Beats has introduced the Beats 360, a new flagship pair of wireless over ear headphones priced at $349.99.
The new model sits above the Studio Pro in the company’s lineup and combines stronger Active Noise Cancellation, redesigned acoustic hardware, Spatial Audio, up to 32 hours of battery life and a new modular cushion system.
Beats is also positioning the headphones against premium rivals from Bose and Sony.
Swappable cushions are a major design change
One of the most distinctive features of the Beats 360 is its modular cushion system.
Both the headband padding and ear cushions can be removed and replaced using magnetically aligned attachments.
Beats is offering two cushion types.
Performance Knit uses memory foam wrapped in breathable fabric, while UltraPlus uses an engineered leather finish designed for longer wearing sessions.
| Feature | Beats 360 |
|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 |
| Drivers | Custom 40mm dynamic drivers |
| Microphones | Nine total |
| ANC microphones | Eight |
| Claimed ANC improvement | 1.75 times stronger than Studio Pro |
| Battery life | Up to 32 hours |
| Quick charging | 5 minutes for about 1 hour playback |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Spatial Audio | Supported |
| Dynamic head tracking | Supported |
| Charging | USB C |
| Cushion kit price | $49.99 |
| Introductory cushion price | $9.99 |
Performance Knit cushions are available in Black, Cloud, Pink, Sky, Navy and Volt.
UltraPlus cushions come in Black, Cloud, Pink and Sky.
The replaceable design also gives owners a way to refresh worn cushions without replacing the entire headphone set.
Beats claims a major ANC improvement
The Beats 360 includes nine microphones, with eight dedicated to the Active Noise Cancellation system.
According to Beats, ANC performance is 1.75 times stronger than the implementation used in the Studio Pro.
The company describes it as its most advanced noise cancellation system so far.
Transparency mode is also included for situations where you want to hear surrounding sounds without removing the headphones.
The effectiveness of both systems will ultimately depend on independent testing, since the 1.75 times figure comes from Beats.
New 40mm drivers power the audio system
The headphones use custom designed 40mm dynamic drivers with a dual magnet structure.
Beats pairs those drivers with three layer diaphragms and a custom high dynamic range amplifier.
The company says the combination is designed to improve control, clarity and overall acoustic performance.
Adaptive EQ is also included and can adjust the sound based on listening conditions.
Spatial Audio and head tracking are built in
Beats 360 supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
The left earcup contains both an accelerometer and gyroscope to monitor head movement.
This allows supported content to adjust the perceived position of sound as you move.
Dolby Atmos support is also included.
The feature set puts the Beats 360 closer to other premium Apple ecosystem headphones, especially for films, music and other spatial audio content.
IPX4 protection is a first for Beats over ear headphones
The Beats 360 carries an IPX4 water resistance rating.
That means the headphones are designed to tolerate sweat and light splashes.
It does not make them waterproof, but the added protection makes them more practical for exercise and outdoor use.
Beats says this is the first time one of its over ear headphone models has carried this level of water resistance.
Battery life reaches up to 32 hours
Beats rates the headphones for up to 32 hours of playback.
The company says that figure can be achieved in more than one operating mode.
One configuration uses Adaptive EQ while ANC and Transparency are disabled.
Another claimed scenario includes ANC and Spatial Audio.
Actual battery life will depend on volume level, listening features and usage conditions.
Fast charging is also supported.
A five minute USB C charge is claimed to provide around one hour of playback.
Cushion kits add another cost
Replacement Beats 360 Cushion Kits normally cost $49.99.
An introductory promotion reduces that price to $9.99.
The modular design provides more customization than previous Beats headphones, but the normal replacement price is still significant.
For buyers planning to change colors or replace cushions regularly, that cost may become part of the long term ownership experience.
Beats is moving further into the premium headphone market
At $349.99, the Beats 360 is positioned directly in the premium wireless headphone category.
The company is combining stronger ANC, modular hardware, Spatial Audio and longer battery life rather than relying only on design and brand appeal.
The swappable cushions are especially notable because they add both customization and easier maintenance.
Meanwhile, the new driver system, nine microphone array and Adaptive EQ are aimed at improving the technical side of the experience.
The Beats 360 is available for preorder now.
With a $349.99 price, up to 32 hours of battery life, 1.75 times stronger claimed ANC and replaceable cushions, the model represents one of the largest updates to the company’s over ear headphone lineup in recent years.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.