Yes, Beats Solo 4 have noise cancelling, but it works differently than you might expect

The Beats Solo 4 include active noise cancelling (ANC), which means they use microphones and speakers to reduce outside sound rather than just blocking it with padding. When you turn ANC on, the headphones listen to ambient noise and play an inverted sound wave to cancel it out. This works best on steady, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, traffic, or air conditioning hum.

However, ANC on the Solo 4 is not aggressive. It reduces noise noticeably but does not eliminate it entirely. You will still hear sharp sounds, voices, and sudden noises — just quieter. If you are comparing them to higher-end Beats models like the Studio Pro or to Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, the Solo 4 offer less isolation overall.

The headphones also have a Transparency mode, which does the opposite: it amplifies outside sound so you can hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. This is useful when you need to hear announcements, traffic, or someone talking to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Beats Solo 4 have active noise cancelling that reduces ambient sound but does not block it completely, working best on steady background noise like traffic or engines.
  • Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off, useful for safety or quick conversations.
  • Battery life on ANC is about 36 hours, compared to 40 hours with ANC off, so the feature does not drain the battery significantly.
  • ANC performance depends on fit — a loose seal around your ears reduces how well the noise cancelling works.

How ANC performs on different types of noise

Active noise cancelling works unevenly depending on what you are listening to. Low-frequency, steady sounds — like the rumble of a plane cabin, a highway, or an air conditioner — are where ANC shines. The Solo 4 handle these well and noticeably reduce the volume you need to play music at.

High-frequency sounds and sudden noises are harder for ANC to cancel. Voices, dog barks, car horns, and keyboard typing come through more clearly even with ANC on. This is a limitation of how active noise cancelling works in general, not specific to Beats — the technology needs time to detect and respond to sound, so fast-changing noise slips through.

If you work in a busy office or live on a noisy street, ANC will help but will not create silence. You will still want to play music or use the headphones for calls to mask remaining sound.

Battery life with and without noise cancelling

Beats Solo 4 last about 40 hours on a single charge with ANC turned off. With ANC on, that drops to roughly 36 hours. The difference is small enough that most people will leave ANC on all the time without worrying about battery drain.

A 10-minute charge gives you about 4 hours of listening time, which is useful if you forget to charge overnight. The headphones use USB-C, which is standard on most modern devices, so you likely have a cable already.

Fit matters more than you think for noise cancelling

How well ANC works depends heavily on how snugly the headphones sit on your ears. If there are gaps between the ear cup and your head, outside sound leaks in and the noise cancelling has less effect. The Solo 4 come with three sizes of ear cushions — small, medium, and large — so take time to find the right fit.

Wearing the headphones over glasses, hats, or thick hair can also break the seal. If you notice ANC is not working as well as you expected, try adjusting the headphones or switching to a different ear cushion size. A tight fit is not just more comfortable — it is necessary for the feature to work properly.

Transparency mode and when to use it

Transparency mode amplifies outside sound through the headphones' microphones, so you hear your environment clearly without removing them. This is useful when you are waiting for an announcement at an airport, crossing a street, or someone is trying to talk to you at home.

You can toggle between ANC, Transparency, and off using the button on the left ear cup or through the Beats app on your phone. Switching takes one tap, so you can move between modes quickly depending on what you are doing.

How Solo 4 compare to other Beats models on noise cancelling

The Beats Solo 4 sit in the middle of the Beats lineup for noise cancelling. The Beats Studio Pro offer stronger ANC and better overall sound quality, but cost more and are bulkier. The Beats Fit Pro (earbuds) have comparable ANC in a smaller form factor if you prefer earbuds to over-ear headphones.

If you are coming from older Beats Solo models, the Solo 4 are a significant step up — earlier versions had no ANC at all. If you are comparing to Sony, Bose, or Apple AirPods Max, those brands offer more aggressive noise cancelling, but the Solo 4 are a solid middle ground for the price.

Troubleshooting when noise cancelling feels weak

If ANC is not working as well as you expected, check these things first. Make sure ANC is actually turned on — the button on the left ear cup toggles between modes, and you should hear a sound or feel a vibration when you switch. Check that you are using the right ear cushion size for your ears; a poor fit is the most common reason ANC feels weak.

Restart the headphones by holding the power button for 10 seconds until the light flashes. If you have the Beats app installed on your phone, check for a firmware update — Beats releases updates that sometimes improve ANC performance. If none of that helps and the headphones are new, contact Beats support; a defective unit is rare but possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Beats Solo 4 block out all noise?

No. Active noise cancelling reduces ambient sound, especially low-frequency noise like traffic or engines, but does not eliminate it. Voices, sudden sounds, and high-pitched noises still come through. For complete silence, you would need to play music or use the headphones for calls.

Can I use noise cancelling while on a phone call?

Yes. ANC stays on during calls and actually helps by reducing background noise on your end, making your voice clearer to the person you are talking to. You can also switch to Transparency mode if you need to hear your surroundings while on a call.

Does noise cancelling drain the battery faster?

Slightly. With ANC on, you get about 36 hours of battery life instead of 40 hours. The difference is small enough that most people leave ANC on all the time without worrying about running out of power.

What if the noise cancelling stops working?

First, check that ANC is turned on using the button on the left ear cup. Second, make sure the ear cushions fit snugly — gaps in the seal reduce ANC effectiveness. If neither of those fixes it, restart the headphones by holding the power button for 10 seconds, or check the Beats app for a firmware update.

Are Beats Solo 4 good for air travel?

Yes, they work well on planes. The steady, low-frequency engine noise is exactly what ANC handles best, so you will notice a real reduction in cabin rumble. Pair them with music or a movie and the flight will feel quieter. Just remember that voices and announcements still come through, so you will not miss important information.