Beats Launches 360 Over-Ear Headphones for Gym Use.
Beats launched the 360, a $350 over-ear headphone with removable cushions and IPX4 water resistance — the company's first over-ear model with an IP rating.
- Over 250 color combinations are possible by mixing ear cup and headband cushions.
- 32 hours of battery life; a 5-minute charge adds one hour of playback.
- Additional Cushion Kits cost $50 normally, discounted to $10 at launch.
- The headphones use a custom Beats chip, not Apple's H2, enabling broader Android support.
Why it matters: Prior Beats over-ear models — including the Solo 4 and Studio Pro — had no sweat resistance and non-removable ear pads, making gym use risky.
- Two cushion types serve different purposes: Performance Knit wicks moisture during workouts; UltraPlush replicates the Studio Pro's softer feel for everyday listening.
- Built-in sensors detect which cushion type is installed and automatically adjust sound tuning and noise cancellation.
How 8 sources split on this story
Where they split: Reviewers agree on the workout utility and customization appeal but disagree on whether the sound quality justifies $350 against rivals like the Sony XM5.
Center coverage, 3 sources: The center leads with the modular design and performance credentials, calling it the best-sounding Beats yet while cataloging missing features — no wired audio, no wear detection — as real trade-offs at the price.
Left coverage, 3 sources: The left frames the 360 as a compelling but imperfect gym tool, noting it edges out AirPods Max for active use while flagging sound-quality limits and preferring earbuds for intense exercise.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right emphasizes the consumer convenience angle — swapping sweaty pads in seconds — and presents the launch specs and Apple executive quotes largely without reservation.
What’s next: In-store availability begins September 24; online orders open now.
- Promo cushion pricing of $10 runs through the end of October in several markets.
- How well do the cushions and IPX4 rating hold up after extended, repeated gym use?
- Will the $50 standard cushion price limit how many users actually customize their headphones?