Beats Solo 4 review: Great staying power, but are they a true upgrade?
Here are the headlines: same iconic look, better sound, longer battery.
But this Beats Solo 4 review shows it's more of a subtle tune-up than a full-on upgrade.
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BUY HERE
The Beats Solo 4 landed in May 2024, part of a wider refresh across Beats' classic line-up.
The update was long overdue — their predecessor, the Solo 3s, came out way back in 2016.
Thankfully, the Solo 4s bring some solid improvements, with longer battery life, USB-C charging, and Spatial Audio, as well as that signature Beats look.
Having reviewed some of the best noise-cancelling and best wireless headphones for running on the market, I was curious to see how the Solo 4s measure up.
Sitting mid-range in the Beats lineup, they're not the cheapest, but far from the priciest.
That puts them in an interesting spot: better in key areas than cheaper models, but not quite a full step above.
This Beats Solo 4 review will settle who they're best suited for, and whether they're worth their price tag.
Read on to find out.
Pros:
Spatial Audio for immersive sound
Long-lasting 50-hour battery
Easy-to-use physical controls
Cons:
No active noise cancellation
Not water or sweat resistant
Expensive at full price
Rating: 7/10
How I tested the Beats Solo 4
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I've spent the past couple of weeks with the Beats Solo 4, mostly seeing how they fare during my commute, dog walks, and day-to-day errands.
I focused on the stuff that matters: sound quality, comfort, battery life, and design. Basically, how well they hold up to real everyday use.
I've used Beats before; my Studio 3s from 2018 are still going strong, so expectations were high going into this.
How much are they? At £199.95, they're on the pricey side, but much better value if you catch them on sale.
Who are they best for? They're a great go-to for daily use and perfect for commutes, work, or winding down at home. They look slick, sound solid and last for ages on a single charge.
What we loved: The sound is clear and balanced, with Spatial Audio adding nice depth. Battery life is excellent; 50 hours means days without charging.
What we didn't: No noise cancelling, so not ideal in loud spaces. There's no water resistance either, so they're best kept out of the gym or rain. Considering their full price, they're a bit short on features.
The Nitty‑Gritty
First impressions
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Beats Solo 4, £199.95 £149 from Amazon
I didn't come into this blind. I've spent years with the Beats Studio3, so I had a solid feel for the Beats experience going in.
Out of the box, the Solo 4 made a strong impression, with the new slate blue colourway feeling like a bold and refreshing change from the black or grey I'm used to.
Like my old pair, they're lightweight but still feel sturdy, with just enough heft to come across as premium, not plasticky.
The setup was painless. The Solo 4 popped up instantly in Bluetooth mode and connected without fuss.
The move to USB-C charging is a welcome upgrade, especially since most of my other gear already uses it, so not having to hang on to another cable is a win.
Does it deliver?
7
For nearly £200, you'd be forgiven for expecting noise cancellation.
However, the Solo 4 skips it entirely, just like Beats' other non-Pro models.
That keeps it from stepping on the toes of the Studio range, but at this price point, the omission stings.
Still, they do a decent job of passively blocking out noise thanks to their snug fit.
The Solo 4 now supports Spatial Audio, which adds a nice sense of depth, and there's seamless compatibility with both Apple and Android devices.
Despite Beats sitting under the Apple umbrella, these use a Beats chipset rather than Apple's, which gives them more flexibility across platforms.
I've used them for everyday listening and while out walking the dog. They stay put, feel comfortable, and do the job, but they're not built for the outdoors.
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Beats Solo 4, £199.95 £149 from Amazon
There's no water or sweat resistance, which rules them out for anything more intense than a stroll on a dry day.
If you're planning to use them outside regularly, I'd look elsewhere.
The odd bit of exposure is fine, but long-term, it'll take a toll and shorten the headphones' lifespan.
The battery life is where the Solo 4 really shines, with a 10-hour boost over the previous model at up to 50 hours of playtime.
I used them most evenings over the week and only had to charge once. A quick 10-minute top-up using Fast Fuel supplies around five hours of playback, which is ideal for last-minute dashes out the door.
For an on-ear pair this compact, that kind of stamina is genuinely impressive.
The Solo 4 loses points for me simply because they don't feel like a true upgrade to an eight-year-old product.
You'll find options a fraction of the price offering ANC, and with no IP rating, the Solo 4 will always have limited functionality — both frustrating at this price point.
Audio quality
I've been testing the Beats Solo 4 for a while now, and having done my fair share of audio reviews, I know when something sounds good, and these certainly do.
Beats are often known for their bass-heavy sound, but I found the Solo 4 struck a nice balance.
Tracks do sound punchy, but deliver a well-rounded and enjoyable listening experience.
For me, they sound like a premium option, which is exactly what you'd expect when you're paying for the Beats name.
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Beats Solo 4, £199.95 £149 from Amazon
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One feature that stood out in practice was the physical controls, cleverly hidden in the ear cup.
A single press of the Beats logo pauses or plays your music, two presses skip to the next track, and three take you back to the previous one.
Adjusting the volume is just as simple; press above the logo to increase it and below to lower it.
It's an intuitive setup that feels natural to use and has the bonus of being glove-friendly, unlike touch controls.
How much are the Beats Solo 4?
The Beats Solo 4 hit shelves in May 2024 with a retail price of £199.95, making them a cheaper alternative to the flagship Studio Pro headphones, which go for a hefty £349.99.
For those looking for premium sound without breaking the bank, the Solo 4 strikes a solid middle ground.
You can now grab them at a discount, with Amazon slashing them by 25%, bringing the price down to just £149 for the Matte Black colourway.
Where to buy Beats
Since Beats is part of the Apple family, you can grab the Solo 4 directly from Apple, but you'll often save by shopping elsewhere.
They're stocked at most major retailers; Amazon, Currys, and Argos all have them listed, often with rotating deals, so it's worth shopping around for the best price.
Here's where to look:
Beats Solo 4 alternatives
If the Beats Solo 4 isn't quite in budget or you're after more features for less, there are plenty of solid alternatives worth a look.
The Sony WH-CH520 stand out as an affordable option, offering quality and noise-cancelling for under £40.
Another pick is the Soundcore Q30, a well-rounded choice that are currently going for £54.99 on Amazon.
They promise impressive sound specs and three noise-cancelling modes, making them a steal for the price.
For something a bit more unconventional, there's the Philips TAA6219BK. Their solar-powered design is pretty innovative and might appeal to eco-conscious buyers, especially for outdoor use.
They may not have the premium polish of the Solo 4, but for casual listening, these options deliver strong performance without the big spend.
The Beats Solo 4 are slick, well-made headphones that deliver where it counts for everyday use.
The 50-hour battery life is a real win, and the sound is clean, balanced, and easy to enjoy whether you're commuting, working, or just relaxing.
But the upgrade fell short, and they're not the most feature-packed option out there.
There's no active noise cancellation, and without any water or sweat resistance, they're not ideal for workouts or unpredictable weather.
At full price, they feel a bit steep for what you get.
But if you're after something comfortable and reliable, with battery life that goes for days, they're a solid pick, especially if you can catch them on sale.
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