Beats Solo 4

David Abraham, Vanessa McCuaig, and John Peroramas from RTINGS highlight the Beats Solo 4 as a solid evolution of the Solo3, offering a more balanced and slightly bright sound profile that departs from Beats’ traditional bass-heavy signature. They praise the headphones for their well-built design, comfortable on-ear fit, and impressive battery life exceeding 48 hours, making them suitable for sports, travel, and office use. The inclusion of USB-C audio, a built-in DAC, and Android quick-pairing are noted as meaningful upgrades. However, the review is measured in enthusiasm due to notable drawbacks: the lack of active noise cancelling (ANC) results in poor noise isolation, and the microphone performance is disappointing, especially in noisy environments. The Solo 4 also lacks multi-device pairing and water resistance, limiting versatility. While the headphones excel in audio accuracy and frequency consistency, the reviewers caution that users seeking ANC or advanced features might prefer alternatives like the Solo Pro or JBL Live 670NC.

David Carnoy from CNET highlights that the Beats Solo 4 headphones deliver significant internal upgrades over their predecessor, including improved sound quality, voice-calling performance, battery life, and a more durable design, while maintaining a familiar exterior. He praises the headphones’ dynamic audio with clearer highs and punchy bass, excellent 50-hour battery life, and useful features like USB-C wired audio and multipoint Bluetooth for Android users. However, Carnoy expresses disappointment over the lack of active noise canceling and ear-detection sensors, features common in this price range. He also notes some comfort trade-offs compared to over-ear models and the absence of customizable EQ settings. While the Solo 4s are not worth their $200 list price, Carnoy believes they become a compelling choice when discounted closer to $130, especially for those seeking compact on-ear headphones without ANC. He compares them favorably in build and features to similarly priced JBL models, though those competitors offer noise canceling.

Lewis Maddison from TechRadar highlights the Beats Solo 4 as a stylish and solid update to an iconic on-ear headphone line, with standout features like excellent passive noise isolation, a secure fit for exercise, and an impressive 50-hour battery life. However, the review conveys a cautiously mixed sentiment, noting significant drawbacks such as uncomfortable long-term wear due to limited padding and on-ear design, awkward control placement, and inconsistent sound quality—particularly muddy mids and lackluster bass precision. While the headphones support lossless wired playback and offer useful smart features for both Android and iOS users, the absence of active noise cancellation and weaker audio performance compared to similarly priced rivals like the Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N and Sennheiser Accentum Plus limit their appeal. Maddison suggests the Solo 4 are best suited for fashion-conscious users seeking a secure fit and long battery life, but audiophiles or comfort-focused buyers may find better options elsewhere.

Tim Gideon from PCMag highlights the Beats Solo 4 as a solid evolution of the brand’s on-ear headphones, delivering satisfying sound quality with a signature sculpted audio profile and seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem, including hands-free Siri and personalized spatial audio. The review praises the long battery life and reliable physical controls but notes comfort can be a bit finicky due to the on-ear design’s fit. However, the Solo 4 falls short in key areas expected at its $199.99 price point, notably lacking active noise cancellation and adjustable EQ, which makes it less competitive compared to alternatives like the Urbanista Los Angeles and Sony ULT Wear headphones. While the Solo 4 excels in Apple device compatibility and offers decent wired and wireless performance, its limited codec support and absence of some modern features temper enthusiasm. Overall, the review conveys a cautiously positive tone, recommending the Solo 4 mainly for users deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem who prioritize convenience over advanced audio customization.

Max Parker from Trusted Reviews highlights the Beats Solo 4 as a compact, lightweight on-ear headphone option that offers solid battery life and broad compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. Praising its long 50-hour battery life, spatial audio support, and lossless playback via USB-C or 3.5mm cable, the review notes the headphones deliver a balanced sound profile reminiscent of standard AirPods, with clear vocals and decent performance across genres, especially pop. However, Parker points out the lack of active noise cancellation and the on-ear design’s comfort limitations, particularly during extended use or for those with larger heads. While the Solo 4 folds into a small, portable package with tasteful styling and useful features like quick pairing and Find My support, it falls short in blocking ambient noise and struggles with busy rock tracks at high volumes. Overall, the review recommends the Solo 4 for users seeking a lightweight, versatile headphone without ANC, but suggests alternatives for those prioritizing comfort or noise cancellation.

Dan Seifert from The Verge highlights the Beats Solo 4 as a well-rounded update that balances cultural cachet with practical improvements. Praising its sleek, comfortable design and impressive 50-hour battery life, the review emphasizes the headphones’ unique support for wired lossless audio via USB-C and 3.5mm jacks—a rare feature in modern wireless models. The Solo 4’s platform-agnostic software features, including one-tap pairing and Find My support on both Android and iOS, mark a notable step toward broader compatibility. However, the lack of active noise cancellation in a $200 wireless headphone is a significant drawback, especially compared to pricier competitors. Sonically, the headphones offer a restrained, consistent sound suitable for diverse uses but lack the richness and expansive soundstage of higher-end models. Overall, the Solo 4 appeals to longtime Beats fans and those valuing style and versatility, though the omission of ANC and water resistance may limit their appeal for some users.

