Beats Solo 4 vs Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Verdict
Beats Solo 4 and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds serve fundamentally different use cases despite both lacking active noise cancellation. Solo 4 excels with its massive 50-hour battery life, wired connectivity options for lossless audio, and superior comfort for extended listening sessions thanks to its on-ear design and 40mm drivers. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds prioritize portability and ambient awareness with their innovative cuff design, IPX4 water resistance, and OpenAudio technology that lets ambient sound in naturally. Battery life drops to 7.5 hours per charge (19.5 with case), making them less ideal for long trips. Bose offers wireless charging, multipoint pairing, and aptX Adaptive codec support,features absent on Beats. At $199, Solo 4 provides exceptional value for travelers and commuters needing all-day battery without recharging. Bose's $299 price targets active lifestyles where open-ear awareness matters more than isolation. Choose Solo 4 for longevity and versatility; select Bose for outdoor fitness and social situations.
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 Ultra Open Earbuds if…
- →Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- →Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- →Wireless charging case adds convenience
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 Ultra Open Earbuds
Pros
- Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- Wireless charging case adds convenience
- Multipoint and aptX Adaptive for high-quality streaming
- Ideal for situational awareness during outdoor activities
Cons
- Very expensive at $299 for earbuds without ANC
- Bass is inherently limited compared to sealed designs
- 7.5-hour battery is decent but not exceptional
- Sound leak is noticeable in quiet environments
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 4 | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 217 g | 6.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min Fast Fuel for 5 hrs | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 40 mm transducer with custom acoustic platform | Bose OpenAudio technology |
| 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 | Cuff-style design clips onto the ear, Bose Immersive Audio with head tracking, OpenAudio directional sound technology, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wireless charging case, Customizable EQ via Bose Music app |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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 Ultra Open Earbuds.