Our Honest Assessment
Beats has always understood that style and simplicity matter as much as technical specifications for most buyers, and the Solo 4 reflects that philosophy well. They look premium, feel comfortable on the head, and are genuinely lightweight — you can wear them through a full workday without significant discomfort. The 50-hour battery is the headline specification, and it's accurate.
Sound quality is warm and bass-emphasised, which suits mainstream music genres well. They're not neutral-sounding headphones for audiophile listening, but that's not their target. Works with both iPhone (including with Apple's W1 chip features) and Android (via standard Bluetooth). The honest limitation: there's no active noise cancellation, which means ambient sound comes through — these aren't designed for noisy commutes without ANC.
What We Like — and What We Don't
✓ Strengths
- 50-hour battery — exceptional longevity
- Comfortable, lightweight on-ear design
- Stylish build, available in multiple colours
- Works with both iPhone and Android
- Spatial Audio support (Apple devices)
- Apple W1 chip for fast iPhone pairing
✗ Limitations
- No active noise cancellation
- On-ear design less comfortable than over-ear for all-day wear
- Bass-heavy sound won't suit all tastes
- Folds but not the most compact travel headphone
- Premium brand pricing vs generic alternatives
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driver | Custom 40mm |
| Battery | Up to 50 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Chip | Apple W1 (iPhone) / Class 1 Bluetooth (Android) |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Weight | 213g |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Apple devices |
Performance Scores
Who Should Buy This?
Casual music listeners who want comfortable, stylish headphones with outstanding battery life and don't need ANC. Particularly good for iPhone users who value the quick-pair W1 chip integration.
Commuters who need noise cancellation should look at the Sony XM6 or Soundcore Q20i. Audiophiles wanting neutral, detailed sound should look elsewhere. Those who find on-ear headphones uncomfortable.
Pulsewave Verdict
The Beats Solo 4 are a well-executed casual headphone that delivers on its core promises: style, comfort, and exceptional battery life. The absence of ANC is the main trade-off compared to alternatives at this price, and it's worth knowing before you buy. But for everyday listening, studying, and casual use where you don't need silence on demand — the Solo 4 are enjoyable, reliable, and highly practical.
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