightness translates to genuinely long-session comfort.

Sound is where the NEO shows its budget positioning. The signature is distinctly V-shaped: bumped bass, bumped treble, slightly recessed mids. For electronic, hip-hop, pop, and rock, this tuning is fun and engaging. For classical or jazz where midrange neutrality matters most, the NEO is less convincing.

The 26 Ohm impedance is the lowest in the Meze lineup, which means the NEO will get plenty loud from any phone, laptop, or dongle. No amplifier needed. This is the best Meze headphones choice for someone who wants to plug directly into a phone and just listen.

The included accessories match the 99 Classics: hard case, 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, and a kevlar OFC cable with an inline microphone. The cable is on the short side for desktop use, which is the most common complaint alongside bright treble on some tracks.

Who the 99 NEO is built for

This is the best entry point for first-time audiophiles and anyone upgrading from consumer headphones like Sony or Bose. The build quality and case alone make it feel more expensive than it is.

It also suits students, commuters who do not need active noise cancellation, and gamers on a budget who want a closed-back headphone with a built-in mic.

Where the 99 NEO falls short

Bass-sensitive listeners should look elsewhere. The V-shaped tuning is bass-forward by design, and there is no way to dial it back without EQ. Treble can also spike on cymbal-heavy tracks.

The narrow cable sockets limit aftermarket cable options, and the stock cable is short. Plan to buy a longer cable if you will use these at a desk.

4. Meze 105 AER – Lightweight Open-Back Sweet Spot

The Meze 105 AER sits in a sweet spot between the 99 series and the 109 PRO. It uses the same 50mm dynamic driver platform as the flagship but tunes it for a richer, warmer presentation with a slight bass emphasis. At this price, it competes directly with mid-tier open-backs from Sennheiser and Hifiman.

Comfort is the standout strength. The elastic self-adjusting headband hugs the top of your head without any manual sizing, and the velour ear pads breathe better than PU leather. I wore these for four-hour listening sessions with no hotspot pressure.

Sound is rich and detailed without being analytical. There is a warmth to the midrange that flatters vocals and acoustic instruments, and the bass has more body than you typically hear from an open-back at this price. The soundstage is wide and natural, not artificially exaggerated.

The 42 Ohm impedance keeps the 105 AER accessible from portable sources, though it scales up noticeably with a dedicated headphone amp. The included hard EVA case and kevlar OFC cable round out a complete package.

Where the 105 AER excels

This is the best Meze headphone for someone who wants open-back detail without the treble sharpness of the 109 PRO. The warmer, slightly bass-tilted signature is more forgiving on long sessions.

It also suits listeners who prioritize comfort above all else. The elastic headband and velour pads make this one of the most comfortable open-backs I have worn under $500.

Things to know before buying

The non-adjustable headband fits most head shapes but not all. If you have an unusually small or large head, the 109 PRO with its vegan leather band may be a safer fit.

The cable can produce a resonance when it rubs against your shoulder. A cable clip or a softer aftermarket cable solves this, and some users report a faint pencil or cedar smell from the wood and pads during the first week.

5. Meze 99 Classics (Walnut Gold) – The Original Icon

The Meze 99 Classics in Walnut Gold is the original icon, the model that earned Meze its reputation. The walnut and gold colorway is the one most often seen in product photography and on audiophile forums, and it still looks like a piece of craftsmanship rather than a mass-market headphone.

Spec-wise, this is the same headphone as the Walnut/Black version with a different finish. You get a 40mm dynamic driver, 32 Ohm impedance, 103 dB sensitivity, and a 15Hz to 25,000Hz frequency response. The wider frequency response compared to the newer Walnut/Black listing reflects the original spec sheet.

The self-adjusting manganese spring steel headband is the defining feature. Slip the headphones on and they size themselves instantly. No fiddling with notches, no asymmetric fit, no clamping force hotspots. This design has been copied by other brands for good reason.

Sound is the same warm, musical, slightly U-shaped signature Meze is known for. Bass has body, vocals sit forward, treble is smooth. This is a headphone designed to make music sound good for hours without fatigue.

Why the Walnut Gold endures

The aesthetic is the main draw over the Walnut/Black version. Gold metal hardware against walnut wood gives the headphone a vintage, almost mid-century feel that photographs beautifully.

If you want a headphone that looks as good on a desk as it sounds on your head, this is the version to get. The included accessories are identical: two cables, hard case, 6.3mm adapter, airplane adapter.

Care and longevity notes

Treat the walnut cups like fine furniture. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and extreme humidity, both of which can crack or warp wood over years. The PU leather ear pads will eventually peel with daily use; budget for replacement pads every 18 to 24 months.

