Beats Solo 4 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Verdict
The Beats Solo 4 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Beats Solo 4 is the cheaper of the two at $199 versus $449, a difference of about $250. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Beats Solo 4 stands out for 50-hour battery life is the longest in any beats product, while Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is praised for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 4 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 217 g | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min Fast Fuel for 5 hrs | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm transducer with custom acoustic platform | — |
| 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 | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
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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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).