Meze 109 Pro Review — A boutique brand known for luxury aesthetics proves they have the acoustic chops to match, delivering an in-house dynamic driver that outshines their flagship models in pure comfort

Meze’s newest dynamic headphone isn't just gorgeous—it might be the most comfortable piece of audio gear ever made. While most manufacturers are busy chasing the next technical spec or chasing the dragon of "perfect" neutrality, Meze has built something that actually feels like it was designed by someone who listens to music for more than five minutes at a time.

What you're actually getting

The 109 Pro is a rare bird in the current high-end market. It’s a $799 open-back dynamic headphone that doesn't demand a dedicated power plant to wake up. With an impedance of 40 ohms and a sensitivity of 115 dB/mW, you can plug these into a decent USB-C dongle or a laptop headphone jack and get 95% of their potential. It’s refreshing to see a company stop gatekeeping high-fidelity sound behind a wall of expensive amplifiers.

Beyond the ease of use, you’re buying into a philosophy of longevity. In an era of disposable tech, Meze has built the 109 Pro to be fully serviceable. Every part is held together with screws, not glue or rivets. As Joshua Valour noted, "I truly feel like somebody who cared made this headphone." It’s a tactile, premium experience that makes most plastic-heavy competitors feel like toys.

However, it isn't perfect. The sound signature is unapologetically "fun." It’s dynamic, punchy, and fast, but it doesn't aim for the surgical, flat response of a studio monitor. If you’re looking for a clinical tool to mix your next record, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a headphone that makes your favorite albums sound alive and engaging, this is it.

Sound — what reviewers actually heard

The sound character is defined by a fast, well-extended bass response that doesn't bleed into the mids, and a treble region that brings a lot of air and detail. It’s a "joyful" tuning, as DankPods put it. Just keep in mind that the treble can occasionally lean into the sharp side, especially with metallic percussion or poorly mastered tracks. It’s not sibilant, but it’s definitely present.

Where it actually wins

The absolute standout feature is the comfort. The self-adjusting headband system combined with the plush velour pads creates a fit that is, frankly, peerless. The Headphone Show went as far as to say, "This is more comfortable to me than not wearing any headphones at all." If you’re a long-session listener, this is the gold standard.

The aesthetic is the other obvious win. The combination of wood, metal, and high-quality velour makes these look like a piece of furniture you’d be proud to display on your desk. It’s a luxury product that feels worth the price tag the moment you take it out of the included hard carrying case.

Where it falls short

The biggest frustration is the cable situation. For a premium headphone, the stock cables are a letdown—they’re stiff, rubbery, and far too long for most desk setups. To make matters worse, the cable inputs on the earcups are recessed and narrow, which makes finding a high-quality aftermarket replacement a genuine headache. You’re essentially forced to stick with the stock cable or hunt down very specific, thin-connector alternatives.

Additionally, the tuning isn't for everyone. If you are a "neutral-head" who demands a perfectly flat frequency response, the 109 Pro’s mid-range dip and energetic treble might feel a bit colored. It’s a headphone designed for enjoyment, not for analytical dissection.

Should you buy it?

Buy if you

• Value long-term comfort above all else for multi-hour listening sessions.
• Want a high-end sound that doesn't require a $500+ amplifier to sound great.
• Appreciate a premium, repairable build that looks as good as it sounds.
• Prefer a dynamic, engaging sound signature that makes music feel "fun."

Skip if you

• Are a professional mixing engineer looking for a strictly neutral, flat reference tool.
• Have high sensitivity to treble peaks or "bright" sound signatures.
• Are someone who likes to swap cables frequently and wants a standard, easy-to-access connection.

The Meze 109 Pro is a masterclass in comfort, design, and joyful listening that proves dynamic drivers still have plenty of magic left.

Sources consulted

• DankPods — The Meze 109 PROs
• Joshua Valour — The Headphone of the Year! Meze is getting better!
• The Headphone Show — Meze 109 Pro Impressions - NOT just an open 99 Classic!
• Currawong — Meze 109 Pro Headphones Review - Yes, they are that good.

Synthesis combines independent reviews above. Verdicts and quotes attributed to original creators. Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon links.