Beats 360 Review: Customizable, Stylish, and Fun
Beats’ new flagship headphones are customizable, stylish, fun, and great for working out. But there are stronger options for everyday use.
The Beats 360 are, first and foremost, fun headphones. That may not sound like much, but it’s a rarity in the sea of same-y over-ear headphones I’ve reviewed. The 360 have a slim, smooth design that’s appealing, with a soft-touch finish and an adjustable headband with smooth, telescoping metal (similar to AirPods Max or Sonos Ace Ultra).
The main draw of the 360s is the swappable headband and ear cups. With a slight downward pull, the headband comes off, and the ear cups do the same with a satisfying twist. In the box, you get a cushion set (headband and two ear cups) color-matched to the headphones, but mixing and matching colors is a big part of the 360's appeal (and its marketing).
Making them easy to remove also makes them easier to clean and replace—a headache with most other headphones—and I consider that crucial for anything I’m going to exercise with.
The cushions come in two fabric options: Performance Knit, a mesh-like fabric that’s decently breathable and durable, and UltraPlush, a much softer, faux-leather style material akin to what you’d find on other premium over-ear cans from Bose, Sony, and Sonos.
The Performance Knit ear cups are better for working out—they feel more breathable, especially when I start to sweat. For everyday listening, though, the UltraPlush is much softer and more comfortable over time.
To be clear, the Beats 360 didn’t make me suddenly love working out with over-ear headphones. I still think wireless workout earbuds, like Beats’ own Powerbeats Pro 2, are the way to go, but the 360s are absolutely better than other over-ear options. The clamping force is strong enough that the headphones stay secure for most (but not all) exercises, without feeling so strong that they’re uncomfortable. Bicycle kicks and sprints still caused them to shift around a bit, unsurprisingly.
On the scale, the 360 are a middleweight. They are heavier than Sony and Bose over-ear headphones, but lighter than the AirPods Max. It's a good balance. Could they be a little lighter? Sure. Do they feel super heavy? Not really.
Originally published on Wired
