Three years ago, Beats by Dre’s last flagship over-ear headphones, the Beats Studio Pro, were released to mixed reviews. Critics praised its sound profile but noted shortcomings, particularly with headphones fit. The premium headphone market has shifted considerably since then, with competitors like Sony’s WH-1000XM6 and Bose’s 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra pulling well ahead of the Studio Pro. The Beats 360 therefore came with high expectations. In typical Beats fashion, several celebrities, including Lamine Yamal and LeBron James, were seen showing off the new headphone design several weeks before the official release.
Starting at C$479.95, Beats’ core selling points center around a pair of fashionable, customizable headphones made for working out, which explains the heavy reliance on athlete sponsors. We cut through the hype and tested the Beats 360 firsthand. Unfortunately, sleek looks, style, and a prestigious brand name cannot compensate for disappointing sound quality and a lack of basic comfort for everyday usage.
Design and Fit: Style over Substance
For visual appeal, people inclined to shop for bright colours and bulky headphones would enjoy the Beats 360. They have magnetic, interchangeable ear cushions, which are a solid touch alongside an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating, meaning they can easily survive the gym.
However, as soon as you put them on, the physical experience falls apart. Tim complained that the headphones clamped so hard onto his jaw and head that he couldn’t bear the discomfort after 30 minutes of listening. Alvin found that even heavier models like the Sony WH-1000XX distribute the weight much more effortlessly than the Beats 360s. While their style may be appealing, the poor ergonomics are difficult to look past.
Portability is another major sore spot, as these headphones can’t even be tucked away into a compact shape. Even though a carrying bag is provided, it is incredibly flimsy. Equipped with loose, weak magnets, the pouch offers virtually no protection inside a crowded backpack filled with heavy textbooks.
Sound Quality: The Ultimate Disappointment
The main purpose of any pair of headphones is to deliver quality audio, yet this very purpose is the Beats 360’s single greatest flaw, a flaw that is simply inexcusable for a device costing nearly $500 CAD.
The sound is tinny, muddled, and harsh. Austin found that the low-end sounds were particularly unpleasant and muddy, with a bass that is almost nonexistent, something unexpected from a premium brand like Beats, which built its entire brand on punch. The most surprising downside is that the soundstage is very narrow for an over-ear headphone. Instead of an expansive, multi-layered soundfield, the audio feels compressed, almost like a cheap gaming headset. When compared to the previous-gen in-ear AirPods Pro 2 or Sony’s XM6, the difference in sound quality is night and day. It was almost comical to listen to both pairs side by side. The difference in clarity, depth, and instrument separation is so severe that even the most casual listener will notice it instantly. To make matters worse, the Beats 360 offer no customizable equalizer (EQ) in their settings to adjust the sound profile to your liking.
Active Noise Cancellation and Secondary Features
If there is one thing that the Beats 360 does well, it’s the active noise cancellation (ANC). The noise-cancelling feature is genuinely effective at removing ambient environment noise. In fact, Tim estimated that it blocks roughly 20% more external noise than his AirPods Pro 2, making them great for tuning out noisy hallways and busy cities. The Transparency Mode is also one of the best we have ever tried on non-Apple-branded gear. However, the ANC feature comes with one persistent flaw: a distinct background hiss whenever it’s active. On a pair of premium headphones in this price range, this static noise is an annoying distraction that simply shouldn’t be present.
As far as additional features go, the physical buttons function well and the head-tracking for spatial audio works reliably, but there is no wired connection option and no lossless support for audiophiles, which is surprising considering the cost.
Verdict: Who Should Buy These?
The Beats 360 are mostly style over substance. At C$479.95, the headphones cater to those who want a luxury fashion item and want to show them off as a status symbol. If you value comfort and style, the option to switch ear cups for a personalized fit, and a flashy brand name, the Beats 360 could be a decent investment.
However, the underwhelming sound quality almost fuels a conspiracy theory: did Apple intentionally sabotage the sound quality of the Beats 360 to make their far pricier AirPods Max look like a more reasonable investment?
Either way, if you value sound quality and comfort, your money is far better spent on competitors.
