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Beats reveals new Solo 4 headphones and entry-level Solo Buds
- Beats Solo 4: New on-ear headphones priced at $199.99. Notable upgrades include custom 40mm transducers and a claimed 50 hours of battery life. Available now.
- Beats Solo Buds: Entry-level wireless earbuds priced at $79.99, offering up to 18 hours of battery life with a USB-C charging case. Available in multiple colors June 6th.
Apple-owned Beats has introduced two new audio products today: the Beats Solo 4 headphones and the Beats Solo Buds, aiming to deliver high-quality sound across both Apple and Android platforms.
The Beats Solo 4 introduces custom-built 40mm transducers, which the company says should improve sound clarity, reduce latency, and extend range. They also feature Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, better microphones, USB-C connectivity, and Lossless Audio support via USB-C or 3.5 mm. They also boast a battery life that promises to last up to 50 hours. Notably, they lack active noise cancelation (ANC), which is still reserved for the Beats Studio Pro.
The Solo Buds, priced under $100, are Beats’ entry-level wireless earbuds, positioned between the more expensive Studio Buds and the less costly Beats Flex. Again, there is no ANC, but they do come with your choice of four ear tip sizes to get a good seal. The USB-C charging case should provide an hour of playback with a five-minute charge. There is a lot of competition in the sub-$100 market for earbuds, and it will be interesting to see how they stack up against the likes of the Nothing Ear (a) or the Galaxy Buds FE.
Unlike previous Beats products, the Solo 4 and Solo Buds aren’t marketed with an Apple-branded chip like the H1 but are said to be powered by a proprietary chip. This shift, particularly with the emphasized support for Android devices, suggests a strategic pivot towards platform neutrality.
The Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones cost $199.99 and are available to order now in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink. Expect our review in the coming weeks. The Beats Solo Buds cost $79.99 and are available in Matte Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple, and Transparent Red and will be released on June 6th.