Beats Solo 4 vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Verdict
Beats Solo 4 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II target different listening priorities. Beats Solo 4 excels with impressive 50-hour battery life, lossless audio capability via USB-C, and modern Bluetooth 5.3 with extended range, making it ideal for travel and casual listening. Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers active noise cancellation with three adjustable levels, over-ear comfort for extended wear, and built-in Google Assistant integration, though its 20-hour wireless battery and older Micro-USB charging feel dated. At $199, Beats offers better value for battery-conscious users without ANC needs. If ANC is essential for commuting or flights, Bose justifies the $299 premium, but the aging Bluetooth 4.2 and slower charging are notable drawbacks. For most users, Beats Solo 4 provides superior everyday performance and affordability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Solo 4 if…
- →50-hour battery life is the longest in any Beats product
- →Works equally well with both iOS and Android — no ecosystem lock-in
- →Lossless audio via USB-C is a first for Beats on-ear headphones
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Beats Solo 4
Pros
- 50-hour battery life is the longest in any Beats product
- Works equally well with both iOS and Android — no ecosystem lock-in
- Lossless audio via USB-C is a first for Beats on-ear headphones
- Lighter and more comfortable than Solo 3 at 217 g
- Spatial Audio with head tracking for immersive music
Cons
- No active noise cancellation — odd for $199 in 2024
- On-ear design causes pressure fatigue after extended wear
- AAC/SBC only via Bluetooth — no LDAC or aptX
- Sound leans bass-heavy, which won't suit all genres
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 4 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 217 g | 235 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min Fast Fuel for 5 hrs | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 40 mm transducer with custom acoustic platform | 40mm Bose custom drivers |
| Features | Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, Lossless audio via USB-C or 3.5mm cable, Apple and Android Find My support, One-touch pairing with both iOS and Android, Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range, Up to 50 hours of battery life | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 4.2 with NFC pairing |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Bose products. View full details for the Beats Solo 4 or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
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