The Beats Solo has always been one of the most popular and recognizable names in the headphone world. Known for its stylish design and strong bass, the Solo series has become a favorite among casual music lovers and trendsetters.
Today, in 2025, Beats is back with the Solo 4. With so many headphones supporting advanced features such as active noise cancellation, great audio, and customizable sound profiles, can the Solo 4 continue to compete?
In this review, we will examine the Beats Solo 4 up close—design and comfort to sound, battery life, and comparison to other headphones, even the Beats Studio Pro. If you’re considering purchasing the Solo 4, this guide will assist you in making the best decision are beats solo 4 worth it?.
User Experience with Beats Solo 4
Working with the Beats Solo 4 is a generally positive experience, but there are subtleties to keep in mind. These headphones are intended for people who desire a lightweight, fashionable pair of headphones for use on the go.
The on-ear style is a significant consideration, as it creates a snug fit that’s perfect for commuting or working out. The headphones are fairly light, so they won’t drag you down during extended listening sessions.
But the on-ear model means they rest directly on your ears, and after extended periods of use, they can become slightly uncomfortable to some users. If you are a user who will be listening to headphones for hours straight, you might be better off with a pair using over-ear cups for ultimate comfort.
Pros:
- Light and portable.
- Modern design with selectable color schemes.
- Ideal for brief to medium-level listening sessions.
Cons:
- On-ear fit becomes uncomfortable upon prolonged wear.
- Not so great for extended listening times as opposed to over-ear headphones.
How Do You Control the Beats Solo 4?
The Beats Solo 4 provides multiple control features that make it simple to handle your music and calls. The controls are situated on the ear cup and are easy to navigate. You can play/pause music, skip tracks, and control volume using the easy press of a button.
The multifunction button on the ear cup allows you to:
- Play/pause music by a single tap.
- Skip tracks by a double tap.
- Answer/end calls by a single tap.
- Enable Siri by long press.
Further, you can also control volume with the onboard volume buttons available on the earcup. The tactile buttons respond and make managing the audio easy while on the move.
Also Read: Difference Between Beats Solo 3 Vs Beats Solo 4
Do You Need the Beats App for the Beats Solo 4?
Though the Beats Solo 4 does not need the Beats app to work at its most basic level, applying it will upgrade your experience. The app adds the following features:
- Tracking battery status.
- Software updates for optimal performance.
- Custom sound settings to suit your unique listening preferences.
The Beats app also syncs with Apple’s ecosystem, providing a smooth link and access to numerous settings. Though it is not strictly necessary to use the app, it really does provide convenience and make the overall use of the headphones better.
How Do the Beats Solo 4 Connect?
Pairing the Beats Solo 4 is easy, particularly if you have an Apple device. The headphones use Bluetooth technology to create a wireless connection. With Apple’s H1 chip, you can easily and quickly pair your Beats Solo 4 with Apple devices. You just need to switch on the headphones, and your device will automatically detect them and ask you to connect.
For non-Apple phones, it is still possible to pair the headphones using Bluetooth, but the pairing process is slightly longer and might need you to access the Bluetooth settings manually. After pairing, the Beats Solo 4 remains paired with your device if Bluetooth remains active.
Features:
- Apple H1 chip for improved pairing and connectivity.
- Bluetooth connection for non-Apple phones.
How Long Does the Beats Solo 4 Battery Last?
The Beats Solo 4 has a long-lasting battery life of 22 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This is perfect for daily usage, particularly for commuters or those who are frequently on the road. When your battery is running low, you can get 3 hours of playback with a mere 10-minute charge, courtesy of its fast charging technology.
You can also switch off the headphones when not in use to save battery. Nevertheless, as with most wireless headphones, battery life can reduce over time due to battery aging.
Battery Highlights:
- Continuous playback of up to 22 hours.
- 10-minute quick charge provides 3 hours of playback.
Read Also: Beats Studio Pro Vs Beats Solo 4
Do Beats Solo 4 Have Active Noise Cancellation?
The Beats Solo 4 lacks active noise-canceling (ANC) capabilities, which is a significant difference from some other premium headphones such as the Beats Studio Pro. Nevertheless, the on-ear design does offer some level of passive noise isolation, i.e., they can filter out some outside noises, especially in quieter settings.
