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Electronics · Headphones Aggregate score: 7.6 / 10

Beats Solo 4: Here's What Reviewers Actually Say

We haven't tested this one ourselves — instead, we read through reviews from major tech outlets and pulled out what people consistently agree (and disagree) on about Beats' first Solo update in eight years.

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How this review was made: This is a roundup, not a firsthand test. We synthesized published reviews from TechRadar, Tom's Guide, TechSpot, and others, then rewrote the common takeaways in our own words below. Full source list is at the bottom.

The Solo 4 is Beats' first update to its iconic on-ear line in eight years, and reviewers are largely aligned on where it succeeds and where it doesn't: strong battery life and useful new connectivity, paired with sound quality that doesn't quite match the price tag.

What reviewers consistently praised

Battery life comes up in nearly every review as a genuine strength — up to 50 hours, with reviewers noting that 10 minutes of charging can add roughly 5 hours of playback. The new USB-C port for lossless wired audio was called a welcome, overdue addition, and reviewers appreciated that one-touch pairing now works cleanly across both iOS and Android, a real upgrade over the previous generation's iPhone-first design. Passive noise isolation — despite the lack of active noise cancellation — was repeatedly described as surprisingly effective, and call quality was singled out as a highlight, with testers noting their voice came through clear even in some ambient noise.

What reviewers consistently pushed back on

The most consistent criticism is that sound quality is "middling" or "so-so" for the price — reviewers wanted more clarity and bass depth, especially compared to rivals at the same price point. Multiple outlets also noted comfort issues for extended wear, since the on-ear (rather than over-ear) design doesn't fully seal around the ear, and a few reviewers found the touch controls inconsistent. The complete absence of active noise cancellation was flagged repeatedly as a notable omission at this price.

What reviewers liked

  • Genuinely strong battery life — up to 50 hours, fast top-ups
  • USB-C lossless audio support, a first for this line
  • Clean cross-platform pairing (iOS and Android)
  • Excellent call quality; good passive noise isolation

What reviewers flagged

  • Sound quality described as average for the price
  • No active noise cancellation
  • Comfort can suffer over long listening sessions
  • Touch controls inconsistent for some reviewers

Who this seems to fit

Based on the pattern across reviews, this fits people who prioritize all-day battery life, style, and reliable calls over class-leading sound — think commuting, workouts, or travel rather than critical listening. Reviewers are fairly consistent that if active noise cancellation or top-tier sound quality is the priority, it's worth comparing against other headphones at the same price before committing.

Is it worth the price?

Amazon prices shift regularly, so check the live price on the button below rather than relying on a fixed number here. Reviewers were split — several called it a solid value for the battery life and features, while others felt the competition is simply stronger at the same price.

Our take, based on the roundup

The consistent thread is that this is a headphone built around battery life, style, and everyday usability rather than audiophile sound. If that trade-off matches what you're looking for, reviewers found it a dependable daily pair — just don't expect it to compete with ANC-equipped rivals on pure audio performance.

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Sources referenced for this roundup