Beats 360: What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds
Beats 360 starts at ₹42,900 in India and focuses heavily on customization. You get swappable ear and headband cushions, adaptive ANC, IPX4 resistance, and up to 32 hours of battery life. The biggest limitation is the lack of wired audio — it’s Bluetooth-only.
How we put this together: We did not physically test the Beats 360. Everything in this article comes from Beats’ official specifications, independent reviews from CNET, Wired, and The Indian Express, and published competitor specifications. Where a claim comes directly from Beats, we say so.
The Beats 360 is unlike anything Beats has released before. It’s the first Beats over-ear headphone with an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating. It’s the first with a modular cushion system you can swap out in seconds. And it’s the first Beats headphone designed to work equally well on Android and iOS without compromises.
Beats also claims meaningful upgrades under the hood: new 40mm drivers, adaptive ANC that’s supposed to cancel 1.75× more noise than the Studio Pro, and 32 hours of battery life with ANC and Spatial Audio turned on.
But there’s a real trade-off worth knowing about before you spend ₹42,900. The Beats 360 has no wired audio. No 3.5mm jack. No USB-C listening. It’s Bluetooth only, which is unusual at this price. If you’re an audio purist who wants lossless listening or a wired connection for studio work, this is not the headphone for you.
Beats 360 at a Glance
What’s New on the Beats 360?
- → Swappable ear and headband cushions — the headline feature
- → IPX4 water and sweat resistance, a first for Beats over-ear
- → Up to 32 hours battery with ANC and Spatial Audio
- → Adaptive ANC that Beats claims cancels 1.75x more noise than Studio Pro
- → New 40mm drivers with Beats claiming 12dB higher output
- → Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- → Full platform support for both Apple and Android
Beats 360 Price in India & Availability
| Product | India Price | US Price |
|---|---|---|
| Beats 360 | ₹42,900 | $349.99 |
| Beats 360 Cushion Kit | ₹6,900 | $49.99 |
| Beats Studio Pro (repriced) | ₹32,900 | $299.99 |
The Beats 360 is available through Apple’s India website and Apple retail stores. It launched on September 22, 2026, with in-store availability from September 24. You can pick from four colours: Black, Cloud, Pink, and Sky.
Pricing from Gadgets360 and Gadgets Now.
What the Beats 360 Actually Costs
Here’s something the ₹42,900 headline number doesn’t tell you: if you want extra cushion kits to actually use the customization feature, the total goes up fast.
Real Cost Scenarios
That’s before you factor in anything else. For context, at ₹56,700, you’re above the price of the Sony WH-1000XM6 (₹39,990 in India) and closing in on the AirPods Max 2 territory. The customization is genuinely useful, but it’s worth knowing that the entry price isn’t the whole story.
Design & Swappable Cushion System
The main event here is the modular cushion system. Ear cushions twist off. Headband cushion snaps off. You can swap them in seconds without tools. Beats says there are up to 256 possible colour combinations if you mix and match ear cup and headband colours.
There’s a smart detail here most people miss: sensors inside the headphone detect which cushion is attached and automatically adjust the acoustic tuning. This means whether you’re using the breathable Performance Knit or the plush leather, the sound stays consistent.
Which Beats 360 Cushion Is Right for You?
There are two cushion materials, and they serve genuinely different purposes.
Performance Knit
- Diamond-knit textile
- 36 micro-threads per strand
- Breathable in warm environments
- Best for gym use and workouts
- Lightweight feel during long sessions
UltraPlush
- Engineered leather with memory foam
- Better passive noise isolation
- Plush comfort for long listening
- Best for travel, flights, and office work
- Warmer, more enclosed sound
Quick Decision Guide
Beats 360 Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear wireless headphones |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual neodymium ring magnets, triple-layer diaphragm |
| Amplifier | High Dynamic Range Amplifier (HDRA) |
| ANC | Adaptive ANC |
| Transparency | Yes, extended frequency response |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes, when ANC and Transparency are off |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | 9 digital MEMS microphones (8 for ANC, 3 for voice) |
| Battery | Up to 32 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio |
| Fast Fuel | 5-minute charge = 1 hour playback |
| Charging | USB-C (charging only) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Class 1 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC only |
| Wired Audio | None |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | 295 grams |
| Controls | Physical buttons on ear cups |
| Apple Features | One-touch pairing, Hey Siri, Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing, Find My |
| Android Features | Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch, Find Hub |
Sound Quality & Noise Cancellation
The Beats 360 uses a completely redesigned acoustic setup. Beats claims the new 40mm drivers deliver 12dB higher output than the Studio Pro with lower distortion.
