Beats Solo 4 vs Sony ULT Wear
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver excellent value at $199, but serve different priorities. Beats Solo 4 excels with its ultra-lightweight 217g on-ear design and impressive 50-hour battery life regardless of features, plus seamless Apple ecosystem integration via Spatial Audio and Find My support. Sony ULT Wear counters with true active noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and LDAC hi-res audio support for superior sound quality,though its 255g weight and 30-hour ANC battery are notable tradeoffs. Performance-wise, Sony's 40mm drivers paired with ULT bass technology and adaptive sound control outshine Beats' more basic acoustic platform. Choose Beats for portability, ecosystem loyalty, and longevity between charges; select Sony for ANC capability, hi-res audio, and sound customization features. Sony ULT Wear edges ahead for feature completeness and audio enthusiasts.
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 Sony ULT Wear if…
- →ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- →50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- →LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
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
Sony ULT Wear
Pros
- ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- 50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
- Effective ANC that rivals headphones at twice the price
- Sony's proven comfort and lightweight design
Cons
- ULT bass mode can overwhelm mids and treble at max setting
- No IP rating — not suitable for gym or outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.2 instead of newer 5.3
- Plastic build feels less premium than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 4 | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 217 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min Fast Fuel for 5 hrs | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | 40 mm transducer with custom acoustic platform | 40 mm |
| 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 | ULT button for extra bass — two bass boost levels, Adaptive Sound Control, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, 360 Reality Audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | 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.
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