Yes, Beats Solo 4 has active noise cancelling built in

The Beats Solo 4 includes active noise cancelling (ANC), which uses microphones and speakers to reduce outside sound. When you turn ANC on, the headphones listen to ambient noise around you and play an inverted sound wave to cancel it out. This works best for steady, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, traffic, or air conditioning hum.

The noise cancelling on Solo 4 is not as aggressive as you'll find on over-ear models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45. Because Solo 4 are on-ear headphones (they sit on top of your ears rather than around them), they have less physical isolation to begin with. That said, the ANC does noticeably reduce background noise in most everyday situations.

You control ANC through the Beats app on your phone or by pressing the button on the left ear cup. You can turn it fully on, switch to Transparency mode (which lets outside sound in), or turn it off entirely to save battery.

Key Takeaways

  • Beats Solo 4 has active noise cancelling that reduces low-frequency sounds like traffic and engine noise.
  • The noise cancelling is less powerful than over-ear models because the on-ear design provides less physical isolation.
  • You can toggle between full ANC, Transparency mode, and off using the button on the left ear cup or the Beats app.
  • Turning ANC on drains the battery faster than using the headphones without it.
  • ANC works best in consistent background noise and is less effective against sudden, sharp sounds like voices or car horns.

How the noise cancelling actually works

Active noise cancelling on Solo 4 uses two microphones per ear cup. One microphone listens to the noise around you, and the other listens to what you hear inside the headphone. The processor then calculates an inverted sound wave and plays it through the speaker to cancel out the original noise.

This process happens in real time and adjusts constantly as the background noise changes. It's most effective against predictable, repeating sounds—airplane cabin noise, a refrigerator humming, or highway traffic. It struggles more with unpredictable sounds like someone talking next to you or a dog barking, because the headphones can't predict what's coming next.

The physical design of the headphones also matters. Because Solo 4 sit on your ears rather than sealing around them, some sound leaks in around the edges no matter what the ANC does. This is why they're not the best choice if you need maximum isolation—but it also means they're lighter and more portable than over-ear alternatives.

Transparency mode and when to use it

Beats Solo 4 include a Transparency mode that does the opposite of noise cancelling. When you switch to Transparency, the microphones pick up outside sound and play it through the speakers so you can hear what's happening around you without taking the headphones off. This is useful when you're walking outside, in a store, or anywhere you need to stay aware of your surroundings.

You can switch between ANC and Transparency by pressing the button on the left ear cup, or you can set up the Beats app to let you cycle through all three modes (ANC on, Transparency, and ANC off). Some people use Transparency mode during phone calls so they can hear themselves speak more naturally.

Battery life with and without noise cancelling

Beats Solo 4 last up to 40 hours with ANC turned off. With ANC on, the battery life drops to around 36 hours. That difference is smaller than on many other headphones because Solo 4 are relatively power-efficient, but it's still noticeable if you use them heavily every day.

If you're taking a long trip and won't have a chance to charge, turning off ANC can give you a few extra hours of listening time. The headphones charge via USB-C, and a 5-minute charge gives you about 1 hour of playback time.

Comparing Solo 4 noise cancelling to other headphones

Beats Solo 4 noise cancelling is effective for everyday use but not the strongest in its price range. If you sit next to someone talking or work in an open office, you'll still hear voices clearly even with ANC on. For that level of isolation, you'd need to step up to an over-ear model or use earplugs in addition to the headphones.

The Sony WH-CH720N and JBL Live Pro 2 are both cheaper than Solo 4 and offer similar noise cancelling performance. If you want significantly better ANC, the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45 are more expensive but noticeably quieter. The choice depends on what you're using them for and how much isolation you actually need.

Troubleshooting when noise cancelling isn't working

If ANC stops working or seems weaker than usual, start by checking that it's actually turned on. Open the Beats app and look at the ANC setting—it should show "On" rather than "Off" or "Transparency." If the app shows ANC is on but you're not hearing a difference, restart the headphones by holding the power button for 10 seconds until the light flashes.

Make sure the microphone holes on both ear cups are clean. Dust or debris blocking the microphones will prevent ANC from working properly. Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to gently clean around the microphone areas. If the headphones are still under warranty and ANC isn't working after a restart and cleaning, contact Beats support for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Beats Solo 4 without noise cancelling?

Yes. You can turn ANC off completely by pressing the button on the left ear cup or through the Beats app. The headphones will work normally without it, and you'll get longer battery life. Many people turn ANC off when they're indoors or in quiet environments where it's not needed.

Does noise cancelling work with all types of music?

Yes, ANC works independently of what you're listening to. It reduces background noise while your music or podcast plays on top. Some people find that ANC makes music sound slightly different because it's actively processing sound, but most won't notice the difference in everyday listening.

Will noise cancelling block out voices or conversations?

No, ANC is not designed to block voices. It works best on steady, low-frequency sounds. Conversations, barking dogs, and other unpredictable noises will still come through, though they may sound slightly quieter. If you need to block out voices, you'd need to increase the volume of your music or use earplugs in addition to the headphones.

How do I know if my Solo 4 noise cancelling is actually on?

When you press the button on the left ear cup to turn ANC on, you should hear a subtle sound or feel a slight change in the audio. The Beats app will also show the ANC status. If you're not sure, open the app and check the setting directly—it will clearly show whether ANC is on, off, or in Transparency mode.

Can I use noise cancelling while on a phone call?

Yes, ANC works during calls. The microphones will still pick up your voice clearly for the other person, while reducing background noise on your end. Some people switch to Transparency mode during calls so they can hear themselves speak more naturally, but ANC works fine for calls too.