Portable meets power: Loewe We. HEAR pro speaker review

The Loewe We. HEAR pro is the latest addition to Loewe's audio range, created in collaboration with football legend Kylian Mbappé. Known for its high-end electronics, Loewe's venture into the portable Bluetooth speaker market with the We. HEAR pro marks an intriguing blend of functionality and style. An upgrade from the standard We. HEAR, the pro offers a larger battery, faster charging, and wired reverse charging for mobile devices. It also boasts improved performance, positioning it as a serious competitor in the best speaker market, particularly against established names like JBL.

The We. HEAR pro is designed for users who value high-quality sound in a portable package. Its rugged design is tailored for those who enjoy outdoor activities or need a versatile speaker for various environments. The speaker's design allows it to fit seamlessly into any setting, and its Neon colour option is sure to grab attention.

I'm Harvey Isitt, reviewer at What's The Best, and I've had the pleasure of testing this product for a few weeks now. I have used it while writing this article, around the house, in the garden, and with family and friends. I have tested it using a variety of genres, from laid-pack blues to hard-hitting rock and electronica.

A portable speaker that packs a punch

One of the most compelling aspects of the Loewe We. HEAR pro is its portability combined with its powerful sound. Despite its relatively compact size – what it lacks in small size, it makes up for in its surprisingly light weight – this speaker delivers an impressive 100W output, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Weighing in at 2.2kg, it's heavier than some of its competitors, but the inclusion of an upgraded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around, whether you're headed to a backyard barbecue or a day at the beach. While I didn't use the additional shoulder strap, I found it the perfect companion in and around the house, finding no issue picking it up and moving it about.

Sound performance

The sound quality of the We. HEAR pro stands out among many speakers I have tested, especially considering its price point. With two mid-range drivers, two tweeters, and two woofers, the speaker provides a balanced listening experience that holds up as much outdoors as it does inside the house.

The bass is punchy without overpowering the mids and highs, leaving enough space for vocals and instruments to work their magic and remain clear. The bass radiates all around, thanks to the strategically placed woofers, which are exposed – an elegant design choice – and significantly enhance the listening experience in open spaces.

The capacitive touch sliders for adjusting bass and treble directly on the speaker are perhaps the standout feature. They allow you to tweak the sound profile directly from the device without needing an app. This level of customisation is rare in portable speakers and gives the We. HEAR pro an edge over most of its competition, including direct competitor, the JBL Xtreme 4.

Design and build quality

Loewe's signature and consistently premium-feeling design shines through in the We. HEAR pro. The speaker is sleek and minimalistic, with a design that doesn't scream for attention, except, of course, in the Neon colour variant. I received the denim version (also available in black) and was thrilled; its warm blue – a light ultramarine – looks fantastic in the garden. The materials feel premium, and the IPX6 rating means it can handle splashes and rain. However, it's best to keep it away from sand and dust, as marks can appear on the fabric outer. The LED light bar for volume adjustment is another nice touch.

On-device EQ controls are a game changer

User-friendly customisation

What sets the We. HEAR pro apart from many of its competitors is its ability to adjust the bass and treble directly on the speaker without the need for an app. The capacitive touch sliders are intuitive and responsive, offering a level of control usually reserved for high-end home audio systems. This feature allows users to easily adjust the sound to their liking without needing a smartphone app. Whether you want more bass for songs like "Seven Nation Army" or "In the Air Tonight," or clearer treble for podcasts such as Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History or Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO, the We. HEAR pro makes personalising sound easy.

Battery and charging

Battery life is another strong suit of the We. HEAR pro. With up to a whopping 24 hours of playback on a single charge, it's well-suited for long trips or all-day events. However, I was interested in discovering what volume lasts the 24-hour claim. To my surprise, I used the speaker for an entire week – a whole week! – while at work. And while this may have been at a particularly low volume (a background playlist to help boost productivity), I was stunned by how long this thing lasted.

The fast-charging feature via USB-C is also incredible, standing above its competitors – a full recharge in under two hours. The speaker also functions as a power bank, allowing you to charge your devices on the go. This feature was especially helpful when I spent an afternoon with friends.

However, the placement of the charging port on the bottom of the speaker is a slight gripe, especially if you want to use it horizontally while it charges. And while the speaker works fine when placed vertically, this inadvertently harms the sound since one of the woofers, now directed to the floor, becomes muffled.

Any downsides?

While the Loewe We. HEAR pro has many strengths, there are, unfortunately, some drawbacks. Firstly, the charging port placement at the bottom of the speaker is slightly awkward, though not a deal breaker. Additionally, while the bass and treble adjustments are great, the lack of mid-range control may disappoint audiophiles seeking more extensive customisation.

