An incredibly lightweight design makes this tech perfect for life on the move, but how do these headphones handle the reality of a loud daily commute?
What makes the Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones special?
The Beats Solo 4 headphones pack everything that made Beats synonymous with music into a design that feels incredibly classy and chic. Unboxing them is an event in itself; their sleek, premium box slides open to reveal a woven matching case to keep the headphones safe and clean.The headphones themselves perfectly balance style with substance, offering a sleek, streamlined aesthetic that looks great whether you're hitting the gym or surviving the daily grind.
What really sets them apart though is how remarkably lightweight they feel on your head – eliminating the usual bulkiness of traditional over-ear models without sacrificing durability. Despite the weightless build, the sound quality is absolutely incredible; Beats has mastered the acoustics to deliver a beautifully balanced, punchy, and crisp audio profile that brings your music to life. Even when you're packed onto the Victoria line during rush hour.
Are the Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones noise-cancelling?
Short answer: no. I’m usually a sucker for a noise-cancelling headphone, but with the audio quality being so good, it doesn’t seem to matter! The ear pads clamp so securely against your ears, they create a really tight passive seal that naturally muffles out a shocking amount of the outside world. It is a more organic way of blocking noise, and it means that even without active noise cancellation, your music stays crisp and isolated, giving you that much-needed barrier against the chaos of a packed train carriage.
Are the Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones comfortable?
At just 217g, these things are seriously light. The ear cushions are incredibly soft, too, which makes a great first impression. But here’s the catch: because these sit directly on your ears, instead of wrapping around them, they have to clamp on fairly tight to stay secure. It’s a lifesaver when you’re running for the train or working out, because they aren’t going to slide off your head. But if you're wearing them for a few hours straight at your desk, that pressure starts to build up and you'll definitely need to take them off to give your ears a rest. That said, I do feel as though this close, snug fit actually adds to the listening experience, really allowing you to be fully immersed in the audio.
How long does the battery last and how quickly does it charge?
Where these headphones really win is the battery life. It is honestly ridiculous; up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge! In the real world, this means I can go a couple of weeks of daily commutes and gym sessions without ever having to hunt for a charging cable. But the absolute best part is the quick-charge feature. If you're like me and only realise your headphones are dead right as you're putting your trainers on for a run, you can just plug them in via the USB-C cable for a mere 10 minutes and get a solid 5 hours of battery life out of them. And, if you ever do find yourself completely flat out of battery with zero time to charge, you can literally just plug in the included 3.5mm headphone jack and keep listening forever without using any battery power at all. Bonus.
The verdict: are the Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones worth it?
At just under £200, they are definitely an investment, but if you want a premium, elevated listening experience that actually fits into a busy lifestyle, they are absolutely worth it. For the gym, commute and daily life, and with that unmatched 50-hour battery, the Beats Solo 4 are 100 per cent worth investing in.
★★★★
