Beats has refined its headphone lineup under Apple ownership and introduced models that target different priorities. The Beats Solo 4 is a compact, on-ear design that prioritises portability and exceptional battery life.
The Beats Studio Pro is an over-ear premium model that focuses on active noise cancellation, spatial audio features, and a richer acoustic platform.
This head-to-head comparison examines design, sound quality, noise control, connectivity, battery performance, and value, so you can decide which Beats model best fits your needs and budget.
Design and Comfort: Which Beats Headphone Offers Better Wearability
Beats Solo 4 is an on-ear headphone built for portability and everyday use. It is foldable and features ergonomic, adjustable ear cups with a flex-grip headband, designed to stay secure while commuting or exercising.
The Solo 4 is lighter and more compact, making it easier to travel with and ideal for pocket-friendly storage. The official product page emphasises comfort and claims a battery life advantage for extended use.
The Beats Studio Pro features an over-ear design with larger ear cups and thicker cushions, creating a better seal around the ear. That physical seal helps with passive isolation, making the Studio Pro more comfortable for long listening sessions compared to on-ear options.
The Studio Pro folds for travel but remains bulkier than the Solo 4. If you prefer immersive long sessions or you frequently fly, the Studio Pro typically feels more comfortable and isolating.
Sound Quality Comparison: Solo 4 vs Studio Pro Audio Experience
Both models use Beats-tuned sound signatures but target slightly different listening preferences. The Solo 4 emphasises a lively, clean presentation with re-engineered drivers that deliver balanced mids and controlled bass for on-ear performance. It also supports personalised spatial audio on compatible devices, which adds a three-dimensional effect to certain recordings.
The Studio Pro utilises a fully custom acoustic platform and larger drivers to produce a broader soundstage, deeper low end, and a more dynamic range. When paired with its adaptive digital processing, the Studio Pro can present more detail at higher volumes while preserving clarity across various genres. For listeners who prioritise depth and immersive playback, the Studio Pro is the stronger performer.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes: Real World Performance
Active noise cancellation is a major differentiator. The Solo 4 relies on passive noise isolation from its on-ear cups and does not include adaptive ANC. That means ambient sounds will be more noticeable, which can be a safety advantage outdoors but a disadvantage in loud environments.
The Studio Pro features fully adaptive ANC and a transparent listening mode. Its ANC reduces consistent low-frequency noise, such as engine hum and air conditioning, very effectively while preserving voice intelligibility in transparency mode. If you often travel, commute or work in noisy cafes, the Studio Pro’s ANC considerably improves listening immersion.
Connectivity and Compatibility: Bluetooth, Codec, and Device Support
Both headphones support modern Bluetooth standards and quick pairing with Apple and Android ecosystems. According to lab testing and product documentation, the Solo 4 and Studio Pro support Bluetooth version 5.3, which enhances connection stability and range compared to older protocols.
The Studio Pro is designed to provide enhanced device integrations and lossless-capable workflows when used with compatible hardware and USB connectivity.
Both models provide on-device controls, voice assistant access, and app-level personalisation. If you frequently switch between Android and Apple devices, the Solo 4 has been updated to improve cross-platform behaviour.
Meanwhile, the Studio Pro includes additional Apple-centric features, such as personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for supported devices.
Battery Life and Charging Efficiency: Long Hours of Listening
Battery performance is where these two models diverge sharply. Official specifications state that the Solo 4 offers up to 50 hours of battery life and the Studio Pro provides up to 40 hours under ideal conditions. Both support a fast charge feature that yields several hours of playback from a short charge session.
Independent testing shows the practical difference can be substantial. Lab and real-world tests reported that the Solo 4 delivers extremely long runtimes, well beyond the official figure, when used at moderate listening levels. In contrast, the Studio Pro, with ANC active, measured significantly lower runtimes in testing typical of ANC over-ear headphones. If battery endurance is your priority, the Solo 4 is the clear leader.
Price, Value, and Final Verdict: Which Beats Headphones Should You Buy
Choose the Beats Solo 4 if you want exceptional battery life, a compact on-ear form factor, strong cross-platform compatibility, and a price that often undercuts flagship over-ear models. The Solo 4 delivers excellent everyday performance and portability while keeping costs and weight to a minimum. It is ideal for commuters, students, and users who value long battery life between charges.
Choose the Beats Studio Pro if you value active noise cancellation, a more immersive sound signature, and a comfortable over-ear design for long listening sessions. The Studio Pro is better suited for frequent travellers, office workers in noisy environments, and critical listeners who want greater isolation and dynamic range. The Studio Pro’s added features justify its premium positioning for those use cases.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Beats Solo 4 | Beats Studio Pro |
| Form factor | On ear | Over ear |
| Official battery life | Up to 50 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Real world battery testing | Extremely long endurance in moderate use | Typical ANC era runtimes lower when ANC active |
| Active noise cancellation | No ANC passive isolation only | Fully adaptive ANC and Transparency mode |
| Spatial audio | Personalized spatial audio on supported devices | Personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Best for | Portability and battery life | ANC, immersion and long session comfort |
| Typical price positioning | Mid tier value | Premium tier |
Citations for specifications and test results are available from official Beats product pages and independent reviews.
Closing Summary
Both the Beats Solo 4 and Beats Studio Pro are strong options that reflect different priorities. The Solo 4 excels in battery life, compactness, and value, while the Studio Pro excels in noise control, immersive audio, and comfort for long sessions.
Your choice should be driven by whether you prioritise marathon battery life and portability, or active noise cancellation and over-ear comfort. If you’d like, I can now create a personalized buying recommendation tailored to your usage pattern, such as commuting, gym use, office work, or travel.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Beats Solo 4 and Studio Pro?
A: The primary difference is that the Solo 4 is a compact on-ear model with exceptional battery life and portability, whereas the Studio Pro is an over-ear premium model with full active noise cancellation (ANC), a broader soundstage, and richer immersive sound.
Q: What is better, Beats Studio or Solo?
A: It depends on your needs: the Solo is better for portability and long battery life, while the Studio is better if you require high-end sound, ANC, and comfort for longer listening sessions.
Q: What is better than the Beats Solo 4?
A: If you’re looking for something better than the Solo 4, consider over-ear models like the Studio Pro or higher-tier noise-cancelling headphones from competing brands that offer premium sound, ANC, and larger drivers.
Q: Which one is better, the Beats Solo 4 or the Beats Studio 3?
A: Between the Solo 4 and Studio 3, the Solo 4 is generally better in terms of battery life and modern features; hence, in most cases, the Solo 4 would be the smarter pick.