AUDIO

Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones – Pros and Cons Review

 

A Stylish Upgrade with Trade-Offs

 

The Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, are the latest iteration of Beats’ iconic on-ear line, offering a sleek design, improved sound, and impressive battery life. Compatible with both Apple and Android devices, these headphones aim to deliver a premium audio experience with modern features like Spatial Audio and USB-C connectivity. After testing them, here’s a detailed look at their pros and cons to help you decide if they’re worth the investment.

 

 

Design and Build Quality

The Beats Solo 4 retain the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic, available in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink. Weighing just 217 grams, they’re lightweight and foldable, making them highly portable with a sturdy carrying case included. The brushed steel hinges and UltraPlush ear cushions add a touch of refinement, while the matte finish feels more premium than the glossy Solo 3. On-ear controls, including the clickable “b” logo for playback and a volume rocker, are intuitive but can be tricky to locate without looking. However, the on-ear design may cause discomfort during extended use, especially for those with earrings or larger heads, as the clamping force and minimal headband padding can press on the ears after an hour.

 

 

Sound Quality

Beats has made strides in refining the Solo 4’s audio with custom 40mm transducers, delivering a cleaner, more balanced sound compared to the bass-heavy Solo 3. Tracks like Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” showcase crisp mids and controlled bass, though the highs can feel slightly bright over Bluetooth. Wired listening via USB-C or 3.5mm cables offers lossless audio with improved detail and tighter timing, making it ideal for high-res streaming on platforms like Tidal. The Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking (iOS only) enhances immersion for movies and Dolby Atmos music, creating a surround-sound-like experience. However, the sound quality doesn’t quite match competitors like the Sony WH-ULT900N, which offer richer dynamics and better clarity at a similar price.

 

 

 

Features and Connectivity

The Solo 4 shine in connectivity, supporting Bluetooth 5.3 with fast pairing for both iOS and Android. Features like one-touch pairing, Find My/Device tracking, and Audio Sharing (iOS only) add convenience. The microphones deliver crisp voice calls, outperforming some pricier models like the AirPods Max. The standout feature is the 50-hour battery life, which outlasts most competitors, and Fast Fuel charging provides 5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge. However, the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) is a significant drawback at this price point, relying solely on decent passive isolation that struggles with low-end noise like subway rumble. Additionally, there’s no adjustable EQ or true multipoint Bluetooth pairing, limiting customization and seamless device switching.

 

 

 

Pros

 

Long Battery Life: Up to 50 hours, with fast charging for 5 hours in 10 minutes.

Versatile Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, and 3.5mm options; iOS and Android compatibility.

Improved Sound: Balanced audio with Spatial Audio support for immersive listening.

Portable Design: Lightweight, foldable, and includes a compact carrying case.

Clear Voice Calls: High-quality microphones for crisp call performance.

 

 

 

Cons

 

No ANC: Lacks active noise cancellation, a standard feature in this price range.

Comfort Issues: On-ear design can be uncomfortable for long sessions.

Average Sound for Price: Outperformed by competitors like Sony WH-ULT900N.

Limited Features: No adjustable EQ or true multipoint Bluetooth pairing.

 

 

 

Verdict

 

The Beats Solo 4 are a solid upgrade for fans of the brand, offering style, long battery life, and decent sound for casual listeners and commuters. However, the absence of ANC, limited comfort, and middling sound quality compared to rivals make them a tough sell at €199 unless you prioritize brand aesthetics or iOS ecosystem integration. Waiting for a sale (often dropping to €99) could make them a better value.

 

 

 

 

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