The manganese spring steel headband is built to flex thousands of times without losing tension, which is why so many original 99 Classics from years ago are still in daily use.

6. Meze 99 Classics Second Gen – Neutral Tuning Refresh

The Meze 99 Classics Second Gen is a meaningful refresh rather than a cosmetic update. The biggest change is in the tuning: Meze moved the sound signature closer to neutral, addressing years of feedback that the original 99 Classics leaned too warm and bassy for some listeners.

Included acoustic absorbers let you switch between two tonalities in one headphone. This is a clever feature that effectively gives you two headphones for the price of one, letting you tune the sound to your genre or mood.

The snap-fit earpads are the other practical improvement. Replacing earpads on the original 99 Classics required patience and care. The snap-fit design on the V2 makes pad swapping a 30-second job, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade if you rotate between velour and PU leather pads.

The included USB-C DAC/AMP is a thoughtful addition for buyers whose phones and laptops only have USB-C ports. It is not a high-end DAC, but it solves the cable compatibility problem the original 99 Classics had with modern devices.

Who should upgrade to V2

If you found the original 99 Classics too warm and wanted more neutrality, the V2 directly addresses that. The balanced tuning is better suited to classical, jazz, vocal, and acoustic music where midrange accuracy matters.

The V2 is also the better choice if your daily device has only USB-C ports, since the included DAC/AMP solves connectivity without extra purchases.

Trade-offs to weigh

Reviewers note the V2 has less sub-bass impact than the original. Bass-heads and electronic music fans may actually prefer the original 99 Classics tuning.

The metal headband can produce a resonance sound when you move quickly. The fix is a cable clip or pad, but it is worth knowing before buying.

7. Meze 105 Silva – Dual Focus Open-Back Design

The Meze 105 Silva is the design-forward sibling of the 105 AER. It pairs walnut wood ear cups with cast zinc alloy hardware finished in PVD coating, giving it a more refined, mid-century modern look. Meze describes the sound signature as Dual Focus, balancing musicality with refinement.

Reviewers consistently praise the clear, rich, and engaging sound. Transients are fast and articulate, meaning plucked strings and percussive hits have real snap and definition. Vocals and string instruments are particular standouts, which makes the Silva a strong pick for classical, jazz, and acoustic genres.

The included accessories are generous: hard carrying pouch, kevlar OFC twisted cable, 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, and a USB-C adapter. The 42 Ohm impedance keeps the Silva accessible from portable sources while still scaling up with a dedicated amp.

As a newer release, the 105 Silva has fewer reviews than the established 99 Classics line. The build quality and serviceable design are consistent with the rest of the Meze range, so longevity should match the brand standard.

How the 105 Silva differs from the 105 AER

The Silva trades the ABS PC cups of the AER for real walnut wood, which gives a warmer look and subtly different resonance characteristics. The Dual Focus tuning is described as more refined, which in practice means a touch more treble polish.

If aesthetics matter and you want walnut wood at a lower tier than the 109 PRO, the Silva is the open-back to choose.

Use cases the Silva handles well

The fast transient response suits classical, jazz, acoustic, vocal, and well-recorded rock. The open-back design delivers a natural soundstage for home listening.

It is less ideal for bass-heavy electronic genres or for environments where sound leakage is a problem. Treat it as a dedicated home listening headphone.

8. Meze LIRIC 2nd Generation – Planar Magnetic Flagship

The Meze LIRIC 2nd Generation is the closed-back planar magnetic flagship of the lineup. Built around the MZ4 Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver from Rinaro Isodynamics, it extends from 4Hz all the way to 92kHz, far beyond what any dynamic driver in this roundup can reproduce.

The Macassar ebony wood ear cups are the visual centerpiece. Ebony is dense and resonant, which contributes to the LIRIC’s controlled, low-coloration sound. The detachable magnetic earpads make pad swapping and replacement genuinely tool-free.

Sound is where the LIRIC divides opinion. The audiophile reviewer with 25-plus years of experience called it the best headphone they have ever owned, praising insane detail without treble fatigue. Other early reviewers were less impressed, which is reflected in the polarized rating distribution.

The included braided Furukawa PCUHD copper cable (4.4mm balanced) is a serious accessory, as is the 3-meter soft TPE cable with 3.5mm termination. The 61 Ohm impedance and 100 dB sensitivity mean the LIRIC benefits from a quality headphone amplifier to perform at its best.

Who the LIRIC 2nd Gen is built for

This is a flagship for the listener who has owned several high-end headphones and wants a closed-back planar with heirloom build quality. If you have a balanced headphone amp and a curated library of high-resolution recordings, the LIRIC rewards that investment.

