The Beats Solo 2 headphones were my first “nice” over-ear headphones, and they served me well for years. When they finally broke down, I was heartbroken, convinced I wouldn’t find a pair I loved as much.
Then, the new Beats 360 hit the shelves. They’re not just headphones; they’re a must-have accessory for me now, and I think you’ll feel the same once you try them on.
Design and Comfort
Each set of Beats 360 headphones comes with removable ear cushions, and you can choose between two options: the UltraPlush cushions, perfect for immersive music sessions, or the Performance Knit ones, designed for intense workouts without weariness.
Out of the box, they resemble a smaller version of the AirPods Max, coming in four colors, including my favorite pink-on-pink. You can even buy additional ear cushions to customize them further as you fancy.
Type: Wireless over-ear headphones | Battery life: Up to 32 hours | Charging: USB-C, 5-minute charge provides up to 1 hour of playback | Weight: 10.39 ounces (0.65 pounds) | Dimensions: 7.53 × 6.52 × 3.43 inches | Colors: black, cloud, pink, sky | Water resistance: IPX4 | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
The headband and ear cushions are soft enough for all-day use, and they felt secure during my workouts and long days at work. Weighing just 0.65 pounds, they surprisingly didn’t create pressure on my ears, unlike many others I’ve tried.
While the design with Performance Knit cushions makes them suitable for gym use too, a drawback was that makeup did transfer onto the cushions, which was a bit tricky to clean.
Setup
Being a product of Apple, the Beats setup is incredibly straightforward for iPhone users. Switching between Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes is easy via the Control Center—no app necessary.
If you’re using an Android phone, however, you will need the Beats app to adjust those settings, though you can switch modes directly on the headphones as well.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
These headphones deliver decent sound quality, which is what I expected given their price point. The bass is deep and well-balanced, complementing full-bodied vocal tracks. The noise cancellation works well—it’s not as powerful as my Sony WH-1000XM6 but definitely better than my AirPods, blocking out a fair amount of background chatter.
One thing I noticed, though, is a slight hissing sound when the noise cancellation is activated. It’s not overly distracting when music is playing, but still, worth mentioning.
What I genuinely appreciate about the audio is how everything fits together nicely. The bass hits hard, yet it doesn’t overshadow the vocals or instruments, which is great for longer listening sessions. They also offer Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking to enhance compatible tracks, along with Adaptive EQ that adjusts for the fit when noise cancellation is off.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 32 hours. I found this to be quite accurate; it was nice not having to recharge them constantly.
Interchangeable Ear Cushions
One of the standout features has to be the interchangeable ear cushions. I’ve got several colors, like navy and cloud, in two types—UltraPlush and Performance Knit. It’s fun to customize my headphones based on my outfits.
Swapping them out is straightforward—just twist them off and on without needing any tools, and it takes mere seconds.
Comparison with Similar Headphones
The Beats 360 stand out thanks to their eye-catching design and customization options, along with a lightweight fit that makes them comfortable for extended wear. The plush ear cups add to the overall comfort, allowing hours of use without discomfort.
What’s notable is their suitability for gym use compared to most other premium headphones, which typically aren’t designed for workouts—this one is, given the Performance Knit ear cushions.
In terms of connectivity and battery life, they compare favorably within the industry. The sound quality is good too, similar to my Sony and Bose headphones. The only downside would be that faint hissing sound while using noise cancellation, which can be a bit distracting.
Final Verdict: Worth Buying?
Having tried over 40 pairs of headphones, I can confidently say that the Beats 360 are worth buying. They’re lightweight, comfy, and stylish enough to serve as an accessory when not in use. The sound quality is clean and balanced, and the long battery life means they can go days without needing a charge. While they do come with a higher price tag, their water resistance makes them especially appealing for those needing a reliable gym companion.
