Sennheiser has launched the HD 620S, its latest pair of headphones that try to balance performance, noise isolation, and comfort.
This model is a bit of an odd duck but in a good way. The line that it’s a part of, the HD 600 series, consists entirely of open-back headphones. These are great at outputting high-quality audio. However, they’re not so good at blocking outside noise, making them a poor fit for travel. The HD 620S is swimming against the current by being a pair of closed-back headphones. Devices with this design are much better at stopping noise from leaking in.
The company states the cup covers are reinforced with steel that acts as “an efficient isolator”. Each one houses a 42mm dynamic transducer with a 38mm diaphragm engulfing the listener in a bubble of sound. Alongside them are 150-ohm aluminum voice coils ensuring clear vocal clarity and accurate output. The result is a pair of high-performing headphones able to cover a wide range of audio. Sennheiser even boasts they have a louder bass response than the HD 600, a pair of headphones that reportedly can reproduce “true-to-life sound”.
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
A comfortable fit
One of the issues with closed-ear headphones is they can be uncomfortable to wear. Their isolative design means air isn’t flowing which can lead to hot and sweaty ears. The HD 620S, however, is also focused on delivering a comfortable experience more akin to open-ear headphones. Sennheiser says the combination of “spacious ear cup covers and the supple ear pads” enables good ventilation so heat isn’t trapped. Like the cup covers, the headband is made of reinforced steel for long-term durability. They’re also lightweight with the whole package clocking in at 670g (about 1.5 pounds).
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
Preorders for the Sennheiser HD 620S are currently open. You can purchase a pair for $349.95/£299.99/AU$599.95. The shipping date is set for June 6. With a purchase, you’ll receive a six-foot cable (1.8 meters). In the next couple of months, all you audiophiles out there can buy an optional 4.4mm balanced cable for even better audio fidelity.
Analysis: Good first impression
You can think of these headphones as a jack of all trades. In the announcement, Sennheiser mentions how the HD 620S “combines the DNA of the HD 600 and 500 series, bringing the best of both” worlds together. But will it be good enough to be a Master of All? Could it herald in a new era of headphones fusing the best aspects of open and closed-ear designs into one? Maybe. At the very least, it’ll come close.
TechRadar’s Audio Editor Becky Scarrott recently had the opportunity to try out the HD 620S and her first impressions were positive. She stated, “They feel incredibly light to hold and [wear]”, saying the padding on the headband “is exceptional.” Regarding its performance, Becky said the “detail levels are also excellent”. They’re on the same level as the HD 600. She concludes by saying, “Early signs are good!”
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So far, they’ve made a good first impression on Becky. Whether or not the HD 620S are the start of a new trend remains to be seen. In the meantime, check out TechRadar’s list of the best headphones for 2024.
Sonos’ first headphones and its AirPods Max competitor, the upcoming Sonos Ace, have leaked online. The slip-up revealed the headphones’ design and the array of buttons on both earcups.
Like other Sonos products, the Ace also appears to have a premium design, which should help it stand out.
Meet the Sonos Ace
Schuurman, an authorized Sonos parts dealer, inadvertently leaked the images, which The Verge first spotted. From the renders, it appears the Ace will have a toggle switch to switch between different listening modes. The right earcup has physical buttons for volume controls and a small LED for connectivity and battery status.
This is how Sonos’ first headphones could look like Photo: Schuurman/The Verge
Another image shows the in-box content, which will include a (usable) carrying case, a USB-C cable, and a USB-C to 3.5mm cable. This suggests the headphones will charge over USB-C and can play music over a wired connection.
Apparently, the Ace will integrate with other Sonos products, seemingly allowing you to listen to TV audio directly on the headphones.
Sonos Ace could ship with a usable carrying case. Photo: Schuurman/The Verge
The now-removed listing carried a price tag of €403.58, roughly translating into the Sonos Ace costing $450 in the US. Premium headphones from Sony and Bose are also priced in the same range, with the AirPods Max costing $549. If Sonos can trump the latter with sound quality, the company should have a winner on its hands.
Sonos headphones can give the AirPods Max tough competition
Sonos products stand out for their sound quality and ease of use. The company’s first pair of wireless cans should also excel in this area. They should give the AirPods Max tough competition, especially since Apple’s offering is showing its age now.
The retail leak suggests Sonos is making the final preparations for the Ace launch. So, expect the AirPods Max competitor to launch in the next few weeks.
Bloomberg had reported back in February the Sonos’ long-rumored and long-awaited headphones are dropping in June, a month later than the company originally intended due to a software issue. While Sonos itself has yet to release details about the device, its Dutch authorized dealer Schuurman seems to have published information and images of the headphones ahead of time. A Redditor in the Sonos group has discovered Schuurman’s listings (via The Verge) after someone else found out that the wireless headphones will officially be called the Sonos Ace.
Sonos
Based on the images, the Ace device package will come with the headphones, some wires and a carrying case. It looks like the headphones themselves will have buttons and a toggle switch on the earphone parts of the device. The images are pretty low-quality, so we can’t comment on how premium the model looks, but it does seem like the device is going to be a pair of over-ear headphones. Schuurman has listed the device package for €403.58 ($435), which is pretty near the $449 pricing Bloomberg mentioned in its previous report.
As the news organization said at the time, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence is hoping that launching the new device category can help fuel growth for the company known for its speakers and sound bars after years of sluggish sales. The upcoming Ace headphones were reportedly designed to work with the company’s existing devices and can stream audio directly from TVs and music streaming services using its built-in Wi-Fi connection. Bloomberg said that Sonos is also looking into the possibility of releasing an in-ear model in the future to compete with Apple’s AirPods and other similar products.