In loud environments such as busy streets or noisy offices, the Beats Solo 4 might not be adequate in the blocking of ambient noise. If you prefer better noise isolation, you can opt for other models that have active noise cancellation.
Noise Isolation:
- Minimal passive noise isolation owing to the on-ear form factor.
- Not so great for noisy environments without ANC.
Can You Use the Beats Solo 4 for Phone Calls?
Yes, phone calls can be made with the Beats Solo 4. The headphones feature a built-in microphone, which allows you to answer and make hands-free calls. The sound of the calls is crisp, and the in-built controls allow you to accept or reject calls easily.
But being on-ear headphones, you might not have the optimum sound isolation on calls, especially in noisy places. The microphone does record your voice fairly well in quiet environments, but it might fail somewhat in noisy areas.
Call Quality:
- Clear voice quality on calls.
- Microphone may falter in noisy places.
Should You Purchase the Beats Solo 4?
The Beats Solo 4 is an excellent choice if you want a fashionable, portable, and wireless pair of headphones. They are ideal for casual listening, exercise, and daily commuting. The sound quality is good, the battery life is great, and the headphones are comfortable for short to moderate use.
However, they may not suit audiophiles or users that need noise cancellation or long-time comfort while sitting for hours in front of speakers. If you prioritize those above, then consider other choices such as the Beats Studio Pro or other producers such as Sony or Bose.
Buy the Beats Solo 4 if:
- You want a stylish and portable pair of headphones.
- You mostly listen to music on the go or during workout.
- You have an Apple device and want seamless connectivity.
Don’t consider it if:
- You require noise cancellation.
- You prefer over-ear headphones due to comfort.
How Does the Beats Solo 4 Compare to the Beats Studio Pro?
Both the Beats Solo 4 and Beats Studio Pro are excellent headphones but for different uses. The Solo 4 is an on-ear, lighter model ideal for use on the move and for shorter periods. The Studio Pro, meanwhile, is an over-ear design, with better comfort when used for a long time and improved sound blocking due to active noise cancellation.
If you travel a lot or want to isolate background noise, the Studio Pro would be the better option. However, if you want a light, lower-cost option, the Solo 4 will be your best bet.
What Should You Get Instead of the Beats Solo 4?
If the Beats Solo 4 isn’t quite what you need, these are some options:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Best for better noise cancellation and sound quality.
- Bose QuietComfort 45: Best for comfort and best-in-class ANC.
- JBL Club 950NC: Best for sound quality and noise cancellation on a budget.
Each of these options is better at something, so it’s well worth thinking about your priorities—whether it’s sound quality, comfort, or noise cancellation—before making your final choice.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Beats Solo 4 in 2025?
The Beats Solo 4 has great battery life, chic styling, and easy Apple integration. But it skimps on must-have features such as active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and water resistance—now standard among similarly priced headsets.
Sound quality is good, but not great, and the on-ear fit won’t be suitable for many people to wear for long periods. If you prioritize looks, portability, and brand name over innovative functionality, then the Solo 4 could be an acceptable choice. Otherwise, there are other options available for the same price which are better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. No, the Beats Solo 4 does not feature active noise cancellation (ANC). While the tight on-ear seal will do some noise blocking from external noises, it will not cancel out background noise like ANC headphones will.
A. No, the Beats Solo 4 is not fitted with an official IP rating of being sweat- and water-resistant. While minute humidity may be acceptable, it is not exercise-specific or suited to be worn out in rain.
A. Not really. Due to their on-ear fit and lack of water resistance, they’re not ideal for working out. They can slip off in intense body movements and aren’t made for withstanding sweat.
A. Yes. While they work best with Apple devices due to the built-in H1 chip, the Beats Solo 4 is also compatible with Android phones via Bluetooth or 3.5mm cable
A. Yes, but with restrictions. You can attach them to a PS5 or Xbox controller via a 3.5mm audio cable, but they do not support wireless Bluetooth connectivity with these consoles.
A. The Beats Solo 4 are on-ear headphones and not placed around your ears, but rather on them. This can affect comfort for longer sessions of listening.
A. Yes. Beats Solo 4 has a 3.5mm audio jack, and you can use wired mode, which is perfect for saving battery or plugging into non-Bluetooth devices.
A. The quality of calls is good for everyday use. The internal microphone is good in quiet settings but may have a hard time eliminating background sound when calling from noisy environments.
