By: Dipin Sehdev
For decades, Loewe has been a name synonymous with refined German craftsmanship and elegant audiovisual design. Known for its sculptural TVs and minimalist speakers, Loewe has largely stayed out of the personal audio space—until now. With the launch of the Loewe Leo, the company is entering the premium wireless headphone market for the first time, targeting a clientele that values design as much as performance.
And Loewe isn’t shy about who it wants to impress. The brand’s high-profile campaign features football icon Kylian Mbappé and DJ-producer David Guetta, signaling that these headphones aren’t just for audiophiles—they’re for aspirational listeners who see headphones as fashion and lifestyle statements. It’s a move not unlike Bowers & Wilkins’ collaboration with David Beckham, who has long served as a style ambassador for British luxury.
The Leo is Loewe’s statement piece—an intersection of sound engineering, luxury design, and celebrity allure. But in a market dominated by heavyweights like Apple’s AirPods Max (86% CE Critic Score), Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 (90% CE Critic Score), and Focal Clear Mg (94% CE Critic Score), Loewe’s new flagship faces serious competition.
Design and Materials: Sculptural Meets Functional
Loewe’s design DNA is unmistakable here. The Leo is crafted with a machined anodized aluminum frame, genuine leather ear cushions, and ergonomic shaping that balances comfort with opulence. Available in two finishes—Midnight Blue and Moonlight Beige—the headphones exude understated luxury.
At €1,299 (around $1,399 / £1,299), the Leo clearly positions itself in the ultra-premium bracket. Yet, Loewe goes further than most luxury brands by incorporating sustainability into the design. The Leo’s components are repairable, replaceable, and upgradeable, signaling a move toward longevity in a category often dominated by sealed, disposable devices.
Controls are a tactile delight: each earcup features a rotary dial alongside touch-sensitive panels, giving users both analog precision and modern convenience.
Acoustic Engineering: Built for Balance and Detail
Inside each earcup sits a 50mm precision driver with a diaphragm made from Olefin Composite Elastomer (OCE)—a lightweight yet rigid material developed for fast response and natural damping. Loewe says this design delivers “a clear, balanced sound signature with detailed highs, natural vocals, and smooth bass.”
It’s a sonic philosophy that aligns closely with the B&W PX8 S2, known for its studio-like midrange clarity, and Focal Clear Mg, celebrated for its spacious, detailed presentation. Loewe’s approach leans toward neutrality and refinement rather than sheer bass power—a deliberate choice for discerning listeners.
The Leo also features an integrated high-end Texas Instruments DAC and amplifier, allowing for standalone hi-fi performance even in wireless mode.
Connectivity and Audio Performance
Loewe has equipped the Leo with a broad range of high-resolution audio support. Wireless playback supports Hi-Res Audio Wireless, Bluetooth LE Audio, and the LC3+ codec capable of 96kHz / 24-bit transmission. The headphones also support aptX Adaptive, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and Mimi Sound Personalisation, accessible through the Loewe app.
The Mimi feature is particularly interesting—it runs a short hearing test and creates a customized audio profile tailored to your ears, much like hearing aid calibration software. Over time, it adapts dynamically to preserve detail and reduce fatigue.
Smart Features and AI Integration
The Leo isn’t just about sound—it’s about intelligence. Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation automatically adjusts to your environment, while transparency mode lets in ambient sound when needed.
In addition to standard voice assistant support, Loewe adds a layer of smart functionality via real-time AI translation—allowing users to communicate in multiple languages through the built-in microphone system. It’s a niche but impressive addition that aligns with the growing convergence between headphones and wearable computing.
The Leo Assistant comes free for the first year (up to 30,000 interactions), after which it requires a €7.99/month subscription—a model similar to what some automotive brands use for connected services.
Battery Life and Usability
With up to 65 hours of battery life, the Loewe Leo easily outlasts most competitors. The AirPods Max manage around 20 hours, while the B&W PX8 S2 tops out at 30. Even the Focal Bathys, one of the best battery performers in the high-end segment, reaches “only” about 42 hours.
USB-C fast charging is onboard, though Loewe hasn’t specified exact numbers for recharge time. Expect around three hours for a full charge, with quick-charge giving several hours of playback in just 15 minutes.
Multipoint connectivity lets you pair the headphones with two devices—say, your phone and laptop—without manual switching. And for those who still prefer cables, Loewe includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables in the box.
Marketing and Brand Positioning: Football Meets Fidelity
Loewe’s marketing strategy is as deliberate as its acoustic design. By featuring Mbappé and Guetta in its campaign, the brand aims to align the Leo with global icons of excellence, energy, and creativity. It’s a playbook similar to Bowers & Wilkins’ use of David Beckham—turning high-fidelity audio into a lifestyle symbol.
In doing so, Loewe positions Leo not just as a tool for audiophiles, but as a luxury accessory for cosmopolitan listeners. This approach is also a subtle attempt to appeal to a new generation of consumers who view premium headphones as both a sound investment and a fashion statement.
At €1,299, Loewe’s pricing is ambitious—but so is its intent. The company isn’t chasing the mass-market segment that Apple’s AirPods Max dominates. Instead, it’s chasing prestige, aligning itself with the Focal Clear Mg (94% CE Critic Score), a headphone celebrated for both sonic mastery and artisanal build.
How It Compares
| Model | CE Critic Score | Key Strength | Price | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loewe Leo | — (New) | AI features, design, luxury materials | €1,299 | 65 hrs |
| Focal Clear Mg | 94% | Reference-grade sound, build quality | $1,499 | Wired |
| B&W PX8 S2 | 90% | Balanced sound, luxury fit | $699 / £599 | 30 hrs |
| Apple AirPods Max | 86% | Ecosystem, ANC performance | $549 / £499 | 20 hrs |
The Loewe Leo stands out as the most luxurious and longest-lasting of the bunch—but also the priciest wireless option. Its unique blend of high-resolution wireless tech, adaptive ANC, and personalization features positions it as a “wearable hi-fi system,” not merely a set of Bluetooth headphones.
Availability and Pricing
The Loewe Leo headphones are available now through authorized Loewe retailers and Loewe’s official online store, priced at €1,299 / £1,299 / approx. $1,399 USD. Buyers can choose between Midnight Blue and Moonlight Beige, both shipped with a protective hard case and a premium leather storage pouch.
Loewe also confirmed it will continue offering the Leo Bespoke Edition, a Jacob & Co. collaboration limited to just ten units worldwide—each handset encrusted with 12 carats of gemstones and priced well into six figures.
Final Thoughts
Loewe’s first foray into headphones isn’t just a tech launch—it’s a statement of intent. The Leo combines craftsmanship and cutting-edge tech in a way few brands attempt. With its elegant design, adaptive ANC, personalized sound profile, and AI integration, Loewe has crafted a headphone that reflects its television heritage: bold, refined, and meticulously engineered.
The question isn’t whether the Leo can rival the AirPods Max, PX8 S2, or Focal Clear Mg on pure sound—it’s whether Loewe can carve out a niche in a market increasingly defined by lifestyle and identity.
If the brand’s football-and-fashion-inspired marketing is any indication, Loewe isn’t just playing to audiophiles. It’s going after the fans of Beckham, Mbappé, and Guetta—the ones who want to look as good as they sound.