What Beats Claims About ANC
Beats says the adaptive ANC system cancels 1.75x more combined active and passive noise than the Studio Pro. It uses a fourth-generation chip with nearly double the processing power of previous generations.
In independent testing, CNET described the ANC as “strong” and “only slightly behind AirPods Max 2’s.” That’s a meaningful qualification — the Beats 360 is not the best ANC headphone you can buy, but it’s close.
How Reviewers Describe the Sound
The Indian Express called the Beats 360’s sound “one of the most balanced sound profiles I have heard in a while.” On the other hand, Wired noted the midrange is “lackluster” and criticised the absence of hi-res codecs like LDAC.
Call Quality
CNET specifically praised the “top-tier voice-calling performance,” with a transparency mode that sounds more natural than the Studio Pro. The nine microphones handle calls well in noisy environments.
Battery Life & Charging
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 32 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio |
| Fast Fuel | 5-minute charge = 1 hour playback |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Wired Audio | Not supported |
The 32-hour figure is higher than the Studio Pro’s 24 hours and slightly above the Sony WH-1000XM6’s 30 hours. That said, “up to” numbers are measured under specific conditions — real-world battery life will vary depending on volume, ANC intensity, and whether you’re using Spatial Audio.
Controls & Connectivity
Beats stuck with physical buttons instead of touch controls. The left ear cup has a listening mode button to cycle between ANC, Transparency, and Adaptive EQ. The right ear cup has play/pause and volume controls.
Apple Features
- One-touch pairing
- “Hey Siri” hands-free activation
- Automatic switching between Apple devices
- Audio Sharing
- Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- Apple Find My support
Android Features
- Google Fast Pair
- Audio Switch between Android devices
- Find Hub support
- Voice assistant controls
The Beats 360 is unusual in that it supports both platforms properly. Most premium headphones lean heavily toward one ecosystem. Beats has actually done the work to make both feel native.
5 Things to Know Before Buying the Beats 360
- The cushions are the actual headline
Don’t think of this as a headphone with a colour option. Think of it as a system. You’re buying into a cushion ecosystem. If you only ever use the cushions that come in the box, you’re paying a premium for a feature you’re not using.
- It is not a wired-audio headphone
No 3.5mm jack. No USB-C audio. No analog connection at all. If you do any studio work, use a wired DAC, or fly on airlines that require a wired connection, this is a dealbreaker. The USB-C port on the Beats 360 is for charging only.
- IPX4 does not mean waterproof
IPX4 means the headphones are protected against splashing water from any direction — sweat, light rain, gym use. It does not mean you can dunk them in a pool, wear them in the shower, or submerge them. If you need real water protection, look elsewhere.
- “Up to 32 hours” is not a guaranteed number
Manufacturers measure battery life under specific conditions, usually at moderate volume with adaptive features optimised. Your real-world mileage will depend on volume, ANC intensity, Spatial Audio use, and temperature. Expect less if you’re a loud listener with ANC maxed out.
- Both Apple and Android users are genuinely supported
This is one of the few premium headphones where Android users aren’t treated as an afterthought. You get Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch, and Find Hub — the same quality of experience Apple users get from the Apple-specific features. That’s rare at this price point.
What Nobody Tells You About the Beats 360
The launch coverage focuses on the headline specs. Here are the details that matter more when you actually live with the headphones.
No wired audio at all. The USB-C port charges and nothing else. If you assumed it works as a wired headphone when the battery dies, it doesn’t. It’s dead when the battery is dead.
