The Beats Solo 4 headphones burst onto the scene as the latest chapter in a legacy that’s been turning heads since Beats by Dre first shook up the audio world. These on-ear wireless headphones, launched in April 2024, promise a blend of style, portability, and sound that’s evolved from their predecessors. With a sleek design and a focus on seamless compatibility across iOS and Android, they’re built for those who want their music to keep up with their lifestyle.
So, what exactly are the Beats Solo 4? They’re a compact, foldable pair of Bluetooth headphones designed for everyday use—whether you’re commuting, working out, or just chilling at home. They boast a hefty 50-hour battery life, USB-C connectivity for lossless audio, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking to immerse you in your tunes. Beats, now a division of Apple since 2014, has refined the Solo line to balance premium aesthetics with practical features, making these cans a go-to for casual listeners who value brand cachet and portability.
Beats has long been synonymous with bold, bass-heavy sound and a vibe that screams street cred. The Solo 4, available in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink, carry that torch while dialing back the bass boom for a more balanced profile. Launched with much fanfare after an eight-year gap since the Solo 3, they’ve been tweaked with upgraded drivers and a digital-analog converter (DAC) for richer sound. But have they kept pace with a crowded market? Let’s dive in and see if these headphones hit the right notes.
Is Beats Solo 4 for You?
The Beats Solo 4 are crafted for those who need a reliable, stylish companion for music on the move. They solve the problem of juggling portability with quality audio, making them ideal for commuters, students, or anyone who wants headphones that slip easily into a bag without sacrificing sound. If you’re someone who values long battery life and cross-platform compatibility—whether you’re team iPhone or Android—these headphones deliver a seamless experience with one-touch pairing and Find My features.
These cans are best suited for casual listeners who prioritize convenience and brand appeal over audiophile-grade precision. They’re not for those chasing active noise cancellation (ANC) or a fully customizable sound profile, as they lack both. Budget-wise, the Solo 4 sit in the middle tier—not cheap, but not as pricey as premium over-ear models like the Beats Studio Pro. They’re beginner-friendly, with intuitive controls and no steep learning curve, making them a solid pick for anyone new to wireless audio.
What We Like About Beats Solo 4
The Beats Solo 4 shine in several areas that make them a compelling choice for everyday use. First off, the battery life is a standout—50 hours of playback means you can go days, even a week, without reaching for a charger. The Fast Fuel feature is a lifesaver, giving you five hours of juice from just a 10-minute charge. I’ve tossed these in my bag for long commutes and never worried about them dying mid-playlist. The sound quality, while not perfect, is a noticeable step up from the Solo 3. The 40mm drivers deliver a balanced profile with clear vocals and punchy bass that doesn’t overwhelm, making everything from pop to podcasts sound crisp and engaging.
The design is another win. At just 217 grams, they’re lightweight and foldable, slipping into a compact carrying case that’s easy to stow. The UltraPlush ear cushions feel soft against the ears, and the brushed aluminum accents give them a premium look that stands out in a sea of plastic headphones. Connectivity is a breeze, with Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring a stable link and one-tap pairing for both iOS and Android devices. I also love the wired options—plugging in via USB-C or 3.5mm for lossless audio feels like a nod to versatility in a wireless world. Spatial audio with head tracking adds a fun, immersive twist, especially when watching movies on my iPad.
What We Don’t Like About Beats Solo 4
No product is flawless, and the Beats Solo 4 have their share of shortcomings. The biggest letdown is the lack of active noise cancellation. At this price point, it’s surprising to miss out on ANC, especially when competitors like Sony and Bose offer it in similarly priced models. The passive noise isolation from the ear cushions helps, but it’s no match for a noisy subway or bustling café. I found myself cranking the volume to drown out background chatter, which isn’t ideal. The on-ear design, while portable, can also get uncomfortable during long sessions, especially for glasses-wearers like me—the clamping force presses a bit too hard after an hour or two.
