Beats Solo 4 Review: Improved Sound, Steep Price
Beats Solo 4 Review: Discover enhanced sound quality and features in these headphones, though the price may be steep.
Beats Solo 4 have just hit market, stepping up from well-loved Solo3 with some exciting new features. Priced at $199, they’re designed to offer a lot of value if you’re looking for quality headphones.
One of the biggest improvements is switch from micro-USB to more modern USB-C, making charging quicker and easier. Plus, Solo 4 now supports high-res, lossless audio through 3.5mm headphone jack so you can enjoy better sound quality.
Another big win is battery life which has jumped from 40 hours on Solo3 to impressive 50 hours on Solo 4. And don’t worry, they still have same foldable design, making them super portable. They also work well with both iOS and Android devices so you’re covered no matter what phone you use.
But as with any product, there are few trade-offs to consider. In my full review of Beats Solo 4, I’ll break down everything you need to know to decide if these are right headphones for you.
Table of Contents
Beats Solo 4 Specification
| 🛠️ Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 💵 Price | $199 |
| 🎧 Design | Matte plastic, metal accents, foldable design |
| ⚖️ Weight | 7.65 ounces |
| 🔌 Connectivity | USB-C, 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth (iOS & Android) |
| 🔋 Battery Life | Up to 50 hours |
| ⚡ Quick Charge | 10 min charge = 5 hours playback |
| 🎵 Audio Quality | High-res, lossless audio, upgraded acoustics |
| 🌟 Special Features | Personalized Spatial Audio, Audio Sharing, Siri integration |
| 📱 Compatibility | iOS and Android |
| 🔇 Noise Isolation | Passive noise isolation |
| 🎛️ Controls | Playback and voice control via ‘b’ button |
| 👜 Accessories | Includes zipper pouch |
Beats Solo 4 Review: Design
Beats Solo 4 headphones stay true to familiar design that Beats fans have come to know and love. They’re made primarily from matte-finished plastic, which gives them a sleek look, while a touch of metal is used for headband extension and folding hinges to add durability. One of the handy features of these headphones is that they fold inward, making them easy to store in included zipper pouch. When folded, they’re compact enough to fit into a jacket pocket, which is great for portability.
Weighing just 7.65 ounces, Beats Solo 4 are lightweight and comfortable to wear, especially when compared to some of Apple’s other headphones, like AirPods Max. However, headband doesn’t have much flexibility, so if you have a larger head, you might find fit a bit tight after wearing them for a while. Also, if you’re someone who pays close attention to details, you might notice that stitching on earcups doesn’t quite meet high construction standards set by other Beats or Apple products. But it’s worth noting that expectations are high for these products.
For controls, Beats Solo 4 has a large button on left earcup with recognizable ‘b’ logo. This button handles playback and voice assistant control. You can customize button’s functions in your iOS settings or through Beats app on Android.
Beats Solo 4 Review: Connectivity
It’s hard to believe that Beats Solo3 used Micro-USB for so long, but thankfully, Solo 4 has upgraded to USB-C, which is now standard for Apple products. These headphones also come with a 3.5-mm headphone jack, which supports high-res lossless audio when you’re using a compatible file or streaming service. 3.5-mm jack is also convenient for in-flight entertainment systems that don’t yet offer Bluetooth connectivity.
One of standout features of Beats Solo 4 is that they work well with both Android and iOS devices, which is rare for Apple products. When you power on headphones for first time, you’ll get a notification to start pairing process. While process is a bit smoother with an iOS device, as long as you have Beats app on your Android phone, experience is nearly same. Beats app also supports updates and a “Find My Device” feature, similar to Find My functionality on iPhones.
That said, iPhone users get some extra perks, like Audio Sharing, which lets you share playback with another pair of Beats or AirPods, and Siri integration for voice commands. Siri can help with making phone calls, answering questions, and controlling music playback. I found Siri especially useful for making phone calls, activated by pressing and holding ‘b’ button on left earcup.
Beats Solo 4 Review: Sound Quality
Beats Solo 4 headphones boast an “upgraded acoustic architecture” designed to reduce distortion and improve sound quality. Headphones use passive tuning, a technique often reserved for high-end audiophile headphones, to maintain signature Beats sound without artificially boosting any frequencies.
Listening to Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” I could hear every detail, from subtle ukulele strumming to deep bass guitar. BNalance between Billie’s voice and instruments was impressive. I also paired headphones with my Apple TV 4K to watch “Argylle” and enjoyed full Spatial Audio experience. Solo 4 headphones even offer Personalized Spatial Audio, which tailors sound to shape of your ears using the iPhone’s 3D sensor.
These headphones are also great for making calls. Even in noisy environments, person on other end of call said I sounded clear. I tested this by letting a family member use headphones, and their voice also came through clearly.
It’s important to remember that Beats Solo 4 are on-ear headphones, unlike over-ear Beats Studio Pro, which fully cover your ears for better noise isolation. Solo 4 offers some passive noise isolation, but it’s most effective at higher volumes, which isn’t ideal for ear health. While there are pros and cons to passive noise isolation, you can find other headphones with active noise cancellation at a similar or even lower price. There are plenty of noise-canceling options under $200, including AirPods Pro 2, often available at a discount.
Beats Solo 4 Review: Battery Life
One of the biggest selling points of Beats Solo 4 is its battery life. Solo 4 offers up to 50 hours of playback time, a significant improvement over 40 hours offered by Solo3. This makes Solo 4 longest-lasting Apple headphones in terms of battery life, even surpassing Beats Studio Pro by 10 hours.
However, you need to remember to power them down when not in use to preserve battery life. Thankfully, quick 10-minute charge via USB-C gives you 5 hours of playback which is perfect for when you’re in a hurry. And if battery runs out completely, you can still listen via 3.5mm aux cable without needing any power.
Beats Solo 4 Pros and Cons
| 🟢 Pros | 🔴 Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Collapsible design: Easy to store and carry | ⚠️ So-so design quality: Not as refined as some competitors |
| ✅ High-res playback support: Enjoy better sound quality | ⚠️ No active noise cancellation: Lacks advanced noise-blocking features |
| ✅ Compatible with iOS and Android: Versatile connectivity | ⚠️ |
| ✅ Good voice call quality: Clear and defined calls | ⚠️ |
| ✅ 50-hour battery life: Long-lasting performance | ⚠️ |
Beats Solo 4 Review: Conclusion
Overall, Beats Solo 4 headphones offer a lot of value for price. For under $200, you get a range of high-end features and impressive battery life. Even without active noise cancellation, I found myself really enjoying these headphones. Trade-offs, like lack of over-ear design, aren’t deal-breakers unless you specifically want over-ear headphones. If that’s case, Sennheiser Accentum for $179 (or less) might be a better fit for you.
Otherwise, Solo 4 is a great addition to Beats lineup. If you’ve been holding onto your Solo3 for a while, now is a good time to upgrade and enjoy more modern features while still getting classic Beats design and sound.