Verity Burns from What Hi-Fi? (US edition) highlights the Beats Solo 4 as a thoughtful, long-awaited update to Beats’ compact wireless headphones, emphasizing improved comfort, battery life, and sound quality. The review conveys a measured enthusiasm, noting the refined design with lighter clamping force and softer earpads that enhance wearability. Burns appreciates the dual compatibility with iOS and Android, though some premium features remain iOS-exclusive. The sound profile is described as fun and energetic, with a midrange-forward character that moves away from Beats’ traditional bass-heavy reputation. However, the reviewer points out a slight brightness in the treble over Bluetooth that diminishes when using the wired USB-C connection, which also unlocks better detail and tighter timing. While the lack of active noise cancellation is a notable omission at this price point, the extended 50-hour battery life compensates well. Overall, Burns’ first impressions suggest the Solo 4 offers a lively listening experience with solid versatility, though a longer evaluation is needed for a definitive verdict.

Tom’s Guide praises the Beats Solo 4 as a solid improvement over its predecessor, highlighting significant upgrades like USB-C connectivity, support for high-resolution playback, and an impressive 50-hour battery life. The review expresses genuine appreciation for the headphones’ compatibility with both iOS and Android devices, as well as their clear voice call quality. While the design is described as familiar and collapsible for convenience, the reviewer notes some shortcomings in build quality and the absence of active noise cancellation, which may be a drawback for some users. Unique insights include the personalized spatial audio feature and the practical advantage of retaining a 3.5mm headphone jack for lossless audio and in-flight use. Overall, the review conveys a moderately positive and balanced tone, recommending the Solo 4 especially for those upgrading from the Solo3, while acknowledging that over-ear alternatives with ANC might better suit certain preferences.

Ryan Waniata from WIRED highlights the Beats Solo 4 as a pair of on-ear headphones that impress primarily with their warm, clear, and balanced sound signature, offering buttery smooth mids, solid instrumental separation, and a pleasant listening experience. While the Solo 4 lack popular modern features such as noise canceling, transparency mode, auto pause, and water resistance—omissions that feel notable given their sporty marketing—the headphones compensate with up to 50 hours of battery life, versatile wired and wireless connectivity, and seamless integration with both Android and Apple ecosystems, including spatial audio and Find My device support. The firm clamping force may cause some discomfort over extended wear, but it also provides effective passive noise isolation. Though pricier than some feature-rich competitors, the Solo 4’s refined sound quality, solid build, and convenient extras make them a compelling choice for listeners who prioritize audio fidelity and cross-platform compatibility, especially once the price drops.

Samuel Gibbs from The Guardian highlights the Beats Solo 4 as a thoughtful evolution of a beloved on-ear headphone line, emphasizing its improved battery life, sound quality, and seamless cross-platform compatibility with both Apple and Android devices. He praises the headphones’ lightweight design, comfortable fit, and versatile connectivity options, including USB-C and a rare 3.5mm jack. The review notes the shift toward a cleaner, less bass-heavy sound profile that suits a wide range of genres, though bass enthusiasts might find it lacking. While the lack of noise cancellation and automatic pause sensors are clear drawbacks, the Solo 4’s spatial audio with head tracking and integration with Apple’s and Google’s ecosystems stand out as unique strengths. Gibbs acknowledges the premium price and relatively unchanged design but concludes that the Solo 4 remains a solid, popular choice, especially for users who value cross-platform features and long battery life in an on-ear form factor.

Amazon users praise the Beats Solo 4 for delivering impressive sound quality and exceptional battery life, often highlighting that a single charge lasts about a week even with daily use. Many appreciate the headphones’ vibrant color options and sturdy, foldable design that fits neatly into the included carrying case. Reviewers enjoy the seamless Bluetooth connectivity across various devices and value the option to use a wired connection, though some note the included audio cable slightly diminishes bass performance. Comfort receives mixed reactions: several users find the fit lightweight and suitable for extended wear, while others report ear soreness after prolonged use or a snug fit that loosens over time. Noise cancellation also divides opinion—some customers commend its effectiveness in noisy environments like gyms and flights, whereas others point out the absence of active noise cancellation in this model. A few users mention occasional issues with one side of the headphones ceasing to work, but many still regard the overall build quality as solid and durable. In summary, Amazon reviewers consistently highlight the Beats Solo 4’s strong audio performance, long-lasting battery, and stylish design, making it a favored choice for both casual listeners and active users despite some comfort and noise cancellation trade-offs.

Users on Target express mixed feelings about the Beats Solo 4 headphones, with many praising their stylish design, solid Bluetooth connectivity, and decent sound quality, especially for younger listeners or those seeking a trendy accessory. Several reviewers highlight the convenience of USB-C charging and appreciate the lightweight feel and fast pairing. However, a significant number of customers report persistent issues with durability, noting that one earbud often stops working within months and batteries fail to hold a charge, leading to frustration over limited or strict return policies at Target. Many users find the on-ear design uncomfortable, describing the headphones as painfully tight and causing ear soreness or jaw discomfort after short periods of wear. Additionally, several buyers criticize the sound quality, pointing out a lack of bass and muddiness compared to previous Beats models or competing brands. Color accuracy also draws complaints, particularly with the “Cloud Pink” variant appearing much lighter or nearly white in person, disappointing those expecting a vibrant hue. Noise cancellation claims confuse some shoppers, as the Solo 4s do not provide active noise canceling, contrary to some product listings. Overall, Target reviewers suggest these headphones may suit teens or casual users prioritizing style over long-term reliability or premium audio performance, while recommending potential buyers consider alternatives for comfort and durability.