These 2024 headphones pack in a full suite of smart features and impressive sound into a $200 package, with vibrant, detailed audio and an excellent range of EQ functions to cater to your desired sound profile. The 50 hours of battery life don’t hurt either. The rigid construction means it’s not as portable, or possibly as accommodating to every person’s head, but these are still an excellent pair of over-ear headphones for the price.
For
Big, quite assertive sound
Good battery life
Well-made and comfortable
Against
A fractionally blunt listen
The fit won’t suit every head
On-ear volume control is a tad hit and miss
Battery: 25 hours ANC: Yes
After three years on the market, there are newer, better Bose models than the QC45s, but they still pack a punch in the audio department, with consistently excellent sound that’s as easy on the ears as the headphones’ soft, pliable construction. The battery life is likely enough, if a little short by modern standards, and these headphones are a joy to wear even for long periods – just know that you’re going without some of the more forward-looking smart features found elsewhere.
For
Fantastic noise cancellation
Intuitive control scheme
Lightweight and comfortable
New ambient aware mode
Against
Missing a few features
Lackluster clarity
Call quality isn’t great
Occasional dropout
It’s a very good time to be shopping for the best over-ear headphones. Between the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, Bose QuietComfort 45, and myriad of other competing models, there’s a huge range of quality headphones ready to rock your ears, block out environmental noise, and give you the comfort needed for long listening sessions, whether you’re traveling, working, or lying on the sofa with The Tortured Poets Department playing on loop.
But how to choose which headphones are right for you? In this guide, we’ll run you through the major differences between the Bose QuietComfort 45s, one of the best headphones on the market since they released back in 2021, and new-kid-on-the-block Sennheiser Accentum Plus, to help you decide whether excellent legacy headphones or a new modern upstart are the way to go.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Price and release dates
Both the Sennheiser Accentum Plus and Bose QC 45 headphones look similar, but the latter is more easily collapsible. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus are surprisingly affordable for ANC headphones with touch controls and such a premium finish, at just £199.99 / $229.99 / AU$399.99. That’s an increase over the £159 / $179 / AU$299 Sennheiser Accentum, but not a huge one, making the Plus model a sensible upgrade for those who can afford it.
The Bose QC45 headphones are a little pricier at $329 / £329 / AU$499, and getting a little long in the tooth – the QC45s came out in 2021, and have a formal successor in Bose’s new QuietComfort model. You can still buy the QC45s in a few retailers, but it’s getting harder to find stock across the board. The Accentum Plus, meanwhile, released in early 2024 and feels a little fresher.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Features
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus, a flashy 2024 model, has a few more features that are immediately apparent, including touch controls; while there is a single button for power (and which also activates Bluetooth pairing), most controls like playback or volume are navigated through touch-based gestures, sliding a finger vertically or horizontally across the right earcup.
The Bose QC45s are simpler in this regard, with a small handful of clickable buttons (volume, power, etc) without any touch functionality, and one button on the left earcup for switching between ‘Quiet’ and ‘Aware’ modes – to block outside noise or let it filter in, respectively.
This is largely a matter of preference: touch controls can feel more sleek, and are usually included in high-end models these days, but are occasionally harder to control and easier to activate by accident. Trying to adjust your headband and shooting up the volume unintentionally isn’t a great feeling, though it didn’t happen often in our tests.
Both headphones feature ANC, or active noise cancellation, which is an audio suppression technology that records outside noise through your microphone array and cancels out the sound with opposing frequencies. This is now an industry standard for headphones above $100-200, and a must-have for most listeners, helping you to hear your music, podcasts or calls more clearly in noisy environments (offices, trains, etc). However, the way they use ANC is quite different.
The Bose QC 45s are all about clickable buttons – no touch controls here. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Bose QC45s feature standard ANC, with the option to turn on the noise suppression (‘Quiet’) or use external microphones to let outside noise filter in (‘Aware’). It does work brilliantly, filtering out harsh sounds and some ambient noise so you can focus better on what you’re listening to, without totalling cocooning your ears from the world. There is, sadly, no option to turn off ANC entirely, which would no doubt help with its limited battery life.
The Bose Music app also includes an EQ setting to enhance bass, mid or treble output – not crucial per se, but particularly handy for boosting bass output or tailoring a good sound profile to the kind of music you like.
Sennheiser’s Smart Control app is similar, but has preset sound profiles, and even a slider for gradually phasing environmental sounds in or out – so you can control exactly how much the outside world comes through – or an ‘adaptive’ ANC function that responds automatically to the sounds around you, turning the ANC up or down as needed. There are also more optional smart features, like pausing playback when the headphones are taken off your head, or automatically connecting to a call when you put them on.
Neither headphone comes with a built-in smart assistant, but uses whatever assistant is active on your phone. Both feature similar Bluetooth standards too, though the Accentum Plus’ Bluetooth 5.2 nudges a little ahead with the addition of Bluetooth LE (Low Energy), aiding power efficiency and no doubt helping with their hefty battery life (more on this below).
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones have the edge one sound, thanks to newer tech. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Audio performance
Of course, few things are more important with headphones than the sound – part of the reason people buy over-ear models, particularly, is that you get room for larger drivers, better audio detail, and a larger soundstage.
