Beats Solo 4 Review: Does the Icon Still Have It?
The Beats Solo, long an icon of style and on-ear sound, is back with its fourth iteration. After a nearly eight-year hiatus since the last major update, the Beats Solo 4 arrives with a refined design, upgraded audio, and truly exceptional battery life. As a music and tech enthusiast, I put them to the test to see if this new version lives up to its legendary name and offers real value in a crowded headphone market.
Top Features and Benefits (Pros):
From the moment you unbox them, it’s clear that Beats didn’t just give these a facelift; there are core improvements here that make the daily user experience smoother and more enjoyable.
-
Immersive, High-Fidelity Sound: The custom-built 40mm drivers have been re-engineered to deliver clean, crisp audio with minimal distortion. The standout feature here is the Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. It truly puts you in the center of the music, creating a 360-degree sound experience that was previously reserved for larger, over-ear headphones. It feels like you’re in the room with the artist.
-
An Absolute Powerhouse of a Battery: What impressed me most was the staggering 50-hour battery life. This is a game-changer. I used them for days on end—during my commute, at my desk, and at the gym—without ever worrying about the next charge. And for those rare moments when you do run out of juice, the “Fast Fuel” feature gives you a solid 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
-
Universal Compatibility and Ultimate Flexibility: Whether you’re on Team Apple or Team Android, the Solo 4 offers a seamless experience with one-touch pairing for both. More importantly, they’ve added multiple ways to listen. You can now get high-fidelity lossless audio via the included USB-C cable, and for true versatility, the classic 3.5mm audio jack lets you listen even when the battery is completely dead. This level of flexibility is unmatched.
-
Superior Comfort and a Featherlight Design: The new UltraPlush ear cushions and flexible headband make these headphones incredibly comfortable for long listening sessions. Weighing in at just 217 grams, I barely noticed they were there. For an on-ear design, this is a major accomplishment and a crucial factor for all-day wear.
Possible Drawbacks (Cons):
Despite all the fantastic features, there are a couple of points to consider that might not make them the perfect fit for everyone.
-
No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): In a market where headphones approaching the $200 price point often include Active Noise Cancellation, its absence here is noticeable. The Solo 4 relies on passive noise isolation from its design, which works reasonably well, but it won’t block out the drone of an airplane or the chatter of a busy café. If you’re a frequent traveler or work in noisy environments, this could be a significant drawback.
-
On-Ear Design Isn’t for Everyone: While the comfort has been vastly improved, the on-ear design remains a matter of personal preference. Some users might still feel a bit of pressure on their ears after several continuous hours of use, especially when compared to the feel of over-ear headphones that fully enclose the ear.
Summary and Final Verdict:
The Beats Solo 4 headphones offer a fantastic, well-rounded package that successfully merges iconic design with modern audio performance, incredible battery life, and unparalleled connectivity options. This is a worthy update that breathes new life into one of the world’s most recognizable headphone lines.
Is it worth buying? Yes, absolutely—if you’re looking for a stylish, portable, and reliable pair of wireless headphones with a battery that lasts for days and delivers a premium, immersive sound experience. They are the perfect choice for students, commuters, and anyone who values the signature Beats audio profile and seamless multi-device compatibility. However, if Active Noise Cancellation is your top priority, you might want to explore other alternatives in this price range.
Price & Special Offer
Discounted Price: $199.95 - $24.00
Original Price: [regular_price]
Prices and availability are accurate as of Jul 27, 2025 13:33:43 UTC and may change.
Disclaimer: This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links—at no extra cost to you.
