Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones Review

What the Beats Solo 4 actually is

This is an on-ear wireless headphone, not over-ear. The pads press against your ears rather than swallowing them, which matters more than the spec sheet suggests. Beats kept the classic folding hinge and the squared-off look that's been around for over a decade, then quietly upgraded the guts.

The headline changes are simple. USB-C charging replaces the ancient micro-USB, you get lossless audio over a wired USB-C connection, and the battery now runs up to 50 hours. There's no active noise cancellation here, which is the line that separates the Solo 4 from the pricier Studio Pro.

How it performs day to day

Sound is the big surprise. The Solo line used to be a punchline for bass-heavy mush. The Solo 4 is tuned far more evenly, with bass that's present but no longer bullying the vocals. It's a fun, easygoing signature that suits pop, hip-hop and podcasts. Audiophiles chasing neutral detail should look at Sony or Sennheiser instead.

Battery life is the genuine flex. Fifty hours means most people charge these every couple of weeks, not every couple of days. A 10-minute fast charge buys you several hours. Pairing is instant on Apple gear thanks to the H1 chip, and Android users get one-touch setup through the Beats app, so this isn't an iPhone-only product anymore.

Comfort is the catch. On-ear designs clamp, and after a long flight or a full workday you'll feel it. The pads are soft, the clamp is firm. If your sessions run two hours or less you're fine. All-day wearers will notice the pressure.

The good and the annoying

Pros: excellent battery, much-improved tuning, USB-C at last, lossless playback over cable, fast and reliable pairing across iOS and Android, and a clean foldable build that survives a backpack.

Cons: no noise cancellation at this price, on-ear comfort fatigue, and there's no carrying case in some regions, just a thin pouch. The price also creeps close to over-ear ANC rivals when it sits at the top of its range, which raises an awkward question about what you're paying for.

Who should buy it, who should skip it

Buy the Solo 4 if you want a stylish, grab-and-go headphone with marathon battery life and you mostly listen in quiet-ish places. Students, commuters on buses and trains, and anyone deep in the Apple ecosystem will get along with it well.

Skip it if noise cancellation matters to you, or if you wear headphones for hours straight. At the same money the Sony WH-CH720N or a discounted Sony XM4 give you ANC and over-ear comfort. Frequent flyers in particular should spend the bit extra on the Studio Pro or a competitor with real silence.

The verdict

The Solo 4 is the best version of an old idea. Beats finally modernized the connectivity and stretched the battery into absurd territory, and the sound is no longer embarrassing. It's a confident recommendation for casual, style-conscious listeners.

Just go in clear-eyed about the trade-offs. You're buying lightweight portability and battery, not silence or all-day comfort. Priced sensibly in its lower range, it's an easy yes. Near the top of its range, the ANC competition gets loud.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Beats Solo 4 have noise cancellation?

No. The Solo 4 has no active noise cancellation. If you need to block out planes or office chatter, look at the Beats Studio Pro or a Sony over-ear model instead.

How long does the Beats Solo 4 battery last?

Up to 50 hours on a full charge, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you several hours of playback. It's one of the longest-lasting headphones in its class.

Are the Beats Solo 4 good for Android phones?

Yes. Unlike older Beats, the Solo 4 supports one-touch pairing on Android through the Beats app, plus the usual fast pairing on Apple devices.