Beats Solo 4 specifications and in-depth review

Beats Solo 4

Manufacturer: Beats

The Beats Solo 4 is an on-ear headphone that combines wireless and wired connectivity in a foldable, travel-ready design. Weighing just 217 g, it comes with a travel bag and a tangle-free detachable cable, making it a practical option for everyday portability. A 50-hour battery life keeps extended listening sessions well covered, with USB Type-C handling recharging in around 2.25 hours.

On the technical side, the Solo 4 runs on Bluetooth 5.3 with a stated wireless range of 10 meters, and its 40 mm driver units are paired with passive noise reduction for a degree of ambient sound isolation. Spatial audio is supported, and the headphone includes two microphones with noise-canceling capability, allowing it to function as a headset with an on-device control panel. While it lacks active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and advanced codecs such as aptX or LDAC, it does offer a battery level indicator and a rechargeable internal battery.

Pros
  • 50-hour battery life allows for extended use between charges
  • Foldable design combined with an included travel bag makes it convenient to pack and carry
  • USB Type-C charging with a 2.25-hour charge time keeps downtime manageable
  • Supports both wireless and wired connectivity, offering flexibility depending on the situation
  • Two noise-canceling microphones enable hands-free calling without needing a separate device
  • Passive noise reduction helps limit ambient sound without relying on active electronics
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation, which limits its effectiveness in louder environments
  • Lacks advanced audio codecs such as aptX, AAC, or LDAC, restricting wireless audio quality options
  • No in/on-ear detection means playback does not pause automatically when the headphones are removed
  • Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a physical cable connection every time
  • No ambient sound mode, so there is no way to let in external audio without removing the headphones
  • No water resistance rating, making it unsuitable for use in wet or rainy conditions
Who is this for?

The Beats Solo 4 is well suited to everyday listeners who prioritize long battery endurance, given its 50-hour rated playback time and USB Type-C charging. Its foldable build and included travel bag make it a practical choice for commuters or frequent travelers who need a headphone that packs away easily. The dual noise-canceling microphones and headset functionality also make it a reasonable fit for people who regularly take calls or participate in voice conversations on the go, while wireless and wired flexibility ensures compatibility across a wide range of devices and situations.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who work or commute in consistently noisy environments will find the absence of active noise cancellation a significant limitation, as passive noise reduction alone may not provide adequate isolation. Audiophiles or anyone invested in high-resolution wireless audio will be disappointed by the lack of advanced codec support — there is no aptX, AAC, LDAC, or any equivalent, which restricts wireless audio fidelity. The headphone is also a poor fit for outdoor or sports use, as it carries no water resistance rating whatsoever, leaving it vulnerable to rain or heavy perspiration.

Design:

Fit On-ear
weight 217 g
has a detachable cable
water resistance None
can be folded
is designed for kids
has a tangle free cable
travel bag is included
has an open-back design
has stereo speakers

The Beats Solo 4 uses an on-ear fit and weighs 217 g, keeping the overall form factor relatively compact. It folds flat for storage and comes with a travel bag, making it straightforward to pack and carry. The headphone includes a tangle-free detachable cable and features stereo speakers in a closed-back configuration. It does not carry any water resistance rating, and it is not designed specifically for children.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
driver unit size 40 mm
supports spatial audio
has a neodymium magnet
has passive noise reduction

The Beats Solo 4 uses 40 mm driver units to handle audio reproduction and supports spatial audio for a more dimensional listening experience. It relies on passive noise reduction to limit ambient sound rather than active noise cancellation, which is not included. The drivers do not use a neodymium magnet configuration.

Power:

Battery life 50 hours
charge time 2.25 hours
Has USB Type-C
has a battery level indicator
has wireless charging
Has a solar power battery
has a rechargeable battery
has a removable battery

The Beats Solo 4 houses a built-in rechargeable battery rated for 50 hours of playback, and a full charge takes approximately 2.25 hours via the USB Type-C port. A battery level indicator is included so remaining charge is easy to check at a glance. The battery is not removable, and the headphone does not support wireless charging or solar power.

Connectivity:

connectivity Wireless & wired
Bluetooth version 5.3
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX
has LDAC
has LDHC
has aptX Low Latency
has aptX HD
has aptX Lossless
has AAC
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
has fast pairing
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC

The Beats Solo 4 supports both wireless and wired connectivity, with the wireless side handled by Bluetooth 5.3 at a maximum range of 10 meters. It does not include fast pairing or NFC-based pairing for quicker device connections. On the codec front, none of the advanced audio codecs are supported — aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, AAC, LDAC, and LDHC are all absent.

Features:

has a noise-canceling microphone
has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
number of microphones 2
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
Has an in-line control panel

The Beats Solo 4 can function as a headset, equipped with two noise-canceling microphones for call and voice use. Controls are handled through an on-device control panel rather than an in-line remote on the cable. The headphone does not include an ambient sound mode, in/on-ear detection for automatic playback pausing, or a dedicated mute function.

Final Verdict

The Beats Solo 4 is a practical on-ear headphone that delivers where everyday usability matters most — its 50-hour battery life and foldable, travel-ready build make it a reliable companion for commuters and casual listeners alike. The addition of dual noise-canceling microphones and support for both wireless and wired connections adds genuine versatility for daily use. That said, the absence of active noise cancellation, no water resistance, and a lack of advanced wireless codecs mean it is not engineered for demanding listeners or challenging environments. For users who prioritize endurance, portability, and straightforward functionality over audiophile-grade performance, the Beats Solo 4 makes a coherent and well-rounded choice.

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