Beats 360: Apple's Sporty Answer to AirPods Max

Beats has introduced its newest over-ear headphones, the Beats 360, which Macworld reports are designed for athletes who liked the AirPods Max concept but were put off by their weight, subdued colors, or high price. At $350, the Beats 360 cost $100 less than the $449 AirPods Max, while still offering many of Apple's premium headphone features: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and Adaptive EQ. iPhone users also get one-touch pairing, Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing, Find My support, and hands-free "Hey Siri."

However, the Beats 360 use a custom-designed proprietary Beats chip rather than Apple's H2 chip, so they lack certain AirPods-only capabilities such as Live Translation, Hearing Protection, and Conversation Boost. According to Beats, the headphones deliver "the best acoustics from Beats to date, as well as the best noise cancellation yet from Beats."

Where the Beats 360 clearly differ is in their physical design and endurance. They weigh 295 grams, compared to the AirPods Max's 386 grams, making them substantially lighter. The ear cushions come in two options: performance knit for workouts and ultralush for extended listening. The headphones are available in Black, Cloud (off-white), Pink, and Sky (blue), and users are encouraged to mix and match cushions in various colors. Replacement cushions cost $50 each, though a special launch price of $10 is available.

Unlike the AirPods Max, which are not rated for water resistance, the Beats 360 carry an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for gym use. They also feature on-device controls for music playback. Battery life is rated at 32 hours, roughly 50 percent more than the AirPods Max.

The Beats 360 can be ordered from the Beats website, Amazon, and other third-party retailers, with shipping beginning Thursday. For athletes or budget-conscious buyers who prioritize lightness, sweat resistance, and battery life over exclusive Apple ecosystem features, the Beats 360 present a compelling alternative. Those who rely on Live Translation, Hearing Protection, or Conversation Boost may still prefer the AirPods Max.

This report is based on Macworld's coverage of the Beats 360 launch. The details above are confirmed by the source; interpretations about target users are the author's analysis.