Introduction
The Beats 360 are a unique over-ear headphones that have a niche appeal, particularly for those who enjoy working out with over-ear headphones. Despite some initial skepticism, the Beats 360 have proven to be a strong option for those looking for a stylish and customizable workout companion. However, their sound quality is not their strongest suit.
Design and Comfort
The Beats 360 have a slim, smooth design that is both visually appealing and comfortable to wear. The headband and ear cups are designed to be easily removable, making them easy to clean and replace. The cushions come in two fabric options: Performance Knit, which is breathable and durable, and UltraPlush, which is softer and more comfortable. The headband and ear cups can be swapped to suit different activities, with the UltraPlush cushions being better for everyday listening and the Performance Knit cushions being better for workouts.
Sound Quality
While the Beats 360 have decent noise cancellation and transparency, their sound quality is not their strongest suit. They are not as good as flagship headphones from Sony or Bose, and they do not sound as good as the Sony WH-1000XM4C, Sonos Ace, or Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen). The midrange is noticeably absent, making guitars and vocals in certain genres sound weak or lost. For $350, the Beats 360 do not sound as good as these more expensive options.
Connectivity and Features
The Beats 360 are easy to connect and use with Apple devices, and they support Apple device swapping, Apple Find My, and Siri. On Android, they offer fast pairing, Google's Find Hub, voice assistant with a button press, and a few other Google/Android audio switching features. The only downside is that they do not have wired connectivity, which is a minor inconvenience while exercising.
Conclusion
The Beats 360 are a stylish and customizable over-ear workout headphones that excel in their niche, despite some sound quality issues. While they may not be the best-sounding over-ear headphones on the market, they are a good option for those looking for a comfortable and customizable workout companion. They are significantly less expensive than Apple AirPods Max, making them a good alternative for Apple users. The removable ear cups and headband are a fun feature, and mixing and matching colors is a breath of fresh air in the headphone world. If the compromise of OK everyday performance for superior workout performance is what you're looking for, the Beats 360 are worth considering.
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