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

The Beats Solo 4 includes active noise cancellation (ANC), which means the headphones use microphones and processing to reduce outside sound rather than relying on physical fit alone. You turn it on or off through the Beats app or by pressing the button on the left ear cup. However, the noise cancelling on Solo 4 is noticeably less aggressive than what you get from competing headphones at the same price — it reduces ambient noise rather than eliminating it, and it works better on constant sounds like airplane engines or traffic than on sudden noises like someone talking next to you.

The Solo 4 also includes a Transparency mode, which lets outside sound in so you can hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. This is useful if you need to stay aware of what's happening around you — for example, if you're working in an office and want to hear when someone approaches your desk.

Key Takeaways

  • Beats Solo 4 has active noise cancelling that reduces ambient sound, but it is less powerful than Sony WH-CH720N or Bose QuietComfort headphones at similar prices.
  • Noise cancelling works best on steady background noise like engine hum or air conditioning, and less well on speech or sudden sounds.
  • You control noise cancelling through the Beats app on your phone or the physical button on the left ear cup.
  • Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones, which is useful in offices or while walking.

How the noise cancelling actually performs in real use

On a flight or in a loud coffee shop, you will notice the Solo 4 turning down the volume of background noise, but you will still hear it. If someone is talking near you, you will hear their voice clearly even with ANC on. This is by design — Beats prioritizes comfort and battery life over maximum noise reduction, which means the processing is gentler on your ears during long listening sessions.

The noise cancelling also depends on fit. If the ear cups do not seal well against your ears, the ANC will be less effective because sound leaks in around the edges. The Solo 4 comes with three sizes of ear cushions (small, medium, large), so trying each size can improve how well the noise cancelling works for you.

Battery life with noise cancelling on versus off

With ANC on, the Beats Solo 4 lasts about 36 hours on a single charge. With ANC off, you get around 50 hours. This is one of the longest battery lives in the on-ear headphone category, which is why some people choose Solo 4 specifically if they want noise cancelling without constantly hunting for a charger.

The trade-off is that the headphones are larger and heavier than some competitors, so if you travel frequently and want something that fits easily in a backpack, you might find them bulkier than expected.

Comparing Solo 4 noise cancelling to other headphones at the same price

At around $200, the Solo 4 competes with the Sony WH-CH720N and the JBL Live Pro 2. The Sony model has stronger noise cancelling and better sound quality for music, but its battery lasts only 35 hours with ANC on. The JBL model has similar noise cancelling to the Solo 4 but a smaller battery. If noise cancelling is your main priority and you do not mind spending more, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5 both cancel noise more aggressively, though they cost $380 and $400 respectively.

The Solo 4 is the right choice if you want decent noise cancelling, excellent battery life, and the Beats ecosystem (seamless pairing with iPhones and other Apple devices). It is not the right choice if you need maximum noise cancellation or if you plan to use the headphones primarily on flights where you want to block out as much engine noise as possible.

Turning noise cancelling on and off

You can control ANC in two ways. The easiest is to press the button on the left ear cup — one press toggles between ANC on, Transparency mode, and ANC off. Holding the button opens Siri (on Apple devices) or your phone's voice assistant.

For more detailed control, open the Beats app on your phone and go to Settings. From there you can choose your default mode when you first put on the headphones, and you can customize which button press does what. Some people prefer to have one press toggle between ANC and off, skipping Transparency mode entirely.

What transparency mode does and when to use it

Transparency mode uses the same microphones that enable noise cancelling, but instead of reducing outside sound, it amplifies it and plays it through the speakers. This means you hear your surroundings as if the headphones were not there — or sometimes even louder and clearer than normal, depending on how you adjust the setting in the app.

Transparency mode is useful in offices, retail environments, or while walking outside. It lets you stay aware of traffic, conversations, or announcements without removing the headphones. Some people also use it during phone calls because it lets the other person hear less of your background noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use noise cancelling while on a phone call?

Yes. The Solo 4 has built-in microphones that work with ANC on. The person on the other end will hear you clearly because the microphones are designed to pick up your voice while filtering out background noise. Transparency mode can also help if you want to hear the other person more clearly.

Does noise cancelling drain the battery faster?

Yes, noticeably. With ANC on you get about 36 hours, and with it off you get around 50 hours. If you are on a long trip and do not need noise cancelling for the entire time, turning it off when you are in quieter environments will extend how long the headphones last between charges.

Will noise cancelling help if I am trying to focus while working?

It depends on your environment. If you work in an office with steady background noise like air conditioning or distant traffic, ANC will help you focus. If your office has people talking nearby, you will still hear them clearly. In that case, playing music or white noise through the headphones will block out speech better than ANC alone.

Is the noise cancelling good enough for airplane flights?

It is adequate but not exceptional. The Solo 4 will reduce engine noise noticeably, but you will still hear it. If you fly frequently and want maximum noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5 are stronger choices, though they cost significantly more.

Can I turn off noise cancelling permanently if I do not want to use it?

Yes. You can press the button on the left ear cup to cycle through modes, or you can set your preferred default mode in the Beats app. Some people turn ANC off entirely if they find it uncomfortable or if they prefer the sound of the headphones without it.