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Beats Beats 360 vs Sony WH-1000XM4C

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BeatsBeats 360SonyWH-1000XM4C
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2026September 2026
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Driver size–40 mm
Back–Closed
Spatial audio with head trackingYes–
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC, AAC and LDAC
ChipBeats proprietary chipHD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1
DriversCustom dual-magnet dynamic drivers with three-layer diaphragms40 mm drivers with liquid crystal polymer diaphragms; powered wired frequency response 4 Hz–40 kHz. Impedance is 40 ohms powered on and 16 ohms off; sensitivity 106 dB/mW on and 101 dB/mW off.
Noise cancelling detail–QN1 and two noise-sensing microphones per earcup; Personal NC Optimizer, Ambient Sound Mode, Quick Attention and Adaptive Sound Control
Audio featuresAdaptive EQ; personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking; accelerometer and gyroscope in the left ear cup; SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs (Les Numériques)DSEE Extreme upscaling, 10-band equaliser in Sony Sound Connect and 360 Reality Audio with compatible services; Bluetooth response 20 Hz–20 kHz at 44.1 kHz sampling, or 20 Hz–40 kHz with LDAC at 96 kHz and 990 kbps
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 32 hoursUp to 27 hours
Battery life detailUp to 32 hours with noise cancelling and spatial audio, or with Adaptive EQ; up to 24 hours in Transparency modeThe manual lists AAC/SBC playback up to 27 hours with noise cancelling or 34 hours off; LDAC up to 20 hours on or 27 hours off. DSEE Extreme, Speak-to-Chat and equaliser settings can shorten these figures.
Charging case–USB-C charging; approximately 3 hours for a full charge; no USB audio playback
Fast chargingA 5-minute USB-C Fast Fuel charge gives up to 1 hour of playback3 minutes gives about 1 hour of playback
Design
Weight294.5 g253 g
Water and sweat resistanceIPX4–
Bluetooth5.36.0
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cable–Yes
ControlsPhysical volume and playback buttons on the right cup; power and listening-mode buttons on the leftTouch panel on the right earcup for playback, volume and calls; separate power and noise-cancelling buttons; wear detection, Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat; app-configurable Quick Access
MicrophonesNine in total; eight for noise cancelling and three for voice, with two sharedTwo noise-sensing microphones per earcup; Precise Voice Pickup for Bluetooth calls
Fit and ear tipsDetachable Performance Knit ear and headband cushions included; UltraPlush cushions sold separately; adjustable stainless steel arms; folds flatAdjustable headband, swivelling and folding earcups; colour-matched carrying case
Water resistance detail–The manual states that the headset is not waterproof
Case weight88 g–
DimensionsHeadphones 165.5 × 87.1 × 191.3 mm; carrying case 225 × 85 × 225 mm–
Works withApple pairing, automatic switching, Audio Sharing, hands-free Siri and Find My; Android Fast Pair, Audio switch, Find Hub and Beats appBluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP. Multipoint switches music between two devices; SoundGuys and Tom's Hardware report that LDAC is unavailable in that mode. The supplied cable allows passive playback, disables Bluetooth and does not carry the headphone microphone.
ColoursBlack, Cloud, Pink, SkyBlack, Platinum Silver, Lavender; official press photo shows Lavender folded
In the boxHeadphones with matched Performance Knit cushions, woven carrying case, Quick Start Guide and documentation; charging cable and power adapter sold separatelyUK box includes headphones, carrying case and approximately 1.2 m headphone cable; USB charging cable supplied only with mainland China models

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