Codec support is limited to SBC and AAC. No LDAC, no aptX, no LC3. For Android users with high-end phones that support LDAC, you’re leaving sound quality on the table. Apple users won’t notice because Apple doesn’t support LDAC either — but Android users should know.
Cushion kits are sold separately at ₹6,900 each. The flexibility is real, but it’s not free. If you want two cushion materials, budget another ₹6,900.
Different cushion materials genuinely sound different. The internal sensors adjust tuning to compensate, but they don’t make the two materials sound identical. The UltraPlush has more passive isolation. The Performance Knit breathes better but lets more external sound in.
IPX4 protects against splashes, not submersion. You can wear these during a sweaty workout. You cannot wear them in the rain for an hour or take them swimming.
295 grams is light for an over-ear, but not weightless. If you’re sensitive to clamping force or wear headphones for six-plus hours at a time, test them in a store if you can. Some early reviews mention the clamping force is noticeable on larger heads.
Some features are only available on certain platforms. Audio Sharing is Apple-only. Google Fast Pair is Android-only. If you switch between devices on both platforms, you won’t get the full feature set on either.
Is the Beats 360 Right for You?
Depends entirely on how you’ll use it. Here’s an honest breakdown.
If You’re an iPhone User
You get one-touch pairing, Hey Siri, Automatic Switching, and Find My. The experience is close to what AirPods Max 2 offers, at ₹20,000 less. Worth strong consideration.
If You’re an Android User
You get Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch, and Find Hub. That’s genuinely better Android support than AirPods offer. But you’re stuck with AAC codec quality — no LDAC.
If You Want Gym Headphones
This is the Beats 360’s strongest argument. IPX4 plus the breathable Performance Knit cushions make it a genuine option for workouts. Very few over-ear headphones do this well.
If You Travel Often
32-hour battery plus adaptive ANC plus UltraPlush cushions is a strong combo for long flights. But the Sony WH-1000XM6 has slightly better ANC for the same use case.
If You’re an Audiophile
Look elsewhere. No wired audio, no hi-res codecs, and the sound signature is tuned for mass appeal rather than reference accuracy. The Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 are better fits.
If You’re a Casual Listener
The Beats 360 works. Good ANC, long battery, comfortable. But at ₹42,900, you’re paying a premium for features (cushion swapping, IPX4) that casual users may not fully use.
What Matters Most to You?
Jump straight to what you actually care about.
Beats 360 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Swappable ear and headband cushions
- IPX4 water and sweat resistance
- Up to 32 hours battery with ANC
- Strong adaptive ANC
- Excellent call quality
- Genuine cross-platform support
- Lightweight at 295g
- Physical buttons for controls
Cons
- No wired audio (3.5mm or USB-C)
- No hi-res wireless codecs
- No on-head detection
- Clamping force may be tight for some
- Midrange sound lacks warmth
- Cushion kits cost ₹6,900 each
Beats 360 vs Competitors
Beats 360 vs AirPods Max 2
| Feature | Beats 360 | AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
| India Price | ₹42,900 | ₹59,900 |
| Weight | 295g | 386g |
| Battery | Up to 32 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Swappable Cushions | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Wired Audio | No | USB-C lossless |
| Chip | Beats proprietary | Apple H2 |
The Beats 360 wins on weight, battery, durability, and price. The AirPods Max 2 wins on sound quality and offers USB-C lossless audio.
Beats 360 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
| Feature | Beats 360 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| India Price | ₹42,900 | ₹39,990 |
| Battery | Up to 32 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Wired Audio | No | 3.5mm |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
| Swappable Cushions | Yes | Earpads only |
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is cheaper in India, has wired audio, and supports better codecs. The Beats 360 wins on water resistance and the swappable cushion system. Both have strong ANC.
Beats 360 vs Beats Studio Pro
If you’re shopping Beats, you’ll almost certainly see the Studio Pro next to the Beats 360. Here’s the honest comparison.
| Feature | Beats 360 | Beats Studio Pro |
|---|---|---|
| India Price | ₹42,900 | ₹32,900 |
| Battery | Up to 32 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| ANC | Adaptive | Standard ANC |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Swappable Cushions | Yes | No |
| Wired Audio | No | Yes — 3.5mm and USB-C |
| Weight | 295g | 260g |
| Best For | Customization + workouts | Lower-cost alternative with wired audio |
The Studio Pro is cheaper, lighter, and has wired audio. The Beats 360 gives you longer battery, better ANC, IPX4, and the swappable cushions. If wired audio matters to you, the Studio Pro is a legitimate alternative that saves you ₹10,000.
