The Beats 360 headphones caught my eye, and not just because everyone on social media was posting them. They are marketed as a flagship pair of over‑ear headphones, with interchangeable cushions, adaptive sound tuning, and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices. After a couple of weeks with them, the Beats 360 look good, are easy to use, and introduce creative ideas. However, the overall experience doesn’t quite match the price tag, and several comfort and quality issues hold them back.
I really love the design of the Beats 360 headphones: it’s clean, simple, and available in Cloud, Sky, Pink, and Black. The frame is mostly plastic, which keeps the weight down and is great for workouts, but doesn’t feel like something you’d expect from a premium product; remember, these are $349.99 USD. They feel flimsy, and like I could scuff or break them at any second. Though they do promise they are incredibly durable, I wasn’t about to try breaking them.
The default cushions are the Performance Knit versions and are meant for workouts and sweat resistance, but they’re not great for everyday comfort. For a quick one-hour workout, they might be fine, but on a longer trip, they’re itchy and drive me nuts, which is unfortunate, because I got them in Sky and love the contrast. The UltraPlush cushions, which I got in Black, feel much better—soft, smooth, and more comfortable for long listening sessions. You can order your Beats 360 with one or the other.
That is one of the most interesting parts of the Beats 360 headphones: the cushions and headband are interchangeable. A bunch of friends online got these for review as well, and I was surprised at how many colour combos I saw. The cushions themselves come in Black, Cloud, Pink, Sky, Volt and Navy for the Performance Knit, though the UltraPlus only come in Black and Cloud.
I love the personality you can add to your headphones and just how different everyone’s were. Swapping them is extremely easy. They pop off without tools; it only takes a second—it’s foolproof. On Best Buy, the cushion kits are listed for an insane $74.99 CAD, but the Beats website has them on sale for $14.99, and Amazon.com has them for $9.99 USD at the time of writing, which is way more affordable. I wouldn’t bother with additional kits otherwise.
In terms of comfort, I was pretty happy with the Beats 360, though I did find them a bit snug. I have a pretty small head, so it is something to consider if you don’t. Also, if you wear glasses, the pressure becomes noticeable quickly—I don’t, but I tried them with a pair of my Gunnars. The UltraPlush cushions felt a bit better for longer wear, too.
Where Beats always impresses me is with how easy they are to use, and that is still true with the Beats 360. Pairing is instant, updates happen automatically, and the headphones connect quickly every time you turn them on. It is also worth noticing I am an Android user, and it just popped up on my phone with no effort. I had the app already, but it prompts you to install it if not.
Something Beats boasts is that the Beats 360’s sound will automatically adapt when you switch between knit and UltraPlush cushions. Though I didn’t notice much of a difference in auto quality, etc., ANC was always perfect, and different cushions could absolutely make it less effective without it.
The noise cancellation on the Beats 360 is excellent. At the airport, they were able to bring the overall noise of the crowds and building down significantly. It’s not the strongest ANC on the market, but it’s effective enough for travel and commuting. There is a slight hiss when ANC is on. It’s not loud, but it’s noticeable, and you can’t unhear it once you notice. It feels out of place for headphones at this price.
Battery life is good. Starting at 100% at 10:58 a.m., the Beats 360 dropped to 64% by 1:33 p.m. with ANC on. That’s pretty reasonable for constant use. I made it through an entire airport visit, short flight, and drive with more than enough to spare. Charging is serviceable, going from 71% to 92% in about 30 minutes, though I wouldn’t hate fast charging at this premium cost.
Sound quality is solid but not exceptional, and because the Beats 360 offer Adaptive EQ, there is no in-app fine-tuning. If you like your sound tuned to your needs, that is not something on offer here, and it feels like a seriously missed step on headphones at this price.
If I haven’t made it clear, the Beats 360 are expensive, and the experience doesn’t fully justify the cost. You get plastic frames, itchy knit cushions, a slight ANC hiss and no audio customization. The interchangeable cushions and colours are creative and flashy, but don’t justify the price, especially when they come at a major additional cost regularly.
With all of that though…the Beats 360 will likely remain my primary headphones now. The ease of use is excellent. I love the style and how light they are. They even come in a soft carry case that looks like an afterthought but actually is perfect for not taking too much space up in your travel bag. With that though, I didn’t have to pay out of pocket for them, and I don’t require the most out of my audio—just my ANC. Do with that information what you will.
For the price, Beats is offering automatic sound configuration, which they consider a bonus, a stylish design and the ability to swap from workout to everyday wear seamlessly—at an additional cost. However, for those looking for the most from their headphones, there could really be a better audio experience here, perhaps one without a hiss.
- Beats 360 has interchangeable cushion options for both earcups and headband, so you can have a fresh set ready post-workout or a new color just to switch up your look.These over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are built for active lifestyles and all-day comfort.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) blocks out unwanted noise to help you focus, after adapting to your environment and unique fit — with up to 1.75x more noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro.
- Interchangeable cushions for your Beats 360 earcups and headband. Perfect for having a fresh set post-workout or a new color to switch up your look.
- Performance Knit cushions have a breathable, airy feel ideal for workouts, with each strand of the diamond-knit composed of 36 micro-threads for extra durability.
