The Beats brand—owned by Apple since 2014—has just unveiled new over-ear headphones that are significantly more affordable than the comparable Apple AirPods Max 2, yet still offer a great deal.
The Beats 360 outperform the popular Beats Studio Pro headphones in several ways, offering 1.75 times better active noise cancellation via nine microphones, as well as IPX4-certified water and sweat resistance. New drivers featuring three-layer diaphragms and dual neodymium magnets deliver high-quality sound, while an accelerometer and gyroscope in the left ear cup track head position to provide realistic spatial audio.
The Beats 360 also boast a high-capacity battery that lasts for 32 hours, with a five-minute charge providing an extra hour of playback. They work seamlessly with both Apple products and Android devices, supporting quick pairing, device tracking via Find My and Find Hub, and integration with both iCloud and Google accounts.
A downside compared to the Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Max 2 is the lack of wired audio support; music on the Beats 360 headphones can only be played via Bluetooth 5.3.The Beats 360—available in black, beige, pink, and light blue with Performance Knit fabric ear cushions—can currently be purchased from Apple and Beats stores for $350; for an additional $50, you can buy a set of UltraPlush soft ear cushions in black or beige, or Performance Knit cushions in navy blue or light yellow.