Our Take on the Beats 360
Based on the published specifications and the independent reviews we examined, the Beats 360 is a headphone with a clear identity. It’s not trying to be the best-sounding headphone on the market. It’s not trying to be the best noise-cancelling. It’s trying to be the most flexible premium headphone you can buy — one that adapts to whatever you’re doing that day.
The swappable cushion system is the strongest argument for this product. Very few headphones let you move between the gym and a flight without compromising something. The Beats 360 genuinely does, and the internal sensors that adjust tuning based on cushion type make the feature more than cosmetic.
The biggest limitation isn’t the sound or the ANC — both are competitive. It’s the lack of wired audio. At ₹42,900, that’s a real gap. The Sony WH-1000XM6 offers a 3.5mm connection and LDAC support for ₹3,000 less.
Buy the Beats 360 if you want a flexible, customizable, workout-friendly headphone that works well on both iPhone and Android. Look elsewhere if you want the best sound, the best ANC, or wired listening.
Our Testing & Evidence
We want to be clear about what this article is based on. Here’s the transparency you should expect from any tech review.
What we verified
- Official specifications from Beats
- India pricing and availability
- Launch dates and sale dates
- Connectivity options
- Battery claims from Beats
- IPX4 rating details
- Cushion system design
- Platform-specific features
What we did not independently test
- Battery endurance in real-world use
- ANC laboratory performance
- Microphone performance in noise
- Long-term comfort over weeks
- Durability under stress
- Sound quality with our own equipment
How we evaluated it
- Official manufacturer specifications
- Independent reviews from CNET, Wired, and The Indian Express
- Published competitor specifications
- India market pricing context
Frequently Asked Questions
The Beats 360 costs ₹42,900 in India. Cushion kits cost ₹6,900 each. The Beats Studio Pro has been repriced to ₹32,900.
The Beats 360 launched on September 22, 2026, and became available in stores from September 24, 2026.
Swappable ear and headband cushions, IPX4 water resistance, up to 32 hours of battery with ANC, adaptive ANC, personalized spatial audio, and cross-platform support for both Apple and Android.
No. The Beats 360 is Bluetooth-only. There’s no 3.5mm jack and no USB-C audio. The USB-C port is for charging only.
The Beats 360 is lighter (295g vs 386g), cheaper (₹42,900 vs ₹59,900), and lasts longer on battery. The AirPods Max 2 has slightly better sound quality and USB-C lossless audio.
Beats claims up to 32 hours of playback with ANC and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled. A 5-minute Fast Fuel charge provides up to 1 hour of playback.
Yes. The IPX4 rating and breathable Performance Knit cushions make it one of the few over-ear headphones genuinely suited for gym use. Just remember IPX4 protects against splashes, not submersion.
Black, Cloud, Pink, and Sky. Additional cushion kits add Navy and Volt.
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Sources & References
- Beats by Dre official product page
- Gadgets360 — India pricing and launch details
- CNET — in-depth review
- MacRumors — specifications
- Wired — critical review
- TechRepublic — Sony WH-1000XM6 comparison
- The Indian Express — India review
Final Thoughts
The Beats 360 is a headphone with a specific point of view. It’s not trying to win on sound quality alone, or on ANC alone. It’s trying to be the most flexible premium headphone you can buy, and it mostly succeeds.
The cushion system is genuinely useful, the IPX4 rating opens up real workout use, and cross-platform support means Android users aren’t treated as second-class. The 32-hour battery is competitive, and the ANC is close to the best in class.
The lack of wired audio and hi-res codec support are real limitations. If those matter to you, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is a stronger choice. If they don’t, the Beats 360 is worth considering — especially if you want one headphone that works for both the gym and the flight.
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