Beats Solo 4: Stylish, Reliable Sound, but Lacking Noise Cancellation at a Premium Price

Beats Solo 4 made its debut earlier this year, with the latest on-ear headphones reaching India in August. These headphones incorporate some premium audio capabilities typically found in higher-end Apple wireless models, such as spatial audio featuring dynamic head tracking and lossless audio support, though they do not offer active noise cancellation (ANC). Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, they come with a standard USB Type-C port for charging. The Beats Solo 4 goes head-to-head with mid-range offerings from Bose and Sony.

The retail price for the Beats Solo 4 is set at Rs. 22,900 in India. Available in three color options — Cloud Pink, Matte Black, and Slate Blue (the variant we received for review) — they can be purchased through the company’s online platform and authorized retailers throughout the country.

Beats Solo 4 Design: Light and Comfortable

• Dimensions — 177x158x6.8mm
• Weight — 217g

These over-ear headphones primarily consist of plastic and maintain a resemblance to previous models, albeit with softer color palettes that provide a less aggressive aesthetic. This design choice contributes to their lightweight comfort for prolonged use, despite being noticeable on the head. Unfortunately, the earpads do not seem to be replaceable by users.

Beats Solo 4 has a well-known design

 

True to their legacy, the Beats Solo 4 features the brand’s logo embossed on both earcups. A small ‘4’ is found on the right side of the adjustable headband, while regulatory information resides on the inner side, along with a left ear indicator — elements that are not visible during wear.

The headphones come packaged with a mildly padded carrying pouch, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a USB Type-C to Type-C cable for lossless audio playback or charging. A power adapter is sold separately.

Despite having a longer head and wearing glasses, I found the Beats Solo 4 to be quite comfortable even after hours of usage. Nevertheless, headphone comfort may vary individually, so it’s advisable to test them in-store for fit.

Beats Solo 4 Software: Functional

• Supported software — iOS, Android
• Customizable controls — Call management, media playback, mute/unmute, volume controls

Similar to the Beats Studio Buds+ and the Beats Solo Buds, these wireless headphones are compatible with Android devices as well as most Apple products. Users on Android will need to install the Beats companion app, while iPhone, iPad, and Mac users find the controls integrated into their settings app.

Customize various settings for the Beats Solo 4 on both Apple and Android devices

 

Android users benefit from Google’s Fast Pair service when setting up the Beats Solo 4 for the first time, and a similar feature exists for Windows. iPhone and iPad users will see a familiar prompt to connect the headphones. The headphones also integrate with Apple’s Find My service, while Android users can track the last connection through the companion app.

The left earcup offers media playback control and call management — a single press pauses and resumes playback, while a single press answers or mutes calls and a double press ends them. Volume adjustments can be made by pressing the top and bottom of the panel.

A button on the right side requires a long press to power the Beats Solo 4 on and off. The bottom of the left earcup features a 3.5mm audio port and an LED light indicating when the headphones are charging or in use, while the right earcup houses a USB Type-C port, a step up from the Micro USB port found on the Solo 3 model.

The Beats Solo 4 features a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB Type-C connection

 

As with other Beats and Apple audio devices, the Android companion app and built-in audio settings for the Beats Solo 4 do not offer equalizer presets. Consequently, users will need to rely on media applications that provide their own EQ functions, such as Spotify or Poweramp.

Beats Solo 4 Performance and Battery Life: Adequate

• Bluetooth version — 5.3
• Active noise cancellation — No
• Battery life — Up to 50 hours

The Beats Solo 4 headphones utilize enhanced 40mm drivers and an updated acoustic design. They feature a balanced sound profile that accommodates a variety of music genres without noticeable distortion, even at maximum volume.

During my testing with a diverse playlist, the Beats Solo 4 performed admirably. Sasha Alex Sloan’s vocals on «Older» were crystal clear, with well-defined mids and bass. This clarity continued with Taylor Swift’s «Daylight,» where her voice stood out amidst the backing music.

Abba’s «Mamma Mia» and «Voulez-Vous» shine on the Beats Solo 4, showcasing all instruments vividly. INXS’s «Afterglow,» a track that often sounds muted on other headphones, came through cleanly with just the right bass intensity.

The Beats Solo 4 remains comfortable over long sessions

 

Historically, Beats audio products are known for their warm, U-shaped sound profile, but this isn’t the case for the Solo 4. The complex «Yo soy María» by Ástor Piazzolla and María Dueñas retains clear articulation of both violin and piano. This is also true for Hilary Hahn’s fast-paced «No. 24 in A Minor,» which sounded great.

As expected, the Beats Solo 4 effortlessly handles tracks like Billie Eilish’s «Birds Of A Feather,» with zero distortion, even at high volumes. The bass response on “Crab Flow” by NLE Choppa and “Way Up” by Nbhd Nick is also impressive.

Like previous Beats Solo models (including the Solo Buds), the wireless headphones lack ANC capabilities. This omission is disappointing in this price range, especially given that competitors offer effective ANC features.

While the absence of ANC may be a downside for the Beats Solo 4, it compensates with two helpful features: spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and lossless audio via both USB Type-C and 3.5mm connections.

Connecting through both options revealed excellent sound quality and the wired mode continues to function even when the battery is depleted. However, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking requires an iPhone and performs consistently while enjoying compatible music and videos.

According to Beats, the Solo 4 incorporates digital beam-forming microphones combined with a voice targeting algorithm, enhancing call clarity. This integrates smoothly with the noise reduction feature of the iPhone, making phone calls convenient while wearing the headphones.

The Beats Solo 4 can be folded and stored in the provided carrying bag

 

The Beats Solo 4 lacks an Apple H or W series chip, meaning it does not support seamless switching between Apple devices. Nonetheless, pairing with an iPhone enables use across all connected Apple gadgets, and the Fast Pair feature allows easy setup on Android.

Beats claims the Solo 4 can last up to 50 hours of playback, though this is without enabling features like spatial audio with dynamic head tracking or making calls. After using them during calls and music sessions, I achieved approximately five days of usage with around eight hours daily, totaling around 40 hours.

Even during prolonged use, recharging should be required no more than once a week. The Fast Fuel feature reportedly allows users to charge the headphones for just 10 minutes to gain about five hours of playback.

Beats Solo 4 Review: Conclusion

If you are in search of colorful wireless headphones priced under Rs. 25,000 that operate well with both Android devices and Apple products, the Beats Solo 4 comes highly recommended due to its solid sound quality and impressive battery life.

However, if you do not require features such as spatial audio with dynamic head tracking or do not have access to a compatible Apple device, you might find it advisable to explore the more affordable JBL Live 770NC on-ear headphones instead.

The Beats Solo 4 package comes with a USB Type-C cable and a 3.5mm audio cable

 

In the same price range, more advanced wireless over-ear options include the Sony WH-1000XM4 (Review), the Marshall Monitor II, and the Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones. Alternatively, you might consider waiting for the price drop on the Beats Solo 4 before making a purchase.

Those alternatives provide ANC support, which is lacking in the Beats Solo 4. The older Beats Solo Pro from 2019 can still be found from some sellers in India for approximately Rs. 25,000 and includes seamless switching capabilities and ANC using Apple’s H1 chip, though it is less current with a Lightning port and offers lesser battery life estimates (22 hours with ANC engaged and 40 hours without).