# Beats 360: Built for the gym, not for listening

> Beats' new over-ear headphones excel at workouts but disappoint with weak midrange sound at their $350 price.
- Title: Beats 360: Built for the gym, not for listening · WIRED
- Summary: Beats' new over-ear headphones excel at workouts but disappoint with weak midrange sound at their $350 price. The Beats 360 are excellent workout headphones…
- Keywords: beats 360, over-ear headphones, workout headphones, sound quality, product review, beats, apple, 360, Built, gym, listening, WIRED
- Source: WIRED — https://wired.com/review/beats-360
- Author: Harry Rabinowitz
- Published: 2026-09-29T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: beats 360, over-ear headphones, workout headphones, sound quality, product review, beats, apple
## Beats 360 shines as gym headphones
The Beats 360 excel as over-ear workout headphones with a secure fit, IPX4-rated water resistance, and swappable cushioning. They cost $350 at Amazon and Best Buy.
## Swappable parts set them apart
The main draw is easily removable headband and ear cups that twist off with satisfaction. You get one cushion set in the box, but mixing and matching colors is central to the design.
## Two cushion fabrics for different uses
Performance Knit is a breathable mesh fabric better for workouts. UltraPlush is softer faux-leather more comfortable for everyday listening. Easy removal makes cleaning and replacement simple.
## Fit and weight balance well
The clamping force is strong enough to keep them secure during most exercises without feeling uncomfortable. They are heavier than Sony and Bose over-ear headphones but lighter than AirPods Max.
## Uncomfortable for everyday office wear
The strong clamping force that works well in the gym becomes a drawback during normal use. After a few hours of office work, the headphones get uncomfortable to wear.
## Noise cancellation and battery impress
Noise-canceling and transparency modes are highlights. While not as strong as flagship Sony or Bose headphones, they effectively block coworkers, cafés, and crowded New York City subway cars. Battery life reaches thirty-two hours with ANC enabled.
## Seamless pairing with Apple devices
The Beats 360 pair instantly with Apple devices and support device swapping, Apple Find My, and Siri. On Android, they offer fast pairing, Google Find Hub, and the stand-alone Beats app. No wired connectivity is available.
## Sound quality falls short at this price
The Beats 360 sound OK but not for a three hundred fifty dollar headphone. They lack midrange, making guitars and vocals in certain genres sound weak or lost. They underperform compared to the three hundred dollar Sony WH-one thousand XM four C.

> Where are the mids?!
## Comparison to rival headphones
The three hundred fifty dollar Sonos Ace and three hundred seventy dollar Bose QuietComfort Headphones second generation both sound better. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra second generation and Sony WH-one thousand XM six are cheaper than AirPods Max but lack the fitness capabilities.
## A deliberate trade-off for workouts
The Beats 360 are not best-sounding over-ear headphones and are not best in class at any single metric. They represent an intentional trade-off: acceptable everyday performance for superior workout performance.
## Wireless earbuds remain the preference
The reviewer still finds wireless earbuds or open earbuds vastly more comfortable and convenient for workouts. However, if the Beats 360 stop people from wearing AirPods Max to run in, they serve a real purpose.
## Key takeaway

The Beats 360 are excellent workout headphones with swappable parts and secure fit, but their lackluster midrange sound makes them poor value at $350 for everyday listening.