Loewe, the German brand known for high-end TVs and speakers, is diving into a completely new category: wireless over-ear headphones. Its first-ever pair, called Leo, is designed for listeners who care about both sound quality and design—and who are willing to spend top dollar to get it.

You might know Loewe for its sculptural TVs or sleek speakers, but with the Leo headphones, the company is branching out. At €1,299 (or £1,299), these wireless headphones are clearly aimed at the premium crowd, going head-to-head with models from Focal, Apple, and Bowers & Wilkins.

Interestingly, this isn’t Loewe’s first foray into headphone territory. Before Leo hit stores, the company worked with jeweler Jacob & Co. on a limited “bespoke” version—only 10 pairs were made, each one covered in gemstones and carrying a six-figure price tag. Now Loewe is focusing on a broader (but still luxury) audience, offering the Leo in two colors: Midnight Blue and Moonlight Beige.

Under the hood, the Leo headphones use 50mm drivers with diaphragms made from a material called Olefin Composite Elastomer (OCE). It’s lightweight and designed to respond quickly and dampen naturally—key qualities for delivering clean vocals, detailed treble, and a well-controlled bass. Loewe’s goal is to create a sound signature that feels full and balanced, whether you’re listening to music, a podcast, or a movie soundtrack.

High-resolution wireless audio is supported via the LC3+ codec (up to 24-bit/96kHz), and the headphones also handle aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth LE Audio. Dolby Atmos spatial audio is onboard too, which means your favorite tracks could sound more three-dimensional, assuming they were mixed that way.

One of the more unique features is Mimi Sound Personalisation, built into the Loewe app. This feature runs a quick hearing test to tailor the audio output to your ears, creating a listening profile that adapts over time.

Leo isn’t just about audio. Loewe built in Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation that adjusts based on your surroundings, plus a transparency mode so you can hear your environment when needed.

You also get multipoint Bluetooth support, so you can connect to your phone and laptop at the same time without switching. There’s built-in voice assistant support, and even an AI-powered live translation feature—a nod to what Apple has started doing with the AirPods Pro 3.

Controls are a mix of physical and touch-based. Each earcup includes a rotary dial along with touch sensors, giving you a variety of ways to manage playback or volume. USB-C handles both charging and wired audio, and the headphones come with two cables in the box: USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm. While Loewe hasn’t confirmed if wired playback is truly lossless, the included options at least offer flexibility.

Battery life clocks in at a solid 65 hours with ANC turned off, which means you can go several days between charges. USB-C fast charging is available, though Loewe hasn’t said exactly how fast it recharges from zero.

In terms of materials, the Leo sticks to Loewe’s design playbook: anodized aluminum for structure, genuine leather for the ear cushions, and a fold-flat design for portability. A carry case is included, making it easier to pack them for travel.

The headphones were also designed with sustainability in mind. Loewe says many components can be repaired, replaced, or even upgraded, which is rare in a category where most headphones are treated as disposable after a few years.

At this price, the Leo sits above many premium headphones like the AirPods Max and B&W Px8. Its closest competition might be the Focal Bathys MG (read our review), which targets audiophiles who want serious sound quality without giving up wireless convenience.

Loewe’s pitch is that Leo isn’t just another Bluetooth headphone—it’s a high-fidelity audio system you can wear, complete with advanced codecs, personalisation features, and a smart feature set.

Technical Specifications:

• 50mm drivers with precision tuning.
• High-end Texas Instruments amplifier.
• Advanced AI Feature with built-in voice assistant.
• Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) with transparency mode.
• Hi-Res Audio Wireless with LC3+ codec at 96kHz / 24-bit.
• Mimi Sound Personalization via the Loewe app.
• 65 hours of battery life.
• USB-C fast charging.
• Multipoint connectivity for multiple devices.
• Voice control and real-time translation.
• Fold-flat design with protective 2-in-1 hard case and additional leather lamb bag.
• The Loewe Leo app is required for some applications.
• Leo Assistant: One year of free usage with 30.000 interactions. Afterwards, subscription is €7,99 per month.

The Leo is a big move for Loewe. It brings the company into an entirely new space, one filled with established players and high consumer expectations. We will know more when we test them, but it’s clear Loewe isn’t playing it safe.

If you’re looking for wireless headphones that aim to combine style, smarts, and sound quality—and you’re comfortable spending over a thousand euros—the Leo might catch your eye. But with so many strong options already on the market, Loewe will have to prove that Leo is more than just a pretty face.