Beats Solo 4 vs Jabra Elite 4 Active
The Verdict
Beats Solo 4 and Jabra Elite 4 Active target different use cases entirely. Solo 4 excels as a lifestyle headphone with exceptional 50-hour battery life, lossless audio capabilities via USB-C, and premium build quality, though it lacks ANC and weighs 217g. Elite 4 Active prioritizes portability and active use with true wireless convenience, IP57 dust/water resistance, and genuine ANC, but offers only 7 hours per charge (28 total with case) and lighter 6mm drivers. At $199 versus $119, Solo 4 justifies its premium through audiophile features and battery longevity for travel, commuting, or everyday use. Elite 4 Active better serves gym-goers and outdoor enthusiasts needing durability and noise isolation. Choose Solo 4 for audio quality and battery supremacy; select Elite 4 Active for active lifestyle and workout resilience.
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 Jabra Elite 4 Active if…
- →ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- →Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- →7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
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
Jabra Elite 4 Active
Pros
- ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- 7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
- Compact and lightweight at 5 g per earbud
- Google Fast Pair for instant Android setup
Cons
- No multipoint Bluetooth — connects to one device at a time
- No wireless charging on the case
- ANC is functional but not deep — best for light noise reduction
- Call quality drops in windy conditions
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 4 | Jabra Elite 4 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 217 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min Fast Fuel for 5 hrs | USB-C (no wireless charging) |
| Drivers | 40 mm transducer with custom acoustic platform | 6mm dynamic driver |
| 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 | Active Noise Cancellation, HearThrough mode, Secure ActiveGrip coating for workouts, Jabra Sound+ app, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap, IP57 dust and waterproof |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP57 |
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 Jabra products. View full details for the Beats Solo 4 or the Jabra Elite 4 Active.