The Bose QC45s offer excellent sound recreation, clear vocals, great instrumental separation, and a relaxed sound profile that prevents ear fatigue for long-term listening. That last point means the QC45s aren’t overly prominent on the bass end, despite some ample 40mm drivers, and are lacking some of the audio precision of newer headphones that draw out more texture from individual notes. But there’s no doubt that it’s a pleasant listening experience that your ears can handle for long periods, and the overall balance makes the QC45s good for most genres of music, and most people.
The Bose QC 45s can fold up easily into a portable case – great for frequent travellers. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
Sennheiser’s Accentum Plus headphones have a similar sound profile, if a little fresher. You’ll find balanced frequencies that don’t disappoint when it comes to vocal/instrumental detail, and 37mm drivers that offer a consistent, but not overpowering bass response that can still punch through at the right moments. Sennheiser’s more advanced EQ settings certainly help, as does a bass boost feature with a more noticeable impact than the simpler Bose app’s EQ – though this is partially due to Sennheiser softening high frequencies to accentuate the difference more.
The Accentum Plus’s main gains are in its smart features, though they do have a slight edge in the audio department. Listening to Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I Made For’, there’s a slightly wider soundstage on offer, with sharper, more layered vocals and a touch more audio detail, really helping the listener appreciate the full texture of Eilish’s crooning voice as it ebbs and swells into earshot. The vocal tension in Ethel Cain’s breathtaking track ‘Crush’ also comes through more clearly, with subtle vibrations that are hard to pick up with Bose’s older model.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Design
There are some key differences in design philosophy between the Bose QC45s and Sennheiser Accentum Plus worth thinking about.
The Bose QuietComfort 45s are, as the name implies, focused on comfort. They’re almost unrivaled for long-haul flights, with a focus on comfort and listenability over anything else. Unlike the Accentum Plus’ touch controls, Bose sticks with more precise buttons for volume, power, ANC, and Bluetooth activation.
There’s a huge amount of flexibility in how you arrange Bose’s headphones. The QC45s are fully collapsible, making them compact and portable at a moment’s notice, and extending the length of the headband to suit your head size is simple enough.
The Sennheiser case is a little bulkier, and made of a soft synthetic material, unlike the Bose QC 45 hard case (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Sennheiser headset is a little more rigid in its construction. There’s considerably more tension in the headband, ensuring that the Accentum Plus cans fit snugly, though making them a bit more oppressive during long listening sessions. While you can twist the earcups, there’s no way to ‘collapse’ them as with the Bose model, meaning they’re a little bulkier in transit.
The QC45s also come with a superior, hard carry case that can handle a jolt or two. Sennheiser’s headset comes packed in a semi-structured soft case with considerably less protection.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Battery
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser is a clear winner in the battery life department, with a listed 50 hours and the ability to gain five hours of use from a breezy 10-minute charge. The Bose QC45s, by contrast, lasts up to 25 hours, with a fast charge feature that provides three hours after a 15-minute charge.
Both are sufficient for a full day’s use – not that we’d recommend using headphones for 24 hours straight – but Sennheiser pretty much doubles the time needed between charges, making it far more convenient whatever you plan on using them for.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
For most headphone shoppers, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus will be the most impressive option, with a lower retail price, advanced touch controls, better audio detail, superior ANC, and more widely available retail stock.
But we wouldn’t write off the Bose QC45s just yet. For those prone to long listening sessions – say, 10,000 miles in the air – its perfect marriage of physical comfort and relaxed sound recreation makes it a better bet, especially with its compact design and brilliant hard case. I’ve tested many headphones over the years, and there’s a reason the Bose QC45s are my go-to travel option most of the time.
Bose’s model is aging a little, so it might be smart to check out the new Bose QuietComfort model, or high-end QuietComfort Ultra for those who can spend the extra cash. For the price, though, it’s hard not to recommend Sennheiser’s newer model, with all of the modern enhancements that it brings.
The Beats Solo 4 are long-awaited on-ear wireless headphones that aim to improve on the company’s 2016 Solo 3 with an increased battery life and additional features, including a USB-C port for simultaneous charging and lossless hi-res audio playback, and Spatial Audio – as well as some new color options.
When wearing the Beats Solo 4, I was pleasantly surprised at how well isolated I was from my immediate environment, despite the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC). The claimed 50-hour battery appeared to hold true during my tests too, which is great for such comparatively small and light headphones.
As with most of the best Beats headphones, style is at the forefront, and the Slate Blue variant I tested certainly makes a statement (they are also available in Matte Black and Cloud Pink). Some parts of the plastic build and headband padding feel cheap, though, and certain aspects of its engineering, such as the folding mechanism, don’t inspire much confidence.
They offer a secure fit that’s impressively solid for on-ear headphones, withstanding the rigors of physical activity without shifting, which is important considering that Beats is promoting these headphones for exercise. However, on-ear headphones don’t really work for my ear comfort, and these did nothing to change that – and long-term comfort is made worse by the lack of adequate padding on the headband; I couldn’t use them for more than an hour at a time.
The controls also provide issues: the main ‘b’ button is easy to accidentally press when hanging Solo 4 around the neck, and I found the volume buttons hard to locate while wearing. Pressing them also puts undue pressure onto the ears, which, as you can imagine, is an uncomfortable sensation.
The sound is perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the Solo 4. The bass response can be impactful at times but wooly at others, while the mids sound muddy and lack punch compared to more of the best wireless headphones at the same price. These problems aren’t solved if you listen via any of the higher-quality wired options. The upper mids are where the Solo 4 sound their best, but the highest frequencies don’t have enough sparkle and clarity in comparison to the competition.
The Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N, for example, are the same price in the US (and cheaper in the UK), and beat the Solo 4 on pretty much all fronts: they have much better sound, comfort levels, and come with ANC. The Sennheiser Accentum Plus is another superb option for those who want something more audiophile-friendly, with impressive ANC and wireless hi-res support.
(Image credit: Future)
Beats Solo 4 review: Price & release date
Priced $199 / £199 / AU$329
Launched in May 2024
Available in Matte Black, Slate Blue and Cloud Pink
The Beats Solo 4 are priced at $199 / £199 / AU$329 officially, and were available to buy from May 2nd, 2024.
This is lower than today’s flagship headphones – the Beats Studio Pro are $349 / £349, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 officially cost $349 / £299. Both of these are larger, over-ear models with ANC.
For basically the same price as the Solo 4, you could also get the Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N or the Sennheiser Accentum Plus. Both of these are over-ear rather than on-ear, which usually improves low-end frequency response, and feature ANC and some other features lacking here. The Sennheiser headphones also match the Solo 4’s 50-hour battery, even with ANC on.
Beats Solo 4 review: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Drivers
40mm
Active noise cancellation
None
Battery life
50hrs
Weight
217g / 0.48 lbs
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm analog input, USB-C audio input and charging
The feature set for the Beats Solo 4 is what you would expect from a modern pair of wireless headphones. One-touch Bluetooth connectivity made it easy for me to connect to Android, iPhone and Windows PCs, and lossless audio playback is supported via a wired USB-C connection. This means you can listen to sources that provide superior quality to MP3 or AAC file formats, imparting more detail across the entire frequency range, theoretically. Simultaneous charging is also possible when connected to devices that provide power.
However, there is no high-resolution audio support when connected via Bluetooth, as the Beats Solo 4 only support AAC and SBC wirelessly, which are both compressed formats; there’s no aptX or LDAC.
There is also a 3.5mm analog input and included cable so you can use them just like a traditional pair of wired headphones, meaning you can enjoy unlimited playback without using any battery power. Again, this can offer higher-quality audio than Bluetooth, and is useful on planes.
The Beats app is responsive, easy to use, and offers options to easily manage privacy controls, such as location permission, notifications and analytics, and battery optimization settings. It also provides the battery level as a percentage that actually updates for all 100 numbers, which is very useful (and not something all headphones provide – some just note when they’ve dropped by 20%, for example).
There’s fast pairing and auto-switching between compatible devices for both iOS and Android ecosystems – and the Find My system for both platforms in supported. However, Apple users get a few extra features, such as hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ access and Audio Sharing, which lets users share playback with multiple pairs of AirPods or Beats headphones at a time. Better than these, though, is that Apple users get Personalized Spatial Audio for movies or Dolby Atmos music. There’s no support for this on Android.
I mentioned auto-switching between devices above, but be warned that this only worth within the Apple or Android systems. So, it auto-switches between iPhone and Mac; or it switches between Android and Chromebook. There’s no standard multi-point pairing, so you can’t switch between, say, an Android phone and Windows laptop seamlessly.
True to their minimalist aesthetic, the Beat Solo 4 headphones only have four buttons, and all of them are pretty well hidden. The main ‘b’ button is on the left hand side and integrated with the company logo, and controls main functions, such as play/pause and skip track, depending on the number of times it is pressed. The button is tactile and operates smoothly, although I did find it easy to press accidentally, especially when they’re hung around the neck.
The volume controls are located on the ring around the ‘b’ button, with the top half increasing volume and the bottom decreasing. Again, these function well, but they require too much force to register, which meant I was pressing the entire left driver into the side of my head, which isn’t comfortable.
The power button is perhaps the most hidden of all, being a tiny little dot finished in the same color as the rest of the headphones. Locating this blindly when wearing the Solo 4 isn’t easy. It also has to be held down for a few seconds, but hold for too long, and you enter pairing mode. Getting the timing right is tricky, and the only audio prompt you get is when the Bluetooth connection is established. The only indication that the Solo 4 are turned on is a small LED on the outside. Basically, make sure you turn them on before they’re on your head.
The microphone is also high quality, although perhaps too eager to pick up extraneous noises. When making a test call with the Solo 4, my interlocutor commented that, although I was coming through clearly and loudly despite the considerable amount of wind outside, other background noises also came through prominently, such as people talking around me in the street.
Beats quotes the battery life as being a generous 50 hours of playback. And during my test, this figure seemed to live up to reality.
I tracked them as generally losing around 5% battery per 2.5 hours (without Spatial Audio turned on), which puts them right in line for the 50-hour claims from Beats. I also observed them drop around 10% after a 6.5 hours of playback too, so you may get a little over 50 hours – but as usual with headphones, it can depend on volume and other factors.
(Image credit: Future)
Beats Solo 4 review: Sound quality
Bass is hit-and-miss
Boxy lower mids, clear upper mids
Great passive noise isolation
Despite Beats having a reputation for bass-heavy headphones, the Solo 4 are pretty controlled on this front. The low frequencies are deep without being overbearing, although they don’t have the precision and control I would hope for. There are times when the bass is too boomy and wooly, especially noticeable in songs with sustained low notes.
The lower mids are also disappointingly muddy, but the upper mids are pleasantly crisp without being harsh. Songs with detailed percussive arrangements, for instance, come across well in the Solo 4. But the highest frequencies don’t sparkle as much as they could, lacking the finer details at the top end of the spectrum.
When connected via USB-C rather than Bluetooth, you get access to lossless audio, which, in theory at least, should provide a listening experience fit for audiophiles. During my audio test via USB-C with our special TechRadar playlist on Tidal – which provides lossless music streaming – the results weren’t radically different to Bluetooth. The bass was still amiss, and while the mids were more punchy, they still weren’t as clear as I would have liked. Using the 3.5mm analog input seemed to marginally improve the quality of these frequencies, but not by much.