The microphone performance is another weak spot. While fine for quick calls in quiet settings, it struggles in noisy environments, picking up too much background sound. During a call on a busy street, my voice felt muffled, and the person on the other end could hear every car horn. Lastly, the lack of an adjustable EQ or auto-pause sensors feels like a missed opportunity. You can’t tweak the sound to your liking, and the music keeps playing if you take the headphones off, which can drain the battery if you’re not paying attention. These aren’t dealbreakers, but they keep the Solo 4 from feeling like a complete package.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional 50-hour battery life | No active noise cancellation |
| Lightweight and portable design | On-ear fit can be uncomfortable |
| Balanced sound with clear vocals | Mediocre microphone in noisy settings |
| Seamless iOS and Android compatibility | No adjustable EQ or auto-pause sensors |
| Lossless audio via USB-C or 3.5mm |
What’s Included?
- Beats Solo 4 headphones
- Soft carrying case with cable pockets
- USB-C to USB-C cable (for charging and lossless audio)
- 3.5mm analog audio cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
The package feels well thought out, with everything you need to get started. The carrying case is a highlight—compact, cushioned, and practical for travel, with dedicated pockets for the cables. The inclusion of both USB-C and 3.5mm cables adds versatility, letting you switch between wired and wireless modes effortlessly. I’m satisfied with what’s here, but a USB-C power adapter would’ve been a nice touch, as most people don’t have spares lying around. There’s nothing glaringly missing, though, and the overall presentation feels premium for a mid-tier product.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 40mm dynamic drivers |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, 3.5mm |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours |
| Charging Time | 10 min for 5 hours (Fast Fuel) |
| Weight | 217 grams |
| Audio Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Microphone | Beam-forming digital microphones |
| Colors | Matte Black, Slate Blue, Cloud Pink |
Features
- 50-hour battery life: Enough for days of use without recharging.
- Fast Fuel charging: 10 minutes of charging yields 5 hours of playback.
- Spatial audio with head tracking: Creates a 3D-like soundstage for immersive listening.
- Lossless audio support: Via USB-C or 3.5mm for high-quality wired playback.
- One-touch pairing: Seamless setup for iOS and Android devices.
- Find My/Find My Device: Locate lost headphones using Apple or Google services.
- UltraPlush ear cushions: Soft, durable padding for comfort and passive noise isolation.
- Foldable design: Collapses for easy storage and portability.
- Physical controls: Intuitive buttons on the left earcup for playback and calls.
The features of the Beats Solo 4 strike a balance between practicality and flair. The battery life is a clear strength—50 hours is among the best in its class, and Fast Fuel charging makes it perfect for those always on the go. Spatial audio is a nice touch, especially for Apple users, adding depth to movies and music, though it can amplify treble harshness in some tracks. The lossless audio option is a boon for wired listening, delivering richer details than Bluetooth alone. However, the absence of ANC and an adjustable EQ limits customization, and the lack of wear sensors feels like a step behind competitors. Overall, the features cater well to casual users but may leave audiophiles wanting more.
Final Breakdown
9/10
The Beats Solo 4 are a solid evolution of a classic, blending style, portability, and impressive battery life into a package that’s hard to ignore. They deliver clear, balanced sound that’s versatile enough for most genres, and their lightweight design makes them a breeze to carry. While the lack of ANC and limited comfort for long sessions hold them back, the 50-hour battery, lossless audio options, and cross-platform compatibility make them a strong contender for commuters and casual listeners. They’re not perfect, but they’re a reliable choice for those who want Beats’ signature vibe with modern upgrades.
I recommend the Beats Solo 4 if you’re after stylish, long-lasting headphones that work effortlessly with your phone, tablet, or laptop. They’re ideal for anyone who values convenience and brand appeal over cutting-edge features like noise cancellation. If you’re in the market for on-ear headphones that look good and keep going, the Solo 4 won’t disappoint—just don’t expect them to block out the world or rival studio-grade cans.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Beats Solo 4 – Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, Apple & Android Compatible, Up to 50 Hours of… | $143.48 | View at Amazon |
