The new Beats Solo 4 headphones may seem lacking in features at first glance, especially for a $200 price tag. There’s no noise canceling or transparency mode, no auto pause feature, and no water-resistance rating. However, Beats is proud of the Solo 4’s minimalism, highlighting their slimline design, upgraded sound quality, and core features like up to 50 hours of playback per charge, the ability to use either 3.5-mm or USB-C for lossless audio, and in-house features for easy pairing with Android and Apple devices.
Despite my initial skepticism, the Solo 4 headphones impressed me with their warm, clean sound. The redesigned acoustic architecture showcases Apple’s influence on the Beats brand. While there may be more advanced options on the market, the Solo 4’s performance makes them worth considering, especially as the price may drop over time.
In terms of design, the Solo 4 headphones stick to the classic Beats aesthetic with matte plastic casing in vivid colors and the signature Beats logo on each earcup. They fold down for easy travel and come with a compact case that includes pockets for the cables.
The headphones provide a firm grip and offer passive noise isolation, although the clamping force may cause discomfort over time. The lack of ambient audio and water-resistance is unusual for sporty headphones in 2024. The control system is simplified and intuitive, centered around the left-side Beats logo.
While the Solo 4 may lack features like auto pause sensors and auto power-down, they do offer advanced features for both Android and Apple devices through the Beats Proprietary Platform. Android users can enjoy auto pairing and audio switching, while Apple users get hands-free voice control with “Hey Siri” and other customization options.
Overall, the Solo 4 headphones may not have all the bells and whistles of other options, but their sound quality and versatile features make them a viable choice for some consumers, especially as the price is expected to decrease.