In comparison to the Sony ULT Wear headphones and Sennheiser Accentum Wireless that I’ve already mentioned in this review, there’s no competition really – these both offer more detail, a better balance across the frequencies, and a clearly richer experience overall.
Where the Solo 4 shine, though, is the noise isolation. Despite not having any active noise cancellation profiles, external sounds are blocked out well. This helps songs with heavy reverb and a strong sense of space to be comprehensively conveyed. Spatial Audio experiences are also improved by the isolation, making the illusion of the surround sound theater experience more compelling. The dynamic head tracking meant that whichever way I turned my head, even slightly, the audio panned to always match the direction of the source.
At this price, it’s hard to get a better movie sound experience on headphones than Apple’s Spatial Audio tech provides. This is a nice bonus if you’ll watch a lot of movies, but really still has limited appeal for those who will only listen to music with them.
(Image credit: Future)
Beats Solo 4 review: Design
Snug and secure fit
Uncomfortable for sustained periods
Nice colors, but limited selection
The case that comes with the Beats Solo 4 is made from a soft fabric material, which makes for a lighter carrying weight. However, it does make me more concerned about their safety when buried at the bottom of a backpack or stuffed in a suitcase than if they had a hard case.
The opening for the case is also quite small, so using it isn’t exactly a seamless experience: it’s near-impossible to take them out without sliding the headband adjustments, and putting back the included 3.5mm analog and USB-C cables in their own pouches within the case is also quite the chore, since the openings for those are very small as well.
And despite being smaller than over-ear headphones, the depth of the case means that they aren’t that much smaller to carry around, if at all. The Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N over-ear wireless headphones, for instance – which are bigger than the Solo 4 – have a case which is longer and wider, but thinner, which is something I personally prefer, as I find such cases easier to pack away.
The Solo 4 stay true to the Beats aesthetic, looking almost identical to the Solo 3. The look is minimal and the Beats logo is displayed prominently on the sides of each can, so everyone knows what you’re wearing. The Slate Blue finish I had is vibrant without being garish, although Matte Black and Cloud Pink are other color options you can choose from. It’s a little disappointing there are only three options, since the Solo 3 came in five colors, but I’m sure more will become available over time.
The adjustments on the headband are smooth and relatively easy to make – although this was trickier while wearing them, as they were fairly tight on me. The hinge mechanisms for folding the earcups feels quite loose, and so doesn’t hold them in folded position with much support. The plastic used for the overall construction doesn’t especially premium either when compared to the likes of Sony and Bose headphones.
The fit is very snug and secure, despite being an on-ear design, and so having less surface area on the pads to grip your head. Having used them for exercise, I can say that they stay on without the slightest deviation. Beats has mentioned exercise as a key use case for the Solo 4, and even in a world of fitness-focused earbuds, they do this job very well.
The price I paid for this secureness, however, was a lack of comfort overall. Despite the particularly plush ear pads, the Solo 4 felt the same as any other pair of on-ear headphones I have tried – which is to say, painful after long sessions. Not everyone feels the same but, if you’re someone with sensitive ears to pressure, like me, then these aren’t going to be the on-ear headphones that change your mind. Glasses wearers will also be in even more potential pain – but again, I will concede this is something I am personally quite sensitive to.
But with the Beats Solo 4, the more universal issue is the feeble headband padding, which meant that the top of my head felt the strain as well. The rubber coating also feels cheap and offers too much grip if anything, often sticking to my hair, causing issues when sliding them on and off.
The upshot is that I couldn’t wear the Solo 4 for more than an hour at a time before I had to give my cranium a break. But when you do take them off and hang them around your neck, I encountered another problem: since the earcups don’t swivel, the edges can rest uncomfortably between the chin and collarbone. It may seem like a small point, but other headphones at this price point do have rotating cups to rectify this problem and make life more comfortable.
(Image credit: Future)
Beats Solo 4 review: Value
Rivals offer better sound for the same price
No ANC is disappointing
Smart features for both Android and iOS is rare
The Beats Solo 4 are priced at $199 / £199 / AU$329, and the competition at this point is quite stiff. The Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N, for instance, are currently available for the same price, if not cheaper, and best the Solo 4 in virtually every aspect. I tested them directly against the Solo 4, since we had both in for review at the same time.
The Sony headphones have superior sound and comfort levels, as well as having more features, including ANC. The Beats Solo 4 almost get away with this omission thanks to their frankly excellent natural noise isolating capabilities, but it’s still far perfect, and other headphones at this price point feature ANC too.
In no small part, you’ll be paying for the specific styling and the unique mix of Android- and iOS-friendly features. A lot of people will feel that’s worth it, but I’m not sure it’s quite enough. These features, plus Apple’s top-tier Spatial Audio, good battery life and USB-C audio mean they’re reasonable for the price overall – but you can spend your money better.
Should I buy the Beats Solo 4?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Section
Notes
Score
Features
Apple integrations and wired options are welcome, but no ANC or multi-point is a shame.
4/5
Sound quality
Bass sounds are mixed but the upper mids really do pop. The lower mids and highs are lackluster, though.
3/5
Design
The style is there, and buttons feel solid, but ergonomic issues made the Solo 4 uncomfortable for me.
3/5
Value
At this price, there are multiple candidates than offer better sound, comfort and design.
