Beats Solo 4
MSRP $200.00
“They’re the same Beats Solo you know, but with a slew of modern upgrades.”
Pros
- Light and comfy
- Sleek design
- Clear and detailed sound
- USB-C lossless, hi-res audio
- Spatial audio with head tracking
Cons
- Not for glasses wearers
- No ANC or Bluetooth Multipoint
- No EQ adjustments
- Boosted high frequencies
The Beats Solo headphones have been the brand’s bestselling product since their debut in 2009. With that kind of history (and popularity), you want to think very carefully about how you introduce a new generation. In other words, if it ain’t broke …
So it’s no real surprise that the recently launched Beats Solo 4 is a gentle evolution of the Solo3 Wireless, and not a raucous revolution. The shape, the design, the controls — even the price — all remain untouched. And yet, there are just enough enhancements here to keep Beats Solo fans from wandering, even if there are still plenty of other wireless headphones that offer more for the money. After spending a few days with the Solo 4, here’s what I think you should know.
What’s new?
The fourth-gen Beats Solo wireless headphones improve over their predecessors with:
- Longer battery life (50 hours versus 40 hours)
- Improved foam and structure on the earpads
- Improved 40mm driver that is designed to reduce distortion
- Personalized spatial audio support with head tracking (iOS only)
- Android support including Google Fast Pair and a dedicated Android app with Find My Device
- Hands-free voice assistant access (Siri only)
- USB-C charging
- USB-C audio, with lossless and hi-res audio support
- Digital MEMS mics (versus analog mics)
- A dedicated 3.5mm analog cable
On-ear, on brand
It’s tempting to compare the Solo 4’s $200 price to other wireless headphones, but the Solo 4’s unique on-ear design sets it apart. While other cans may offer more features, the Solo 4 excels in comfort, design, and sound quality.
For on-ear fans, the Solo 4’s sleek design, lightness, and clarity make them stand out in a market dominated by over-ear headphones. Despite some design concerns, like the thin plastic shells, the Solo 4 delivers on style and comfort.
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