Wearables
Beats' First IP-Rated Headphones Deliver Workout Durability Without the Earbud Compromise
The Beats 360 bring sweat-resistant, over-ear design to serious exercisers, with swappable ear cushions and a replaceable battery—but not without trade-offs in sound quality.
The Verge
For gym-goers and runners who bristle at earbuds, Beats has engineered its first water-resistant over-ear headphones. The Beats 360 arrive with an IPX4 rating, removable performance knit ear cups designed to wick moisture, and interchangeable cushion sets in multiple colors—a meaningful step forward for a brand not typically known for workout-focused hardware.
Built for sweat and durability#
The IPX4 certification marks Beats' first foray into formally rated water resistance at the over-ear level. This protection standard guards against splashes and sweat accumulation, the baseline threshold for workout gear meant to survive extended use. Testers found that the default performance knit ear cups performed well at drawing away perspiration during exercise, though by the end of a 40-minute run and an hour-long gym session, the cushions required cleaning—a task made practical by their simple snap-off design. Beats recommends a gentle wash with soapy water followed by a dry cloth.
The device also ships with a replaceable battery, though Beats has yet to publish replacement procedures or pricing. The soft-sided carrying bag with magnetic clasp feels less premium than a hard case for the $350 price point.
Staying put (mostly) through movement#
Clamping force on the Beats 360 keeps them seated during steady-state exercises like squats, planks, and lunges. However, high-intensity bursts—sprints and sit-ups—prompted repositioning during testing. They'll work in a pinch for explosive drills, though serious athletes may still lean toward earbuds for security. One additional friction: the knit ear cups trigger scalp irritation after a few hours of non-workout wear, making the included plush leather alternatives a practical swap for casual listening.
Sound quality with notable limits#
The Beats 360 tune differently depending on which ear cup set is installed, detected via onboard sensors. Bass is assertive without bloat, and treble stays mostly crisp, but the midrange collapses into a wash of undifferentiated sound. Vocal and instrumental separation suffers when cymbal-heavy passages occupy the frequency spectrum. For $350, competing options like the Sony XM5 deliver cleaner imaging.
Noise cancellation performs admirably—not quite the silence of Bose Ultra Headphones Gen 2 or the seal of AirPods Pro 3, but sufficient to muffle gym chatter and outdoor leaf blowers while staying locked into music.
