I utilized the Beats 360– AirPods Max 2 aren’t the very best cordless earphones any longer

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Released Oct 1, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT

Jon is a skilled reporter who has actually composed conclusive protection of customer tech at publications like Engadget, Android Authority, and BetaKit. He’s a specialist on making tech available varying from mobile and PCs to emerging platforms like wearables.

When he’s not composing, he’s going on experiences with ihis household and is a passionate professional photographer.

The AirPods Max 2 are amongst the very best earphones if you consider their total function set, and they’re even status signsThey stand apart from the current Bose or Sony earphones and are plainly a flex that reveals you have $549 to invest in audio. Nevertheless, they have constraints. They sound sufficient, however they’re heavy, do not have gym-friendly sweat resistance, and lose a few of their functions if you utilize Android.

The Beats 360 are allegedly a step-down from the AirPods Max. The Beats 360 are basically like the AirPods Max that Apple need to have launched in the very first location. I’ve had the chance to evaluate these over-ear earphones, and they provide the majority of the sound quality, personalization, and performance– plus a couple of advantages– at a much lower $350 rate. They have their defects, however they’re quickly a much better worth than the AirPods Max 2 and some competitors.

Beats 360

8.5/ 10

The Beats 360 have adjustable ear cups and headbands– and take place to be Beats ‘best-sounding earphones to date.

I like the adjustable style

These are really individual earphones

The Beats 360 are without a doubt the most personalized earphones I’ve seen. You can rapidly change the ear cups and headband to get a fresh appearance or merely change your sweaty fitness center pads with fresh ones in the house. I enjoyed the appearance of the exercise-friendly blue knitted cups on my white evaluation system, even if they make my big ears a little aching over prolonged durations. Fortunately, I can change to the more comfy UltraPlush vegan leather when I’m working.

They’re a lot easier to use than the aluminum AirPods Max 2. I discover the Beats 360 significantly lighter thanks to their plastic housing, and the thin headband is less most likely to screw up my hair. They have IPX4 sweat and water resistance– I’m

far more positive using these for exercises.

With that stated, it’s clear where Beats cut corners to conserve cash.

The AirPods Max 2 have an Apple Watch-style crown that’s simple to utilize, however the Beats 360 have timeless buttons for playback, volume, and audio modes, none of which are simple to find by feel alone. I often thumbed around up until I lastly discovered the control I desired. They do not fold, either, although there’s at least a travel-ready ripstop case. Sound quality that’s finest for lots of, not simply me

Why should I get the AirPods Max 2?

Beats is popular for heavy bass, to the point where it squelches the mids and highs. That profile hasn’t totally disappeared, however the Beats 360 sound quality is such an enhancement over the brand name’s previous designs(such as the Studio Pro) that they’re probably a few of the very best cordless earphones on the marketplace.

I mostly listen to dance music, and it’s clear the beat still takes spotlight. There’s a strong thump with tunes like Above & Beyond’s “Start A Fire,” not to discuss the hip-hop of Childish Gambino’s “This is America.” And while the mids and treble aren’t rather as clear as on premium earphones, they’re even more well balanced than previously. I can select subtle high notes in classical like Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe suite, jazz like Kamasi Washington’s “Change of the Guard,” or rock like Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android.”

These are really enjoyable to listen to in practically any setting, not simply bearable for flights and health club sessions. As much as I value a neutral, precise noise, the Beats 360 are exceptional in real-world circumstances where a little additional punch assists.

The active sound cancellation(ANC)is strong, too. While it’s not going to competing AirPods Max 2 (or Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra) in raw seclusion, it’s exceptional for the cash and eventually a much better deal. I can muffle practically all noises totally, and Transparency mode exists when I wish to hear the outdoors world. Adaptive EQ and individualized spatial audio tune the noise based upon the fit and seal, however I was currently delighted with the stock experience.

The battery life is honestly impressive. Beats claims 32 hours of listening with ANC switched on, and I might quickly go days in between charges. I wasn’t so delighted by the absence of wear detection to stop briefly playback. There’s no wired audio choice. The USB-C port is just for charging, where the AirPods Max 2 and other earphones can utilize adapters.

Should you purchase the Beats 360?

The very best general earphones for the majority of people

It sounds hyperbolic to state that Beats 360 are the very best earphones. To a degree, that’s. You can improve outright audio quality from the AirPods Max 2, the Sony WH-1000XM6, and other oppositions. They do not have the longest battery life, the very best ANC, or the most hassle-free controls.

When I take a look at the bigger photo, the Beats 360 are challenging to leading. The wireless-only connection, there’s no one location where they plainly fall brief. And unlike the AirPods Max 2, they have complete Android assistance– I utilized my iPhone throughout screening, however I might simply as quickly have actually combined them with my OnePlus 15 with couple of compromises.

And yes, the personalization matters a lot. I’m a fan of enjoyable innovation, and it’s fantastic to understand my earphones can be as whimsical or buttoned-down as I like. This likewise aids with durability, as I will not be lured to change my cans merely due to the fact that they’re used down.

The $350 asking rate definitely makes them a much better offer than the AirPods Max 2. I ‘d include that Beats earphones frequently go on sale, so there’s a great chance the 360 will damage likewise priced choices soon. It’s simple to advise them for the majority of utilize cases, which’s no mean accomplishment.

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