1. Introduction
In the crowded world of wireless headphones, finding a pair that strikes the right balance between sound quality, battery life, comfort, and price is no small feat. The Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones are Apple’s latest generation of on-ear Bluetooth headphones, promising improvements in audio, connectivity, and cross-platform compatibility. With strong brand recognition and a history rooted in lifestyle and pop culture, Beats arrives yet again with a refresh of its iconic Solo line.
But are they still worth your attention in 2026, with fierce competition in every price tier? In this review, we’ll explore the Solo 4 in depth, assessing its strengths, weaknesses, technical features, real-world performance, and how it stacks up against a rival like the Raycon The Fitness Bluetooth Headphones.
2. Product Overview
The Beats Solo 4 are wireless on-ear headphones designed for daily use, travel, and casual listening. While Beats traditionally leans heavily into bass-rich sound, the Solo 4 aim for a more balanced profile while preserving the brand’s energetic character. They support Bluetooth 5.3 with standard audio codecs (SBC and AAC) and include wired options via USB-C and 3.5 mm audio, a rare addition among modern wireless cans.
Key highlights for the Solo 4 include:
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Stylish, foldable design that’s lighter and more compact than many over-ear models.
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Up to ~50 hours of battery life on a single charge.
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Fast Fuel charging—10 min gives ~5 hours.
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USB-C + 3.5 mm wired playback options.
While they introduce improvements over prior Beats Solo generations, their lack of active noise cancellation and limited codec support may surprise some in the current headphone market.
3. Features & Specs
Below are the core technical details and features that define the Beats Solo 4:
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (Bluetooth) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, 3.5 mm audio |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Drivers | Custom 40 mm drivers |
| Noise Cancellation | Passive only (no ANC) |
| Multipoint | No |
| Weight | ~218 grams |
| Premium Features | Spatial Audio (on supported devices) |
Design & Build
The Solo 4 retain the classic Beats on-ear silhouette but with enhanced materials and collapsible hinges for portability. While these make them convenient for travel, the on-ear design can create pressure points over long sessions, especially for people with larger heads.
Controls are intuitive—playback and volume buttons are placed on the ear cups—but some users find them hard to locate by touch, and accidental presses are common when adjusting the headphones around the neck.
Connectivity Features
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Bluetooth pairing is fast and stable across iOS and Android.
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Apple users can enjoy Spatial Audio with head tracking on supported devices.
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No support for high-resolution codecs like aptX or LDAC—limiting audio quality available over Bluetooth.
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Multipoint Bluetooth (pairing with two devices simultaneously) isn’t supported.
These specs set clear expectations: excellent battery life and cross-platform convenience but limited advanced wireless features by 2026 standards.
4. Performance
Sound Quality
The Solo 4 deliver a sound signature that leans toward balanced with a slight treble lift—sufficient for everyday listening without overwhelming bass. Some reviews note engaging mids and clear vocals but occasionally woolly bass when music gets complex.
They’re solid performers for pop, rock, podcasts, and video streaming, but they don’t match the depth or refinement of higher-end over-ear models or true wireless earbuds with modern audio codecs.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery performance is one of the Solo 4’s major strengths. Official claims of up to 50 hours hold true for many users, and fast charging gives a quick boost when you’re in a hurry.
This makes them a reliable choice for travel, long commutes, or back-to-back work sessions without frequent charging.
Comfort & Fit
Being on-ear headphones, comfort varies by user. Some wearers find them secure and relatively lightweight, while others experience pressure build-up and hotspots after extended use.
The passive seal from the ear cups offers some sound isolation but doesn’t compare to the effectiveness of active noise cancelling systems found in other models.
Call Quality
Microphone performance is serviceable for casual calls, benefiting from multiple beam-forming mics that focus on voice clarity. Background sounds like fans or crowd chatter still come through, but voices remain intelligible.
Noise Handling
Without ANC, the Solo 4 rely on how well the ear pads cover the ear—resulting in limited isolation from external noise. They reduce some background sound but won’t drown out loud environments like airplanes or busy cafés as effectively as active noise canceling headphones.
5. Pros & Cons
Pros 👍
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✔️ Long Battery Life: ~50 hours is exceptional for Bluetooth on-ear cans.
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✔️ Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works well with both Apple and Android.
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✔️ Wired Playback Options: USB-C and 3.5 mm for lossless audio.
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✔️ Fast Charging: Quick five hours from a 10-minute charge.
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✔️ Portable and Stylish: Collapsible design and classic Beats look.
Cons 👎
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❌ No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
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❌ Limited Bluetooth Codecs (AAC/SBC only).
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❌ Comfort Issues for Some Users.
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❌ No Multipoint Connectivity.
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❌ Pricey Compared to Features.
6. Comparisons – Beats Solo 4 vs Raycon Fitness Bluetooth Headphones
Let’s compare the Solo 4 with a notable alternative in a similar price category:
Design & Comfort
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Solo 4: On-ear headphones with foldable design, but pressure can build after long listening.
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Raycon The Fitness Bluetooth Headphones: Over-ear design with comfortable cushions that are ideal for workouts and extended use.
Winner: Raycon Fitness (more secure, comfortable fit).
Noise Cancellation
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Solo 4: Passive only, no ANC.
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Raycon Fitness: Active Noise Cancellation included.
Winner: Raycon Fitness.
Battery Life
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Solo 4: ~50 hours Bluetooth playback.
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Raycon Fitness: Up to ~45 hours.
Winner: Solo 4 (slightly longer battery).
Connectivity
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Solo 4: Excellent Bluetooth reliability and cross-platform perks, but no multipoint.
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Raycon Fitness: Multipoint connectivity, making it easier to switch devices.
Winner: Raycon Fitness (more modern connectivity).
Sound Quality
Sound is subjective. Beats offer a balanced, engaging profile but lack high-res codecs and deep low end. Raycon’s audio quality appeals to workout listeners but doesn’t have the same brand tuning.
Tie: Personal preference applies.
Overall: If you want better connectivity, ANC, and comfort, the Raycon Fitness headphones are a strong alternative to Solo 4, often at a lower price.
7. Price & Value
The Solo 4 typically carry a mid-tier price tag compared to other wireless headphones. While their MSRP can be around $199, they frequently see discounts that bring them into a more competitive range.
In terms of value:
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Music listeners who prioritize battery life and reliable Bluetooth pairing may find them worth it.
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Users who want advanced features like ANC or multipoint pairing might feel the price doesn’t match the feature set.
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Frequent travelers or commuters may appreciate the wired playback option, a feature that adds flexibility.
8. Conclusion
The Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones are a stylish, versatile pair of on-ear headphones that deliver strengths in battery life, cross-platform compatibility, and convenience features. They incorporate thoughtful upgrades over previous generations and maintain the iconic Beats aesthetic.
However, in 2026, expectations for wireless headphones have evolved. The lack of active noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth, and high-resolution wireless codecs places them behind many rivals in the same price bracket.
Who should buy them?
✔️ Listeners who value long-lasting battery life and easy pairing with phones, tablets, and laptops.
✔️ Fans of Beats branding and design.
✔️ Users who want the flexibility of wired playback.
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