2.5/5
Buy them if…
Don’t buy them if…
Beats Solo 4 review: Also consider
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Beats Solo 4
Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N
Edifier Stax Spirit S3
Price
$199 / £199 / AU$329
$199 / £179 / AU$348
$399 / £330 / approx. AU$640
Drivers
40mm
40mm
70mm Planar Magnetic
Active noise cancellation
No
Yes
No
Quoted battery life
50hrs
30hrs
80hrs
Weight
217g
255g
329g
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm analog input, USB-C audio input and charging
aptX and Snapdragon Sound support, replaceable earpads
How I tested the Beats Solo 4
Tested on Android, iPhone and PC
Streamed music from Tidal and used stored MP3 tracks
Tested over 10 days
I tested the Beats Solo 4 over the course of a week, in various scenarios. I tried them with an Android phone and an iPhone, as well as a laptop and a Fiio M11S high resolution music player. I made use of all their supported features, including wireless playback via Bluetooth, and wired via 3.5mm analog and USB-C.
I listened to music directly from lowly MP3 files in 320kbps quality, as well as via hi-res streaming service Tidal. I tested them with a variety of genres, including rock, pop, electronic, classical and jazz. I listened both in quiet indoor environments and noisy outdoor ones. I also tried exercising with them to test how secure the fit was.
I also made phone calls and recorded voice memos with the Solo 4 to test the microphone quality too.
I also tested the battery life by leaving the headphones connected to a mobile device via Bluetooth to play through a playlist at a typical listening volume.
It’s been a long time since the last one, but an Apple event is finally right around the corner! While it’s anticipated to be a fairly short pre-recorded affair, we’re expecting to see the first updates to the iPad lineup in over a year and half, so make sure to tune in to see what Apple has in store.
Other news and rumors this week included a couple of product introductions from Apple’s Beats brand, a roundup of rumors about updates to Apple’s stock apps coming in iOS 18, and more changes to Apple’s policies in the EU related to the Digital Markets Act, so read on below for all the details!
What to Expect From the May 7 Apple Event
Apple’s first event of 2024 kicks off on Tuesday, May 7, at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, and we’ve put together our usual pre-event guide outlining what we’re expecting to see on Tuesday. Several new products are expected to be unveiled, including two new iPad Pro models, two new iPad Air models, an updated Apple Pencil, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPads.
One rumor was particularly surprising this week, as Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said there is a “strong possibility” that the new iPad Pro models will be equipped with Apple’s next-generation M4 chip, rather than the M3 chip that debuted in the MacBook Pro and iMac six months ago. Gurman believes the M4 chip will have an upgraded Neural Engine that is able to process artificial intelligence (AI) tasks faster.
While it would be unprecedented for an M-series chip to debut in an iPad before a Mac, there is some evidence to suggest that the rumor might be true, so check out our story for more details about this possibility.
Beats Solo Buds Launching in June for Just $79.99
Apple unveiled two new Beats headphone models this week, including the on-ear Beats Solo 4 and the compact Beats Solo Buds.
Launching in June, the Beats Solo Buds are particularly interesting given their competitive $79.99 price point. Key features include ear tips with four size options, up to 18 hours of battery life, a USB-C carrying case, and Find My support on iOS and Android. However, the Solo Buds lack active noise cancellation, and the carrying case does not have a built-in battery.
In other Beats news, LeBron James and Daniel Ricciardo have been seen in public carrying an unreleased speaker very clearly descended from the discontinued Beats Pill family, so it looks like the popular portable speaker may be making a comeback in the not too distant future.
iOS 18 Rumored to Add New Features to These 16 Apps on Your iPhone
Apple’s annual developers conference WWDC is now under six weeks away, and that means the iOS 18 beta is just around the corner.
This news comes after the EU ruled that the iPad is a “gatekeeper” platform. Apple has six months to comply with the Digital Markets Act on the iPad, so alternative app marketplaces, support for web browser engines other than WebKit, and more will likely be available by iPadOS 18.1.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we’ve covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
I’ve made no secret of my admiration for Edifier audio products in the past few years, but the streak couldn’t go on forever. But it’s not you, Edifier. It’s me, maybe. I blame my oversized head and clunky glasses for standing in the way of my affection for your sleek new Edifier Comfo Run sports headphones. I just couldn’t get the fit quite right for the best sound.
But I could see all sorts of athletes, and really anyone who prefers to keep earbuds and other objects out of their ear canals, loving these things. They work by air conduction.
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Edifier Comfo Run Open Ear Wireless Sports Headphones
Edifier released its cool-looking Comfo Run Open Ear Wireless Sports Headphones in January 2024. They’re called “sports headphones,” but they seems closer to earbuds than traditional headphones. I’m a big fan of the company’s headphones, earbuds and speakers, generally.
Each earpiece attaches to a flexible loop that goes behind the neck. Each earpiece, with its big and powerful dynamic driver, loops over the ear and dangles at the ear canal’s opening, more or less. But if they came in a choice of sizes, I would have sized up.
Their design makes them comfortably secure, even during exercise. That’s what they’re for. I took them to the gym, went for walks, and stood up and sat down at my desk when I wasn’t pacing around in my apartment. They never seemed even close to falling off.
And naturally, Comfo Run aren’t noise-canceling headphones. That’s because of their open, air-conducting design. However, they are intended to reduce audio “leakage” through sound-direction technology, Edifier says.
Fit didn’t quite work for me
Plenty of lush sound comes from those 16.2 dynamic drivers. I just wish more of it went in my ears. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
And that’s great, but Comfo Run headphones aren’t really for me. Even though they’re designed for everyone, including people who wear glasses and hats, I found them frustrating because of the fit. Essentially, not enough of their high-quality sound from those 16.2mm dynamic drivers got into my ears.
