Meze Strada Review: A Lightweight Open-Back Headphone With a Natural Sound

Introduction

The Meze Strada is the latest open-back headphone from Meze, a brand known for blending striking design with a comfortable fit. Right out of the box, the presentation feels premium: a hard-shell case with felt lining, a leather pouch for accessories, and a braided cable that matches the aesthetic of recent Meze releases. The retail version also includes a 4.4mm balanced cable, while the test unit came with the 3.5mm terminated braided cable and a silicone-coated split for the left and right channels.

The Strada is clearly aimed at listeners who value craftsmanship and all-day wearability. But the sound signature is where it gets interesting. It is not a bass-heavy or bright headphone. Instead, it delivers a smooth, flat response that stays true to the recording, which makes it a versatile tool for both music and gaming.

Build Quality and Comfort

Comfort is where Meze headphones consistently shine, and the Strada continues that tradition. The magnesium shell keeps the weight remarkably low. On the scale, the headphones come in at 331 grams, and the coiled cable adds roughly 52 to 53 grams. In the hand, the Strada feels almost impossibly light for a headphone with this much structure, yet it still exudes a premium feel.

The ear cups swivel fully in both directions, and the adjustment brackets use an external tension system that stays firm even after extended use. The headband is wide and padded with a slow-rebound foam that conforms to the shape of your head, eliminating pressure points. The ear pads combine full leather on the outside with a soft felt lining on the inside, and they are magnetically attached for easy removal. A rubber dampening seal sits between the driver and the ear pads to reduce vibration transfer.

One thing to note: the Strada does lock in sound, and your ears can get a little warm during longer sessions. The felt lining helps, but it does not completely solve the heat issue. A swappable set of fully cloth or velour ear pads would be a welcome addition, especially at this price point, since ear pads play a significant role in shaping the sound.

Sound Performance

The Strada is powered by 50mm drivers, and the tuning out of the box is best described as flat and smooth. There is no hard-hitting bass and no screechy highs. Instead, the sound sits right in the middle, letting you hear every instrument from the low end to the high end without any frequency range dominating. It is not muddy or overly full, just clean and natural.

This neutral tuning is not for everyone. If you prefer a headphone with a strong bass presence or bright treble, the Strada will likely require some EQ work. The good news is that the Strada responds beautifully to EQ adjustments. Small changes are audible, so you can dial in the exact sound you want for different games or genres. Boosting the bass adds body and true bass tone without turning into a head-shaking rumble. The highs remain detailed and clear, even when pushed.

Where the Strada really shines is in its sense of realism. In games like The Last of Us 2 Remastered on PlayStation 5 Pro with Dolby Atmos, the environment, dialogue, and footsteps all sound natural and true. Infected enemies do not scream in your ears; they sound distant and bearable, which makes longer sessions more comfortable. The same applies to music. Tracks from artists like Jack White and Nine Inch Nails gain a full, impactful sound when EQed, even if the bass never vibrates your head the way some closed-back headphones do.

Who Should Buy the Meze Strada

The Meze Strada is a great choice for listeners who want a lightweight, comfortable headphone that they can wear all day without fatigue. It is also ideal for gamers who play a mix of titles and want a headphone that can be tuned to suit each game. The natural, true-to-source sound makes it easy to hear positional cues without harsh spikes.

It is less suited to listeners who want a bass-heavy or bright sound straight out of the box. If you do not enjoy EQing your headphones, the Strada’s flat tuning might feel underwhelming. But if you are willing to spend a little time adjusting the sound, the Strada rewards you with a level of detail and realism that is hard to match.

Buying Advice

At around $800, the Meze Strada is a significant investment. The build quality, comfort, and unique aesthetic justify a large part of the price. The sound is excellent, but it is also a personal preference. If you value a neutral, natural sound and enjoy fine-tuning your headphones, the Strada is worth serious consideration. If you prefer a more colored sound signature, you may want to audition it first to see if it fits your taste.

Conclusion

The Meze Strada is a complete win from Meze. It is gorgeous to look at, incredibly lightweight, and comfortable enough for all-day use. The sound is smooth, natural, and highly responsive to EQ, making it a versatile choice for both music and gaming. It checks so many boxes that it is easy to recommend, provided you appreciate its neutral tuning and are willing to make small adjustments to suit your preferences.