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Beats 360 is a $349.99 US over-ear headphone with a distinctive twist: its earcup and headband cushions are interchangeable, and the headphones carry an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. That makes them unusually plausible for workouts. The compromises are just as important: independent reviewers disagree on the sound, some report uncomfortable clamping for long sessions, and the headphones cannot play audio over a wired connection.
What are Beats 360?
Beats announced Beats 360 on September 22, 2026. The headphones are a circumaural, fold-flat wireless model with active noise cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. The listed weight is 294.5 g (10.39 oz). Beats specifies Bluetooth 5.3.
The four launch colors are Black, Cloud, Pink and Sky. Each comes with matching Performance Knit earcup and headband cushions, plus a woven ripstop carrying case. The cushions detach and can be replaced with separately sold kits.
At launch, the US list price is $349.99. Beats announced a temporary US offer pricing cushion kits at $9.99 from September 22 through October 31, 2026, in select markets; the stated standard US price is $49.99. That offer has ended, so check current pricing and availability before buying. The announcement lists Performance Knit kits in Black, Cloud, Pink, Sky, Navy and Volt, and UltraPlush kits in Black and Cloud. See the Beats launch announcement and official product page for product details.
#1 Best Overall
- BEATS’ CUSTOM ACOUSTIC PLATFORM delivers rich, immersive sound whether you’re listening to music or taking calls.
- HEAR WHAT YOU WANT with two distinct listening modes: personalized Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode.
- MORE MUSIC, LESS CHARGING with up to 36 hours of listening time.
- ENHANCED COMPATIBILITY with one-touch pairing and a robust set of native Apple and Android features.
- FIND YOUR FIT with four pairs of silicone tip sizes to fit a wider range of ears. The tips create a comfortable seal for the best acoustic performance while keeping noise out.
Are Beats 360 good for workouts?
Workout use is the clearest reason to consider this model. Its IPX4 rating is intended to cover sweat and splashes, and the interchangeable cushions let owners choose a different material or replace a worn set. WIRED and Tom’s Guide both describe the headphones as workout-ready, citing the resistance and modular design; WIRED also praised their secure fit. These are reviewers’ assessments, not a guarantee that the headphones will stay comfortable or secure for every wearer or activity.
IPX4 is not waterproofing. Beats says the rating is for non-water sports and exercise, not immersion; resistance can decline with normal wear, and the headphones should not be charged while wet. They are not a suitable choice for swimming or water sports.
Choosing between the cushion materials
SoundGuys says Performance Knit feels more breathable and moisture-wicking, while UltraPlush creates a tighter seal that may benefit ANC. Those are the outlet’s observations, not a manufacturer promise that either cushion will improve comfort or noise cancellation for every listener. A tighter seal can also make fit more personal, so consider your comfort needs before purchasing an additional kit.
Rank #2
- Up to 18 hours of battery life. Fast Fuel, a 5-minute charge, gives up to 1 hour of playback. POWER ADAPTER AND USB-C CHARGING CABLE SOLD SEPARATELY.
- Custom acoustic architecture for big Beats sound with full range and clarity.
- The smallest case we’ve ever made, making these powerful earbuds the perfect on-the-go companion.
- Dual-layer drivers minimize distortion, ensuring high-fidelity sound.
- Purposefully positioned axial-aligned drivers deliver sound directly to your ears.
How do Beats 360 sound, and how effective is the ANC?
Sound quality is a point of disagreement among reviewers. TechRadar’s reviewer described the sound as more balanced and less bass-heavy than earlier Beats over-ears, with strong separation. WIRED, by contrast, criticized the midrange as lackluster. Those listening impressions are subjective; there is no single settled verdict in the available reviews.
The headphones include ANC and Transparency mode. Tom’s Guide says their ANC trails flagship Bose and Sony models, so buyers prioritizing the strongest noise reduction should compare those alternatives rather than assume Beats’ own comparison establishes a category lead. Beats claims up to 1.75 times more combined active and passive noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro under its stated IEC 60268-24 test. That is a manufacturer comparison against Studio Pro—not a result against Bose, Sony or all premium headphones.
