Beats 360 Headphones Review: A Workout Companion

Introduction

The Beats 360 headphones have arrived as a new offering from Apple-owned Beats by Dre, targeting fitness enthusiasts with their lightweight, durable design. Equipped with features tailored for workouts including IPX4 water and sweat resistance, these headphones aim to join the ranks of versatile audio devices. Priced at $350, they serve as a more budget-friendly alternative to the steeply priced AirPods Max 2 while offering many of the same exclusive features.

Design and Build Quality

The Beats 360 showcase a modern yet subtle aesthetic designed to appeal to active users. Their minimalistic structure features chunky ear cushions and a headband crafted from fabric mesh. The generous proportions of the ear cushions, paired with dense foam padding, ensure comfort for a range of ear sizes. Notably, the ear cushions and headband can be easily removed and replaced, allowing for customization with various colors and materials.

The Beats 360 are available in colors like Black, Cloud, Pink, and Sky. Replacement kits for the cushions and headband come in six colors and two materials, with options for both Performance Knit (mesh) and UltraPlush (leather). Available at an introductory price of $10, these kits allow users to refresh the look and feel of their headphones easily. Notably, the Beats 360 are IPX4 rated, making them resistant to splashes and sweat, an essential feature for outdoor workouts.

Comfort and Fit

While the design of the Beats 360 is appealing, comfort remains a critical factor. Users may find the clamping force and headband adjustability somewhat restrictive, especially those with larger heads. The headband offers limited adjustment travel, and many users might need to fully extend it to fit comfortably.

The ear cups do not pivot vertically due to a lack of articulated joints, leading to pressure distribution issues. These discomforts can become noticeable over extended use. However, the UltraPlush cushion option provides a more enjoyable experience, as it is designed to contour better to the head and avoid discomfort during long listening sessions.

Features and Performance

The Beats 360 are designed to function seamlessly with Apple devices. They feature easy pairing via the Settings app on iOS and an array of useful functions, including hands-free Siri, audio sharing, and Find My integration. On Android devices, the headphones also connect via the Beats companion app, providing platform-specific features like Fast Pair and manual firmware updates.

Audio quality is paramount, and the Beats 360 offer a dual-magnet single dynamic driver system that supports Bluetooth 5.3. Users can experience a sound profile with a pronounced mid-bass emphasis, contributing to a warm auditory experience. The headphones utilize Adaptive EQ to tailor sound based on ear shape, although this feature only functions when active noise cancellation (ANC) is off, creating two distinct sound profiles based on usage.

Audio performance aside, it's important to note that users have reported a background hiss when the headphones are turned on, becoming noticeable during quiet periods. The Beats 360 do not provide a wired option, which may dissuade some potential buyers.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

Active noise cancellation on the Beats 360 performs commendably, effectively blocking external sounds during use. The headphones feature nine onboard microphones to facilitate both ANC and transparency mode. Although the transparency effect is not as superior as that found in the AirPods Max 2, it still allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, albeit at a quieter level than ideal.

Battery Life Comparison

The Beats 360 promise a battery life of 32 hours, but initial testing reveals impressive figures. Users have reported up to 46 hours of playback when pairing with Android devices and just over 37 hours on iOS devices, suggesting the potential for extended usage under various conditions.

Beats 360 vs. AirPods Max 2

When compared to Apple’s flagship AirPods Max 2, the Beats 360 provide substantial value. They underline a balance of durability, sound quality, and features, especially considering their lower price point of $350, compared to the Max 2’s $549. While the AirPods Max 2 excel in terms of features and microphone performance, the Beats 360 offer a warmer, more balanced audio experience. For users looking for high-quality, workout-oriented headphones without the high price tag, the Beats 360 are an appealing option.

Conclusion

Overall, the Beats 360 headphones perform well as a mid-range workout option. With their replaceable ear cushions, good audio quality, and solid battery life, they cater to users seeking comfort and functionality at a reasonable price. However, potential buyers should consider the limited headband adjustment and background noise issues. A suggestion would be for Beats to bundle an additional set of UltraPlush cushions with the main product to enhance comfort right out of the box. While the Beats 360 prove to be a better value in some respects than the AirPods Max 2, it may be wise to wait for promotional discounts before finalizing a purchase.

Key Takeaways

• The Beats 360 headphones are priced at $350 and compete directly with the AirPods Max 2.
• Comfort can be a concern due to the limited adjustability and clamping force of the headband.
• Active noise cancellation and battery life are strong points, with up to 46 hours of playback reported.
• Customizability is enhanced with easily replaceable ear cushions and headbands.
• Users may experience a background hiss when the headphones are powered on, which is a noted drawback.