Beats’ new 360 headphones are different from any Beats pair we’ve seen before. They’re designed around an adaptable core frame with easily swappable earcups and headband cushions in multiple colors and styles, along with features like much-improved noise canceling compared with the Studio Pro and IPX4 water resistance.
Their $350 MSRP is the same as the 2023 Beats Studio Pro and considerably less than competing models from Bose, Sony, and others. But can they really be your everything headphones?
Skip the reading? Click play above or watch the Beats 360 review on YouTube.
The 360’s unique form factor takes a cue from true wireless earbuds, with a battery and circuitry in each earpiece, allowing for a thin, flexible headband. They’re still relatively heavy at nearly 300 grams, but the balanced design fits well and remained comfortable for hours of wear. The four-piece control system is simpler and more elegant than the Studio Pro’s. There are nine microphones in total; eight are used for noise canceling and transparency mode, while three contribute to excellent call quality alongside DSP and AI-powered noise suppression.
The headphones ship with diamond-knit textile earcups designed for durability, and they work reasonably well for workouts. The core frame comes in four colors: Black, Cloud, Sky, and Pink. The swappable earcups and pads add Navy and Volt Green, along with faux-leather options in white and black. Introductory pricing starts at $10, rising to as much as $50 per set afterward. Custom 40 mm drivers are powered by what Beats calls a “high dynamic range amplifier.”
Features include iOS options like Audio Sharing and hands-free Siri, while both Android and iOS users get one-touch pairing, audio switching between connected devices, and finder functionality. There are no auto-pause sensors, manual EQ, or line-in playback options of any kind. Battery life is rated at 32 hours per charge, with an hour of playback from five minutes of charging, which matched my testing. Unfortunately, the battery continued to drain after the headphones were powered down, at a rate of around 0.5 percent per hour. Beats assumed this was due to the always-on Find My feature, but the issue persisted with Find My turned off. I’m hoping Beats offers a fix soon.
Noise canceling is excellent for the money, testing just a notch or two below top models like Bose’s QC Ultra Gen 2 and Sony’s WH-1000XM6. Transparency mode is also solid, though not as clear or natural-sounding as Apple’s AirPods Pro or AirPods Max.
Sound quality is generally balanced and includes head tracking for 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos. The bass isn’t as potent as on previous Beats headphones, including the Studio Pro, but it’s musical and well controlled. The treble is brighter than on models like Sony’s XM6, and the 360 doesn’t offer the same level of definition, but it remains relatively detailed across the frequency range, with good clarity and instrumental separation. For a closer look at performance, watch our full video review on YouTube.
The Bottom Line
The latest Beats headphones have a lot to offer, from their adaptable, splash-resistant design to powerful noise canceling and accessible sound. They’re an enticing option for folks who want a stylish, sporty pair of headphones, as well as those who don’t want to spend up for the latest flagship models from Bose, Sony, and others.
I do wish they had a few more features, including auto-pause. It would also be nice to get a hard case, though I don’t expect one from Beats at this point. The biggest issue is the odd battery drain when powered off, which makes the 360 tough to recommend based on my current testing. I’m hoping Beats can fix the problem, and it’s always possible the issue is limited to a small number of units like mine.
Otherwise, the 360’s solid performance and unique design would make them worth considering for anyone looking for versatile headphones that stand out from the crowd.
Pros:
- Distinctive customizable design
- Clear and relatively detailed sound
- Excellent noise-canceling for the money
- Fantastic call quality
- IPX4 water resistance
Cons:
- Potential battery drain issue when powered off
- Bass isn’t as big as Beats fans might require
- No manual EQ or line-in playback options
- No auto-pause
Our Ratings:
Editor’s Note: These ratings reflect the battery drain issue we experienced and will be updated if it’s fixed.
★★★★★★★★★★ Performance
★★★★★★★★★★ Build Quality
★★★★★★★★★★ Comfort
★★★★★★★★★★ Features
★★★★★★★★★★ ANC
★★★★★★★★★★ Value
Where to Buy:
Related Reading:
- Sony’s New XM4C Headphones Deliver Flagship Noise Cancellation and Sound Quality at a Lower Price
- Apple AirPods 5 Bring ANC to $129 While Wireless Charging Model Drops to $149
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) Review: Better ANC, More Comfort, But A Tougher Sell At $359?
- Sony PlayStation Pulse and Pulse Edge Go All In On Planar Magnetic Gaming Audio