It also suits listeners who need closed-back isolation but refuse to give up planar magnetic detail. Few closed-back planars exist, and the LIRIC is among the most refined.

Why the reviews are polarized

At this price, expectations are sky-high. The mixed early ratings likely reflect the headphone’s sensitivity to source gear and ear pad seal. Planar magnetic drivers reveal upstream chain quality more than dynamics do.

If you are considering the LIRIC, audition it with your own amp and DAC first if at all possible. Source pairing matters more here than with any other model in this roundup.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Meze Headphones

Picking the right Meze comes down to four questions: open-back or closed-back, dynamic or planar, what you will plug it into, and what you actually listen to. Here is how I would think through each one.

Open-back vs closed-back Meze headphones

Open-back Meze models like the 109 PRO, 105 AER, and 105 Silva let air pass through the ear cups. The result is a wider, more natural soundstage and less ear-cup resonance. The trade-off is that sound leaks in both directions, so everyone around you hears what you hear and you hear them. Open-backs are for quiet, private listening at home.

Closed-back Meze models like the 99 Classics, 99 NEO, 99 Classics V2, and LIRIC seal the ear cups. You get isolation from outside noise and your music stays contained. The trade-off is a narrower, more in-your-head soundstage. Closed-backs are for offices, commutes, late-night gaming, and any environment where isolation matters.

Dynamic driver vs planar magnetic driver

Most Meze headphones use dynamic drivers ranging from 40mm to 50mm. Dynamic drivers are efficient, easy to drive, and tend to deliver punchy bass and natural timbre. They are the right choice for most listeners.

The LIRIC uses a planar magnetic (isodynamic hybrid array) driver from Rinaro Isodynamics. Planar drivers typically offer faster transients, lower distortion, and better bass control, but they need more power and reveal upstream gear quality. Choose planar if you already own a quality headphone amplifier and a high-resolution source.

Amplifier pairing by model and budget

The 99 NEO, 99 Classics, and 99 Classics V2 all have low impedance (26 to 32 Ohms) and run perfectly from a phone, laptop, or dongle DAC. No dedicated amp required. This is one of the great appeals of the 99 series.

The 109 PRO and 105 AER sit at 40 to 42 Ohms and benefit from a small headphone amp or a quality dongle DAC like a Moondrop Dawn Pro or iFi GO bar. They will play from a phone but sound noticeably better with cleaner power.

The LIRIC at 61 Ohms and 100 dB sensitivity wants a real headphone amplifier, ideally with a 4.4mm balanced output to take advantage of the included cable. Budget at least a mid-tier amp if you are considering the LIRIC.

Genre and use-case matching

For classical, jazz, acoustic, and vocal music, look at the open-back models: 109 PRO, 105 AER, and 105 Silva. Their wider soundstage and detail retrieval suit complex, layered recordings.

For electronic, hip-hop, pop, and rock, the 99 Classics and 99 NEO with their warmer, bass-tilted signatures add fun and energy. The 99 Classics V2 is the pick if you want a more neutral balance.

For gaming, the closed-back 99 Classics and 99 NEO get frequent Reddit recommendations for noise-constrained environments. The closed design keeps audio from leaking into the next room, and the warm signature adds impact to game audio.

For critical listening and a no-compromise planar experience, the LIRIC is the flagship choice. Pair it with a balanced amp and high-resolution source files.

Build quality and the Meze serviceability ethos

Every Meze headphone in this roundup is built without glue and uses screws instead. Ear pads, cables, headbands, and even driver assemblies are replaceable. This is the Meze ethos: a headphone should be a long-term companion, not disposable tech.

Practical implications: budget for replacement ear pads every 18 to 24 months of daily use (PU leather wears, velour compresses). Keep the included hard case and use it. Avoid dropping headphones onto hard surfaces, since the wood cups can dent even though they will not crack easily.

The manganese spring steel headbands across the lineup are designed to flex thousands of times without losing tension. Original 99 Classics from years ago are still in daily use, which is the best long-term durability data point available.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Meze Headphones in 2026

If you want a single recommendation, the Meze 109 PRO is the best Meze headphones pick overall for open-back detail and build quality. If you want one pair that handles everything, the Meze 99 Classics in Walnut or Walnut Gold remains the safest all-rounder. And if budget is the priority, the 99 NEO delivers the full Meze experience at the entry tier.

The common thread across every Meze model in this roundup is heirloom build quality, replaceable parts, and a sound signature designed for hours of fatigue-free listening. Pick the model that matches your source gear, your library, and your environment, and you will have a headphone that lasts for years. This roundup will be refreshed as Meze releases new models in 2026 and beyond.