Loewe's elite new headphones deliver 24-bit Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, and the best volume control we've ever tried – but it comes at quite the price

• Loewe Leo headphones launch for €1,299 / £TBC (about $1,530 / AU$2,320)
• 65-hour battery life, Dolby Atmos and hi-res audio
• Wonderfully tactile rotary volume control

When Loewe unveiled its ultra-expensive, diamond-studded headphones in August, I wrote that "underneath all the gems there's what could be a very credible rival to the likes of the AirPods Max and other high-end headphone options, and I suspect that considerably more affordable versions of these headphones will arrive in due course."

And that's exactly what's happened. Say hello to Leo, the new and diamond-free headphones from Loewe.

The new Loewe Leo headphones are indeed considerably more affordable than their six-figures siblings, although these are still very much a luxury product. And we've had a sneak peek at them, so we can confirm that they feel rather special and feature a particularly satisfying rotary volume control – that's the disc on the outside of the earcups.

Loewe Leo headphones: key features and pricing

According to Loewe these are no mere headphones; they're a "standalone HiFi audio solution" with a high-quality DAC and hi-res audio support: LC3+ at 96kHz/24-bit. The diaphragms in the 50mm drivers are made from Olefine Composite Elastomer, which Loewe says is both very light and very responsive.

The headphones have Bluetooth LE Audio and Dolby Atmos, and the companion app includes Mimi sound personalization. There's ANC with transparency mode; voice assistant support; AI-powered translation and multi-point connectivity. Battery life is 65 hours.

The comfortable ear cushions are made from leather, the headband is generously padded and the frame is made from anodized aluminum with a fold-flat design, and the Leo come with a hard case and lamb leather bag. There are two color options, midnight blue and moonlight beige.

And the price? While premium, these Loewe headphones don't cost as much as a Maserati. The RRP of the Loewe Leo is €1,299, with a UK price still to be confirmed, but £1,299 seems likely. (That's about $1,530 / AU$2,320 – though Loewe products don't generally make it to the US).

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