Beats Solo 4 Review: The Iconic Headphones Reborn

The Beats Solo 4 marks a significant evolution for the iconic on-ear headphones. With a complete redesign that focuses on sound quality over gimmicks, lossless audio support, incredible 50-hour battery life, and true cross-platform compatibility, these are the Beats headphones audiophiles have been waiting for.

Technical Specifications

Design and Build Quality

Beats completely redesigned the Solo 4 with a focus on comfort and durability. The glossy plastic of previous generations is gone, replaced by a sophisticated matte finish with a soft-touch coating that resists fingerprints.

Key Design Features

• Lightweight construction at just 217g for all-day comfort
• UltraPlush ear cushions with improved memory foam
• Adjustable headband with soft padding
• Foldable design for easy portability
• Premium carrying case included
• Four stunning colors including Matte Black, Slate Blue, Cloud Pink, and Sandstone

The build quality is excellent for the price point. The hinges feel sturdy, the headband flexes without creaking, and the overall construction inspires confidence that these will last for years.

Comfort has been significantly improved with the on-ear design. The new UltraPlush cushions distribute pressure more evenly, though some users with glasses may still prefer over-ear alternatives for extended listening sessions.

Sound Quality: A New Era for Beats

This is where the Beats Solo 4 truly shines. The brand ditched the overly bass-heavy signature of older models in favor of a more balanced, refined sound that audiophiles will appreciate.

Audio Characteristics

• Custom 40mm transducers engineered for clarity and detail
• Balanced sound signature where bass is present but not overwhelming
• Clear mids that bring vocals forward
• Crisp highs without harshness
• Wide soundstage for on-ear headphones
• Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking on iOS

The transformation in sound quality cannot be overstated. The Solo 4 sounds like a completely different brand, featuring tight, controlled bass that does not bleed into the mids, clear vocal reproduction, and detailed treble. These compete with headphones costing significantly more.

Lossless Audio via USB-C

One of the standout features is lossless audio support via USB-C. When connected with the included USB-C cable, you can enjoy full-resolution audio up to 24-bit/48kHz. This is a first for Beats headphones.

This is huge for audiophiles who want the convenience of wireless but crave lossless quality when critical listening. Just plug in the USB-C cable and enjoy studio-quality sound from your MacBook, iPhone 15, or Android device.

Battery Life: Industry-Leading 50 Hours

The Beats Solo 4 offers an incredible 50 hours of battery life, making it one of the longest-lasting wireless headphones in the industry.

• 50 hours of continuous playback on a single charge
• Fast Fuel charging where 10 minutes gives you 5 hours of playback
• USB-C charging for convenience
• Works while charging via USB-C audio

In real-world use, this translates to weeks of use between charges for most listeners. Forget about charging anxiety because the Solo 4 will outlast any trip, commute, or work week.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Unlike previous Beats and most Apple audio products, the Solo 4 offers first-class support for both iOS and Android.

iOS Features

• One-touch pairing via the Apple ecosystem chip
• Find My integration to locate your headphones
• Audio Sharing with another pair of Beats or AirPods
• Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
• Automatic device switching between Apple devices

Android Features

• Google Fast Pair for quick setup
• Find My Device integration
• Beats App with full customization options
• Multipoint connection to 2 devices simultaneously

This is a major shift for Beats. Android users finally get a premium experience without feeling like second-class citizens. The Beats app on Android lets you customize controls, check battery life, and update firmware.

Controls and Call Quality

Physical buttons on the left ear cup provide reliable controls:

• The "b" button handles play, pause, skip tracks, and answering calls
• Volume buttons offer dedicated up and down controls
• Press and hold to activate Siri or Google Assistant

Call quality is excellent thanks to dual beamforming microphones that isolate your voice from background noise. Callers reported clear, natural-sounding audio even in moderately noisy environments.

Beats Solo 4 vs Solo 3 Comparison

Beats Solo 4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

What is Missing

No product is perfect. Here is what the Solo 4 does not include:

• No Active Noise Cancellation, only passive isolation
• No transparency mode
• No wireless charging
• No LDAC or aptX Bluetooth codecs
• On-ear design may not suit everyone for long sessions

If ANC is a must-have, consider the Beats Studio Pro at $349 or Sony WH-1000XM5 at $399. But if you prioritize sound quality, battery life, and portability, the Solo 4 delivers exceptional value.

Who Should Buy the Beats Solo 4?

The Beats Solo 4 is ideal for:

• Music lovers who want balanced, high-quality sound
• Commuters looking for portable, long-lasting headphones
• Android and iPhone users who want equal feature parity
• Audiophiles interested in lossless audio via USB-C
• Travelers who need 50+ hours of battery life
• Style-conscious users who appreciate premium design

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Beats Solo 4 have noise cancellation?

No, the Solo 4 does not have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). They provide passive noise isolation through the ear cushions. For ANC, consider the Beats Studio Pro.

Are the Beats Solo 4 good for Android?

Yes! Unlike previous Beats, the Solo 4 offers full Android support with Google Fast Pair, Find My Device integration, and a dedicated Beats app with all customization features.

Can I use Beats Solo 4 wired?

Yes, you can use them wired via the included USB-C cable, which also enables lossless audio. A 3.5mm adapter is required for traditional aux connections.

How do Beats Solo 4 compare to AirPods Max?

AirPods Max at $549 are over-ear headphones with ANC and superior build quality, but cost nearly 3x as much. Solo 4 offers better battery life at 50 hours versus 20 hours, USB-C lossless audio, and better Android support at a fraction of the price.

Is 50 hours of battery realistic?

Yes, at moderate volume. In real-world testing, users consistently report 40 to 50 hours of actual playback, which translates to weeks of use for typical listening habits.

Do they fold?

Yes, the Solo 4 features a foldable design for easy storage in the included carrying case, making them highly portable for travel.

Final Verdict

The Beats Solo 4 is a remarkable turnaround for the brand. Gone is the muddy, bass-heavy sound that audiophiles criticized, replaced by a balanced, refined audio signature that competes with headphones costing twice as much.

At $199, you get 50 hours of battery life, lossless audio via USB-C, seamless compatibility with both iOS and Android, and a sleek, portable design. The only notable absence is Active Noise Cancellation, but for many users, the passive isolation combined with the other features makes this a worthwhile trade-off.

If you have written off Beats in the past, it is time to give them another look. The Solo 4 proves that Beats has finally grown up, delivering substance alongside style. These are easily among the best on-ear wireless headphones you can buy in 2024.