It was frustrating especially because I could tell great sound was there, but I only got enough of it when I pressed the ear pieces into a position they would not hold by themselves. So, too much sound leakage occurred, actually.
For the record, I have an exceedingly large head — finding a hat that fits comfortably is hard work — and a big neck, as well. Maybe that and my bulky eyeglasses are the problem when it comes to Comfo Run, maybe they’re not. I wondered if the elastic cord between the earphones needed to be slightly longer for me, or if a bit more adjustability in the ear loop would help keep the earphones from flaring away from my ear canals a bit too much.
In Edifier’s photos of athletes wearing the headphones, they look like they hang in the perfect position. Good for those sporty folks and their tiny little heads. It didn’t quite work that way for me, and it’s a shame, because they’re nice sport headphones. Their voice-call quality is quite good, too.
Clear and simple operation
Out of the box, Comfo Run headphones are easy to set up. I put them on a charger via their USB-A cable, which connects to the headphones magnetically (which is cool, but it also means you can only use that cable with these). Their Bluetooth connectivity is up to date, version 5.3.
I downloaded the app as instructed in the manual. At first I thought one of the two other Edifier apps I have on my iPhone 13 Pro would suffice, but nope. Now I have three (the new one is Edifier ConneX, plus Edifier Connect and Edifier Home). The Edifier ConneX app showed me battery capacity — 97% out of the box, very nice — and offered a couple of tweakable controls.
The two controls offered in the app are Sound effects and Game mode. Game mode is just an on-off option. Sound effects offers Classic and Bass boost options. I liked Bass boost on because it seems to goose the overall sense of volume. Edifier describes Classic as more balanced and Bass boost like this: “Deep, natural bass and strong vocals, clear and bright treble, suitable for jazz, rock and pop music, etc.” Fair enough. The app also has a pedometer you can turn on if you don’t track steps through an Apple Watch or other wearable.
The other mode of operation is, of course touch control on the headphones. The power button and up and down volume controls on either side of it each serve multiple functions through tapping and holding, like answering calls, adjusting volume, advancing tracks, etc. The functions work well, which is great if you use Comfo Run during exercise, when you don’t want to mess with your phone.
Edifier Comfo Run sports headphones features:
Open-ear design adds comfort and reduces sound leakage.
16.2mm dynamic drivers deliver smooth highs and deep bass.
Rated IP55 for dust, sweat and splash resistance.
17 hours of playtime and 15 minutes of fast charging equals 5 hours of use.
Choose EQ settings in the Edifier ConneX app.
Elastic, silicone-coated neckband allows a comfortable, secure fit.
80ms low latency enables smooth gaming audio.
More specifications:
Bluetooth V5.3
Bluetooth protocols: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
Playtime: 17 hours
Fast charging: 15 minutes = 5 hours
Charging time: about 1.5 hours
Input: 5V ⎓ 1A
Audio coding: SBC, AAC
16.2mm dynamic driver
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Output sound pressure level: 90dB ± 3dBSPL(A)
IP Rating: IP55
So, what’s the bottom line? Runners and other athletes — especially those who don’t like anything in their ears — could love Edifier’s Comfo Run sports headphones. They’re just not really for me.
And because you can get 15% off at Amazon right now, they’re a good value. They normally cost $79.99, but you can grab them for $67.99.
These open-ear wireless headphones for exercise work through air conduction. They feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, built-in mic, 17 hours of playtime, fast charging, a built-in pedometer and IP55 sweat resistance.
Beats today announced the Solo 4, a $200 set of familiar-looking cans with significant upgrades inside, even if they look almost entirely the same as the Solo 3.
At this price, the Solo 4s don’t have any active noise cancellation and, according to Billy Steele, who tested the new headphones, they sound a bit thin. However, sound is generally improved, and the boost to 50 hours of playback (along with USB-C) is a major improvement over the predecessor. They’re available to buy now.
Engadget
Beats also surprised us with new sub-$100 Solo buds, wireless (non-ANC) earbuds with 18 hours of playback. One focus is comfort, with ergonomic acoustic nozzles and vents assisting with audio performance and relieving the pressure on your ears. The Solo Buds will be available in June for $80.
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And penalize low-effort aggregators.
Instagram is overhauling its recommendation algorithm for Reels to support and increase “original content.” It could greatly impact aggregator accounts and other accounts that mostly report other users’ work. The company is also changing how it ranks Reels to boost smaller accounts.
The app’s changes around “original content” could be pretty immediate. Instagram says it will actively replace reposted Reels with the “original” clip in its suggestions when it detects two pieces of identical content. Aggregator accounts that “repeatedly” publish posts from others will be penalized even more harshly. I’ve come across many accounts (often through Reels) that are simply the same viral clip (that isn’t even original) posted and reposted as far as I was willing to scroll. These changes could shrink the chances of coming across lazier content like that.
The Federal Communications Commission has slapped the largest mobile carriers in the US with a collective fine worth $200 million for selling access to their customers’ location information without consent. AT&T was ordered to pay $57 million, while Verizon has a $47 million fine. Meanwhile, Sprint and T-Mobile are facing a penalty with a combined amount of $92 million, as the companies merged two years ago. Apparently, the carriers sold “real-time location information to data aggregators,” and this data ended up “in the hands of bail-bond companies, bounty hunters and other shady actors.”
