Yes, Beats Solo 4 have active noise cancellation, but it's weaker than some competitors at the same price
The Beats Solo 4 include active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones and speakers to cancel out ambient sound. However, the noise cancellation is moderate rather than best-in-class. It reduces low-frequency rumble like airplane engines and traffic reasonably well, but does not block out sharp sounds like voices or keyboard typing as effectively as Sony WH-CH720N or Bose QuietComfort headphones in the same price range.
The headphones also have a transparency mode (called "Conversation Awareness" in Beats' software) that lets outside sound in when you need to hear your surroundings. You toggle between ANC, transparency, and off using the button on the left ear cup or through the Beats app on your phone.
Battery life with ANC on is around 36 hours, which is longer than most competitors. With ANC off, you get up to 50 hours. That longevity matters more for casual listeners than noise cancellation strength, since you will not need to charge as often.
Key Takeaways
- Beats Solo 4 have active noise cancellation that works well for low-frequency sounds like engine noise but less well for voices and sharp sounds.
- Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without removing the headphones, controlled by a button on the left ear cup.
- Battery life is 36 hours with ANC on and 50 hours with ANC off, longer than most headphones in this price bracket.
- If noise cancellation is your main priority, Sony WH-CH720N or Bose QuietComfort offer stronger ANC at similar prices.
How the noise cancellation actually performs in real situations
The ANC on Solo 4 is noticeably effective on flights and in cars, where the sound is constant and low-pitched. You will hear a reduction in engine rumble and tire noise. On a subway or bus, the effect is less dramatic because the noise includes higher frequencies and sudden sounds that ANC struggles with.
In an office or coffee shop, the headphones reduce background hum but do not block out conversations nearby. If someone speaks directly to you, you will hear them clearly even with ANC on. This is by design — Beats prioritizes not isolating you completely, which some people prefer for safety or social reasons.
The noise cancellation does not change based on your environment. You cannot tell the headphones to be more aggressive in loud settings or gentler in quiet ones. What you get is a single, fixed level of cancellation.
Transparency mode and how to use it
Transparency mode (called Conversation Awareness) is activated by pressing and holding the button on the left ear cup. When it is on, the microphones pick up outside sound and play it through the speakers so you can hear what is happening around you without removing the headphones.
The transparency sound quality is clear enough for brief conversations or hearing announcements, but it sounds slightly processed — not quite like hearing the sound directly. You can adjust the transparency level in the Beats app if your phone is paired, turning it up or down depending on how much outside sound you want.
Many people use transparency mode when they need to stay aware of traffic, talk to someone briefly, or listen for a notification. It is faster than taking the headphones off.
Comparing Solo 4 ANC to other headphones at this price
| Headphones | Noise Cancellation Strength | Transparency Mode | Battery (ANC On) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beats Solo 4 | Moderate | Yes (Conversation Awareness) | 36 hours |
| Sony WH-CH720N | Strong | Yes | 35 hours |
| Bose QuietComfort | Strong | Yes | 24 hours |
| JBL Live Pro 2 | Moderate | Yes | 36 hours |
Sony and Bose both deliver noticeably stronger noise cancellation than Beats, especially for mid-range and high-frequency sounds. If blocking out voices or office noise is important to you, either of those will perform better. Bose has shorter battery life but is known for comfort on longer wear sessions.
JBL Live Pro 2 offers similar ANC performance to Solo 4 with comparable battery life, so the choice between them often comes down to sound signature and design preference rather than noise cancellation capability.
What happens when you turn ANC off
With ANC disabled, the headphones sound slightly different — a bit brighter and more open, since the ANC circuitry is not running. Battery life jumps to 50 hours, which is useful if you are traveling and do not need noise cancellation for the entire trip.
Some people prefer the sound quality with ANC off, especially for music. The difference is subtle but noticeable if you switch back and forth. You can turn ANC off in the Beats app or by holding the button on the left ear cup until you hear a tone.
Pairing and controlling ANC with your phone
The Beats app (available on iPhone and Android) gives you full control over ANC settings. You can toggle ANC on and off, adjust transparency level, and see battery percentage. The app also lets you customize the button on the left ear cup to do different things — by default it cycles through ANC, transparency, and off.
If you do not use the app, the button still works the same way. Pressing it cycles through the three modes. You will hear a voice prompt telling you which mode you are in.
Pairing is straightforward: hold the button on the left ear cup until the light flashes, then select Beats Solo 4 in your phone's Bluetooth settings. Once paired, the headphones reconnect automatically when you turn them on.
When noise cancellation might not be worth the trade-off
Noise cancellation uses battery power and adds weight to the headphones. If you mostly listen in quiet environments like your home or office, you may not notice much benefit. In that case, a lighter headphone without ANC might feel more comfortable for all-day wear.
Some people find that ANC creates a slight pressure sensation in the ears, especially on longer listening sessions. This is less common with Beats than with some competitors, but it is worth trying them on in a store if you are sensitive to it.
If your main use is outdoor exercise or sports, noise cancellation is less useful because you want to hear traffic and your surroundings. Beats Solo 4 are not designed for sports anyway — they are over-ear headphones meant for casual listening and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Beats Solo 4 block out all noise?
No. Noise cancellation reduces ambient sound but does not eliminate it completely. You will still hear loud or sudden sounds, and voices nearby will come through. The effect is most noticeable with constant, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines.
Can you use transparency mode while listening to music?
Yes. Transparency mode plays outside sound through the speakers while your music continues at a lower volume. You can adjust the balance in the Beats app to hear more or less of the outside world.
Does noise cancellation drain the battery faster?
Yes. With ANC on, you get 36 hours of battery. With ANC off, you get 50 hours. The difference is significant if you are on a long trip and do not need cancellation the entire time.
What is the difference between Beats Solo 4 and Solo 3 noise cancellation?
Solo 4 have stronger, more refined ANC than Solo 3. Solo 3 also have noise cancellation but it is less effective at blocking low-frequency sounds. If you own Solo 3 and are considering an upgrade, the improvement in ANC is one of the main reasons to switch.
Do I need to use the Beats app to control noise cancellation?
No. The button on the left ear cup controls ANC without the app. The app is optional and mainly useful for fine-tuning transparency level and customizing button behavior.