Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones: A Stylish Comeback with Modern Upgrades

After an eight-year hiatus, Beats by Dre has finally unveiled the long-awaited successor to its iconic Solo 3 headphones: the Beats Solo 4. Launched in April 2024, these on-ear wireless headphones represent a significant evolution in both design and sound quality, addressing many of the criticisms that plagued earlier Beats models while maintaining the brand’s signature style.

Design Evolution: From Flashy to Sophisticated

The most immediate change is in aesthetics. Beats has moved away from the chrome-heavy, logo-emblazoned designs of the past toward a more refined, minimalist approach. The Solo 4 features a clean matte finish available in three colors: Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink. This design shift appears influenced by Apple’s design philosophy since acquiring Beats in 2014.

The Cloud Pink variant, in particular, has drawn attention for its subtle elegance—a far cry from the ostentatious Rose Gold of the Solo 3. The reduced branding and cleaner lines make these headphones versatile enough for both casual listeners and style-conscious consumers.

Technical Improvements Worth Noting

Beats has addressed several pain points from previous generations:

USB-C Charging: The Solo 4 finally abandons the outdated micro-USB port in favor of USB-C, bringing it in line with modern standards and enabling faster charging.

Lossless Audio Support: For the first time in the Solo line, these headphones support lossless audio when connected via USB-C to compatible devices.

Simultaneous Charging and Listening: Users can now charge the headphones while using them wired—a feature absent in earlier models.

Enhanced Battery Life: The Solo 4 offers up to 50 hours of playback, a 10-hour improvement over the Solo 3, making them ideal for long trips or extended use.

Sound Quality: A Game-Changer for Beats

Perhaps the most significant improvement is in audio performance. Beats has famously been criticized for its bass-heavy sound signature that often overwhelmed other frequencies. The Solo 4 takes a different approach.

The company claims the headphones deliver “Amazing sound. Simplified,” and early reviews confirm this isn’t just marketing speak. The bass response is noticeably more restrained and balanced, allowing midrange and treble frequencies to shine through. This makes the Solo 4 versatile enough for various genres, from hip-hop to classical music.

During testing with Kendrick Lamar’s “A.D.H.D.,” reviewers noted the ability to hear subtle details like layered vocals and intricate synth work that would have been buried under the bass-heavy profile of previous Beats models. The improved high-frequency response and passive tuning help maintain consistent sound quality across both wired and wireless connections.

Comfort Considerations

Despite improvements to the UltraPlush ear-cup padding, the on-ear design remains a double-edged sword. The cups sit directly on the ears rather than surrounding them, which can cause discomfort during extended listening sessions—particularly for users with multiple ear piercings or those who wear glasses.

The Solo 4’s passive noise isolation performs admirably, offering a middle ground between complete noise cancellation and full transparency. This natural isolation effectively blocks ambient noise without the need for active noise-canceling technology.

Smart Features and Ecosystem Integration

The Solo 4 introduces Personalized Spatial Audio, though its implementation has received mixed reviews. While the feature works technically, many users find it drains battery life unnecessarily and prefer standard stereo sound.

Cross-platform compatibility has been significantly improved:

For iOS users: iCloud pairing, full Siri integration, Find My support, over-the-air updates, and Handoff functionality

For Android users: Google Fast Pair, Bluetooth Multipoint (connecting to multiple devices simultaneously), Google Find My Device, and access to the Beats companion app

Pricing and Availability

The Beats Solo 4 retails for $200, positioning them in the premium on-ear headphone category. However, early adopters can find them on sale for $150 at retailers like Walmart, which is also offering promotional bundles including up to four months of Apple Music.

Should You Buy the Beats Solo 4?

Buy if:

• You prefer on-ear headphones and value style
• You want a more balanced sound profile than previous Beats models offered
• You need cross-platform compatibility
• You appreciate long battery life and modern connectivity options

Consider alternatives if:

• You prefer over-ear headphones for comfort
• You need active noise cancellation
• You’re on a tighter budget (consider the Sennheiser Accentum Plus or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2)

Final Verdict

The Beats Solo 4 successfully modernizes a beloved classic while addressing many of its predecessor’s shortcomings. The refined sound profile, improved battery life, and contemporary features make these headphones competitive in the premium on-ear market. While the on-ear design may not suit everyone, those who prefer this form factor will find the Solo 4 to be a worthy investment that balances style, functionality, and audio quality.

For longtime Beats fans and newcomers alike, the Solo 4 represents a thoughtful evolution that proves Beats has listened to user feedback and used its time wisely to create a genuinely improved product.

Tags: Beats Solo 4, Beats headphones, wireless headphones, on-ear headphones, Beats Solo 3 successor, USB-C headphones, spatial audio, Apple Beats, headphone review 2024, premium headphones, music accessories, audio technology

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