Another minor downside is the speaker's performance at exceptionally high volumes. Although it handles most situations well, pushing the volume to its limits reveals some strain in the lower frequencies. It's more of a gut feeling with things like this, but when maxed out, the Sonos Move, for example, sounds as beautiful as it does at lower volumes, whereas the We. HEAR pro doesn't cope as well. It's not a major issue, but it's something to consider if you often listen at max volume and have a particularly keen ear for audio quality.

Price and competition

At £255, the We. HEAR pro lies slap bang in a competitive segment of the portable speaker market. It's priced lower than the JBL Xtreme 4, its most direct competitor, which retails for £300. While the JBL Xtreme 4 might have a slight edge in raw sound performance and brand recognition, the We. HEAR pro offers a unique combination of style, sound customisation, and battery life at a more accessible price point. If you're looking for alternatives, the Marshall Middleton offers similar on-device EQ controls. At the same time, the Sonos Move, Bose SoundLink Max and Sony SRS-XB43 provide excellent bass performance but lack the standout, user-friendly EQ adjustments.

Who is it for?

After spending time with Loewe's We. HEAR pro, I'm impressed by how well it performs in its category, especially considering that Loewe is not known for speakers. It's a versatile speaker that's comfortable both in a living room and at a garden party. The sound quality is excellent, especially with the customisable EQ settings, and the battery life ensures it won't let you down during extended use. While it has a few minor quirks, like the charging port placement, these are far outweighed by its strengths.

The Loewe We. HEAR pro speaker is perfect for audiophiles who value style and functionality in a portable package. Its built-in EQ controls make it great for those seeking high-quality sound without requiring an additional app for customisation. Thanks to its IPX6 water resistance and sturdy build, this speaker is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities like picnics, barbecues, or beach outings. Football fans or collectors of Kylian Mbappé memorabilia will also appreciate the special edition design, making it both a speaker and a collectable item.

The speaker's lower frequency range may not satisfy bass enthusiasts as much as the Sonos Move and JBL Xtreme 4. However, what it lacks in bass, it makes up for in price.

Would we recommend it?

Absolutely. We recommend the Loewe We. HEAR pro for its impressive sound quality, user-friendly design, and game-changing EQ controls that provide granular audio control. Its built-in microphone, multi-point Bluetooth, and the ability to reverse charge other devices make it a versatile choice for casual listeners as well as dedicated tech enthusiasts. However, it's worth reiterating that the lower frequency range is slightly lacking compared to competitors. But other than that, it's a solid choice for those looking for a premium, stylish, and functional speaker.

More items to consider

Who tested it?

Resident audiophile Harvey Isitt is your trusted speaker specialist. He thoroughly tests a wide range of speakers, from compact portables to high-end home theatre systems. His passion for sound quality and design ensures well-rounded insights for consumers.

How the product was tested?

I tested the speaker in various environments, including at home, in the garden, and during weekend outings with friends. It also served as the main speaker for a weekend gathering with family. I evaluated the sound across different music genres to assess the bass, treble, and overall clarity at varying volumes. I regularly adjusted the bass and treble using the on-device EQ settings, and also tested the portability and durability during travel and assessed the battery life over the course of a working week.

Why should you trust us?

At What's The Best, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best technology products available. Anything less would undermine our commitment to being a trusted source of unbiased product information.

Our dedicated in-house writing team comprises experts with extensive experience and a genuine passion for technology. Collectively, we have spent decades testing and writing about tech, leveraging our expertise in all our articles, advice pieces and reviews.

We maintain complete editorial independence and do not accept payment for product reviews. Our writers have full control over their content, ensuring that products are selected based solely on the needs of our readers. While we may earn commissions or other compensation from links on our website, this never affects our product choices. These links enable us to continue offering valuable consumer advice, without compromising the integrity of our reviews.

Read more about why you should trust us.

How What's The Best tests products

Struggling to navigate the audio world? We provide unbiased reviews for real listeners.

At What's The Best, we ditch the technical jargon and deliver sound reviews for sound people. Our team of audio enthusiasts puts everyday speakers, headphones, and more through their paces in real-world listening scenarios. We don't waste your time with staged tests – we focus on how these products actually perform for everyday music lovers.

The result? Unbiased buying advice you can trust. We only review the most relevant and impactful audio products on the market, so you know you're getting the latest insights. Can't find a review for your specific gear? We're constantly expanding our review database, so stay tuned!

Want to dive deeper into how we test audio products? Visit our dedicated page detailing how we go about performing our audio reviews.

Harvey Isitt is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What's the Best. Harvey writes reviews, buyers and how-to guides, and listicles on a broad range of topics.

Besides writing, Harvey is an avid camera, turntable, and speaker enthusiast with a somewhat unhealthy obsession with movies. He is also a keen runner, cyclist, hiker, and swimmer.

Subscribe to the What's The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the What's The Best team.