Fujifilm’s Instax cameras have been around for a while, but the new Instax mini 99, which was released this month, looks more like my X-T2 and other Fujifilm models than yet another plasticky Polaroid. From a distance, it looks like a pricey digital camera, but it costs only $200. It also has modes and filters to customize your tiny instant photos. That flexibility, combined with the understated look, makes for an instant camera I might actually buy (and use).
Apple’s Beats brand today is announcing an update to its most popular line of headphones with the new Beats Solo 4. The on-ear headphones have been re-engineered inside and out to deliver upgraded performance and fit while featuring even longer battery life compared to the previous generation.
On the acoustic front, Beats Solo 4 feature custom-built 40 mm transducers specifically tuned for music and designed to minimize artifacts and distortion, and the on Apple devices the headphones support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking to immerse you in your audio environment while keeping the sound source anchored to your device as you move around.
Upgraded digital beam-forming microphones and an intelligent noise-learning algorithm trained in over 7,000 hours of exposure to real-world environments help deliver excellent call quality and voice assistant performance.
Beats Solo 4 support three different modes of connection: wirelessly over Bluetooth, wired over USB-C, and wired over a 3.5mm audio connector. Most users will likely opt for wireless connectivity for convenience, but connecting over USB-C offers support for lossless audio and the ability to charge the headphones while listening, while the 3.5mm jack offers a simple connection method for battery-free listening.
If you’re connecting wirelessly, Beats Solo 4 will deliver up to 50 hours of playback, up from 40 hours in the previous generation, while you can take up to 36 hours of phone calls on a single charge. A 10-minute Fast Fuel charge will give you up to five hours of playback time if you’re low on battery.
Active noise cancelation (ANC) is not included on Beats Solo 4, but the on-ear design offers fairly solid passive noise isolation in our testing, keeping even rather loud environmental sounds from intruding much on our listening experience.
Beats Solo 4 include a proprietary Beats chip platform to support both iOS and Android with one-touch pairing, automatic setup across devices, and support for Apple’s Find My and Android’s Find My Device services. iOS users also get access to always-on “Hey Siri” functionality and support for Audio Sharing. The iconic Beats ‘b” button on the ear cups can be configured for music and phone call controls and voice assistant activation, while volume can be controlled by pressing above or below the “b” button.
Overall, Beats Solo 4 retain the same iconic design that has led to over 40 million units sold since the introduction of the original Beats Solo headphones in 2009. Offering a more compact form factor and a cheaper price point than the over-ear Beats Studio Pro, Beats Solo 4 weigh just 217 grams while delivering a comfortable fit thanks to durable UltraPlush ear cushions, infinite-rotation gimbals on the ergonomically angled ear cups, and a flex-grip headband with customizable sliders. We did notice a bit of ear fatigue due to the on-ear design, but adjusting the headphones slightly definitely helped extend our listening session with out too much discomfort.
The case design is essentially the same as that for the Beats Studio Pro, which may not appeal to all users. It’s a compact nylon case with a low-profile carrying/attachment loop and a side zipper, and the interior features a main compartment for the headphones and two small pockets for the included USB-C to USB-C and 3.5mm to 3.5mm cables. As with the slightly larger Studio Pro case, it can be a bit difficult to get the headphones in and out of the case.
Beats Solo 4 come in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink color options and are available to order starting today from apple.com for $199.99 ahead of a May 2 shipping date.
Beats is expanding its lineup with two new products: the Beats Solo Buds and Beats Solo 4. The latter is the successor to the company’s most popular headphones, the Beats Solo 3.
Both offerings won’t rival Apple’s AirPods lineup, but if you frequently switch between Android and iPhone, you might like Beats’ new options.
Beats Solo Buds passively block noise
Beats Solo Buds comes in a Transparent Red color. Photo: Beats
The main highlight of the Beats Solo Buds is its long battery life, though this comes at the expense of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Instead, they block noise passively. Beats claims the Solo Buds feature “ergonomically designed acoustic nozzles” with vents helping relieve pressure during extended uses. The earbuds ship with four ear tips, including XS, to help you get the perfect fit.
Each earbud ships with a claimed custom-designed microphone and an advanced noise-learning algorithm for crystal-clear call quality. You can customize the ‘b’ button to control music playback, trigger your phone’s voice assistant, or control music playback. It is also possible to customize the button’s long-press action. Other features of the Solo Buds include one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android and Find My or Find My Device integration.
While the Solo Buds won’t win any awards for sound quality, it stands out with its battery life. Beats says the earbuds offer the longest battery life in its lineup, with up to 18 hours of playback. While there’s no wireless charging, the charging case supports fast wired charging over USB-C. This means a 5-minute top-up is enough to provide an additional hour of music playback.
The Beats Solo Buds will launch in black, gray, purple, and transparent red colors in June for $79.99.
Beats Solo 4
The Beats Solo 4 comes in three colors. Photo: Beats
The Beats Solo 4 arrives nearly eight years after the Solo 3 and packs some meaningful upgrades. The 217-gram heavy headphones feature UltraPlush cushions for top-notch comfort and durability. Internally, the Solo 4 features custom 40mm transducers for improved clarity and minimal distortion. You also get Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
Like the Solo Buds, the Solo 4 works with Android and iOS and features Find My/Find My Device integration, one-touch pairing, and a customizable ‘b’ button. In addition to Bluetooth, the headphones have a USB-C port for lossless audio playback and charging. There’s also a 3.5mm port, which will work even when the headphones are low on battery power.
The Beats Solo 4 offers a claimed battery life of up to 5o hours. You can order the headphones starting today in the US for $199.99 in black, blue, and pink colors.
