The Beats 360 are best understood as over-ear workout headphones rather than all-purpose premium cans, according to WIRED's review. Their defining feature is a modular design: ear cups and headband pop off with a twist or pull, letting owners mix and match colors and fabric options. The Performance Knit cushions breathe better during exercise, while the softer UltraPlush pads suit desk use, and both are easier to clean than typical fixed padding.
Battery life reaches 32 hours with active noise cancellation, and the IPX4 rating shrugs off sweat and light rain. The clamping force keeps them secure for most exercises, though they still shift during bicycle kicks and sprints. At 295 grams, they sit between heavier AirPods Max and lighter Sony or Bose models, and physical buttons offer tactile control, even if the buttons feel too similar by touch.
The trade-off is audio quality. WIRED found the midrange noticeably scooped out, making the 360 sound merely okay for $350—well behind the $300 Sony WH-1000XM4C, $350 Sonos Ace, or $370 Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen). Noise canceling and transparency are close to those flagships, but not class-leading. For buyers who prioritize sound above all, these are hard to recommend; for gym-goers who want a customizable, water-resistant over-ear option, the Beats 360 fill a specific niche that few competitors address.