How long does the Beats 360 battery last?
Beats rates the battery for up to 32 hours, including with ANC and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled. The company also says a five-minute USB-C charge provides up to one hour of playback. These are manufacturer figures, not independent measurements or guarantees of runtime in every use pattern. Actual battery life can vary with settings and use.
Rank #3
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
USB-C is the charging connection. The cable and power adapter are sold separately, according to Beats’ product specifications.
Can you use Beats 360 with Android?
Yes. Beats describes the headphones as compatible with Apple and Android devices, but feature availability differs by platform and some features require compatible hardware or software.
- Apple: automatic switching, Find My and Personalized Spatial Audio are among the listed features. Personalized Spatial Audio setup requires an iPhone with TrueDepth and is unavailable on other devices.
- Android: listed features include Fast Pair, Audio switch, Find Hub, voice assistant support and the Beats app.
Check the manufacturer’s compatibility details for device and software requirements before buying; platform compatibility does not mean every feature works on every phone.
Rank #4
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
What are the main drawbacks?
- No wired audio: WIRED and SoundGuys report no wired listening. There is no 3.5mm audio jack, and USB-C is for charging rather than USB audio, so these are wireless-only headphones for playback. SoundGuys also notes there is no lossless wired listening.
- Long-session comfort may be a problem: WIRED reported clamping discomfort for everyday wear. A secure workout fit may not suit every head shape or preference during extended listening.
- No manual custom EQ: SoundGuys reports that users cannot set a manual custom equalizer.
- No wear detection: Tom’s Guide lists the absence of wear detection as a drawback, so playback will not automatically pause based on removing the headphones.
- ANC is not the class-leading choice in at least one review: Tom’s Guide says Bose and Sony flagships do better.
Beats 360 vs. premium over-ear alternatives
The relevant comparison is less about a blanket winner and more about the feature you need. The cited reviews discuss Bose and Sony flagships, Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Max, but the available evidence does not provide a common controlled test across these products. Use the distinctions below as a buying framework, not a lab ranking.
| What matters | Beats 360 | What to compare in alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Workouts and sweat | IPX4 rating; interchangeable earcup and headband cushions. | Check each model’s resistance rating and whether its fit is secure for your activity. |
| Noise cancellation | ANC and Transparency mode; Tom’s Guide says Bose and Sony flagships outperform it. | Compare the specific model and your typical environment; Beats’ 1.75x claim is only against Studio Pro under the stated manufacturer test. |
| Sound character | TechRadar praised balance and separation; WIRED criticized the midrange. | Listen where possible, because the reported sound impressions differ and are subjective. |
| Long-session comfort | WIRED reported clamping discomfort for everyday wear. | Fit and pressure are personal; try the model if extended listening is a priority. |
| Wired or lossless listening | No wired audio, according to WIRED and SoundGuys. | Confirm that a competing model supports the wired connection or listening format you need. |
| Phone ecosystem | Apple and Android support, with different platform features and device requirements. | Check compatibility for the exact phone and features you plan to use. |
| Battery | Up to 32 hours, including ANC and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled, per Beats. | Compare the manufacturers’ stated conditions rather than treating unlike battery claims as directly equivalent. |
| Price and replaceable cushions | $349.99 US launch list price; cushion kits are an additional purchase, with current price and stock to verify. | Compare current regional prices and the cost of any replacement parts you expect to need. |
Are the Beats 360 worth $350?
They make the strongest case for someone who wants over-ear headphones for workouts and values replaceable, swappable cushions, IPX4 resistance and broad Apple/Android support. Their workout-oriented features are more distinctive than their case for general-purpose listening.
At the $349.99 US launch price, they are harder to recommend if your priorities are wired playback, long-session comfort, a manual EQ or the best ANC among premium over-ears. Sound preference is also a genuine uncertainty: TechRadar and WIRED describe different strengths and weaknesses. Consider trying them on if clamp pressure matters to you, and compare current prices before deciding.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
