I've spent weeks with the Beats 360 — the design and sound both won me over

Beats has been manufacturing over-ear headphones since 2008, with the Studio line remaining a cornerstone of the brand. The Studio Pro continues, but the new Beats 360 presents a fresh chapter in the brand's headphone story. After a few weeks of testing, the design and sound of the 360 left a lasting impression, suggesting the product is more than just a repainted version of the Studio Pro.

Oliver Schusser, Apple's VP of Music, Sports, and Beats, explained that the goal was to create a new ID, look, and over-ear headphone with a distinct purpose. The 360 embodies this new direction through its streamlined design, intended to accompany users throughout their daily activities, from the gym to the office to an airplane.

Weighing just 295.4 grams, these headphones are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, often going unnoticed after a short period of use. Compared to other high-end headphones, the 360 sits in the middle in terms of weight, but feels much more streamlined. The thin profile and compact design contribute to this overall impression.

The controls are strategically placed, with the power button and mode cycling located on the left earcup, and volume and playback on the right. A USB-C charging port is also included on the left side. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the 360 was designed with the active lifestyle in mind. Schusser explained that the headphones were developed based on observations of people's headphone usage habits, aiming to create the perfect headphone for those who lead active lives.

The earcups and headband are fully customizable, with interchangeable options available in four launch colors and two cushion materials: Performance Knit, perfect for workouts, and UltraPlush, which offers a more traditional over-ear headphone feel. The earcups are easily removable for cleaning, and the headphones come with IPX4 sweat and water resistance, a first for Beats' over-ear headphones.

The impressive sound quality of the 360 is made possible by a bespoke acoustic platform, featuring custom drivers with three-layer diaphragms and dual neodymium ring magnets in each earcup. The headphones boast advanced ANC, Adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and Dolby Atmos support. The result is a 1.75x improvement in noise cancellation compared to the Studio Pro, along with excellent sound quality across various genres and listening volumes.

For example, Bruce Springsteen's "Further On Up the Road" was clearly audible with minimal engine noise while on a plane, and Olivia Rodrigo's "Expectations" showcased the headphones' ability to separate low and high frequencies effectively. Additionally, the headphones' transparency mode allows for a natural awareness of one's surroundings, although it falls slightly short of the AirPods Max in terms of outside sound leakage.

Overall, the Beats 360 represents a significant departure from the brand's previous models, offering a more versatile, comfortable, and high-performing listening experience for those leading an active lifestyle.