Review in Short

• The Beats 360 offers interchangeable ear cushions for workouts and everyday listening.
• Its bass-forward sound delivers good detail and dynamic range, although bass can sometimes dominate the mix.
• Active noise cancellation handles consistent background noise well, but voices remain audible.
• Call quality is reliable, while Transparency mode sounds natural and keeps conversations comfortable.
• Battery life is rated at up to 32 hours with ANC enabled, but the headphones lack wired audio, wear detection and lossless USB-C playback.

I have reviewed several premium headphones over the years, and one thing has become clear: getting the sound right is only part of the equation. The Beats 360 takes an interesting approach with interchangeable cushions for workouts and everyday listening, along with IPX4 resistance. However, it also leaves out features such as wear detection and wired audio. I wanted to see how these choices affect the experience in everyday use, and whether the Beats 360 gets the fundamentals right where they matter most.

Design and comfort

The interchangeable cushions are among the Beats 360’s most distinctive features. The Performance Knit cushions target workouts, while the UltraPlush cushions suit everyday listening. This approach gives users a practical reason to switch cushions beyond changing the headphones’ appearance.

The IPX4 rating also adds some reassurance during sweaty workouts and light exposure to water. However, the headphones weigh around 295 grams, and the clamping force can feel tight. This becomes particularly noticeable for people with larger heads.

Beats has retained physical buttons instead of relying entirely on touch controls. I appreciate the practicality of physical controls, especially when exercising. However, identifying individual buttons by touch is not always easy. The design has useful ideas, but comfort and control placement could be better.

Sound quality

The Beats 360 delivers the bass-forward presentation that many listeners associate with Beats headphones. Bass has plenty of presence, making tracks with strong low-end energy enjoyable. The headphones also offer decent detail and dynamic range, so the presentation does not feel one-dimensional.

However, the bass can sometimes overpower other elements. This may appeal to listeners who prefer a fuller, more energetic sound, but it is less ideal for those seeking a balanced presentation.

The headphones support Adaptive EQ and Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. These features add flexibility, particularly for listeners who enjoy immersive playback. However, I preferred the standard sound during my listening. The additional processing does not automatically make the experience better, and the default tuning remains the more satisfying option for me.

Active noise cancellation and Transparency mode

The Beats 360 handles consistent background noise well. Its active noise cancellation helps reduce the hum of everyday environments, making music easier to enjoy without constantly increasing the volume.

However, voices still make their way through. This means the headphones cannot completely isolate you from conversations in busy public spaces. Beats claims 1.75 times the total noise cancellation of the Studio Pro and uses a nine-microphone system. Still, the practical experience matters more than the numbers, and the ANC works best against steady background noise.

Transparency mode is another strong point. It sounds natural and lets surrounding sounds through without making them feel overly processed. This is useful when walking outdoors, listening for announcements or having a quick conversation without removing the headphones.

Call quality and connectivity

Call quality is reliable, thanks to AI-trained algorithms, dedicated audio processing and beamforming microphones. These technologies help the headphones capture your voice while managing surrounding noise. As a result, the Beats 360 works well for calls alongside music playback.

The experience is less convincing when it comes to connectivity options. The headphones do not support wired listening or lossless audio over USB-C. There is also no wear detection, so playback does not automatically respond when you remove the headphones.

The Beats 360 works particularly well within Apple’s ecosystem. Android users still get fast pairing and access to an app for additional features. However, the overall experience feels more complete for Apple users, and the missing wired option limits flexibility across devices.

Battery life

Beats rates the 360 for up to 32 hours of listening with ANC or Adaptive EQ enabled. Actual playback can exceed the advertised figure, depending on usage and settings. That is respectable endurance for a premium wireless headphone.

However, competitors offer different advantages. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is rated for up to 30 hours, while the Sennheiser HDB 630 claims up to 60 hours. Sennheiser also supports USB-C audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, wired listening through a 3.5mm connection and a Bluetooth dongle.

Sony, meanwhile, offers extensive app-based personalisation and 360 Reality Audio. These alternatives show that battery life and sound are only part of the premium headphone experience. Connectivity and customisation can matter just as much.

Verdict

The Beats 360 gets several important things right. Its energetic sound, dependable call quality, natural Transparency mode and interchangeable cushions make it a versatile option for everyday listening. The IPX4 rating also gives it an advantage for users who want headphones that can handle workouts.

However, the omissions are difficult to ignore at this level. There is no wear detection, wired listening or lossless USB-C audio. The fit may also feel tight during longer sessions, particularly for larger heads.

The Beats 360 makes the most sense for listeners who value punchy sound, practical styling and a headphone that fits into an Apple-centric routine. If you want more connectivity options, extensive sound customisation or longer battery life, alternatives from Sony and Sennheiser deserve consideration.

Ultimately, the Beats 360 is a capable lifestyle headphone, but its missing features prevent it from feeling like a complete premium package.