Yes, Beats Solo 4 has active noise cancelling, but it works differently than some competitors

The Beats Solo 4 includes active noise cancelling (ANC), which uses microphones and speakers to reduce background sound. When you turn it on, the headphones listen to ambient noise and play an inverted sound wave to cancel it out. This is different from passive noise isolation, which just means the ear cups physically block sound.

The noise cancelling on Solo 4 is moderate rather than aggressive. It works well on steady, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, traffic hum, and air conditioning. It is less effective on sudden or high-pitched sounds like voices, sirens, or keyboard typing. If you are comparing it to over-ear models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45, those tend to cancel more noise overall because their larger size and design allow for better sound isolation underneath the active cancelling.

You control noise cancelling through the Beats app on your phone or through the physical 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. The battery drains faster when ANC is on — expect around 36 hours with ANC off versus roughly 24 hours with it on, though real-world battery life varies based on volume and usage.

Key Takeaways

  • Beats Solo 4 has active noise cancelling that reduces low-frequency background sounds like traffic and engine noise, but does not block voices or sudden sounds as effectively.
  • You can toggle between full noise cancelling, Transparency mode, and off using the button on the left ear cup or the Beats app.
  • Turning on noise cancelling reduces battery life from about 36 hours to about 24 hours of listening time.
  • If you need stronger noise cancelling, over-ear headphones from Sony or Bose typically perform better because their larger design allows for more passive isolation underneath the active system.

How to turn noise cancelling on and off

The physical control is the fastest way. Press and hold the button on the left ear cup for about two seconds. The first press cycles through noise cancelling on, Transparency mode, and off. You will hear a tone in your ear each time you switch modes. The current mode also shows up in the Beats app on your phone under the device settings.

If you use the app instead, open Beats, tap your Solo 4 in the device list, and look for the noise cancelling toggle at the top of the screen. The app also lets you customize which modes appear when you press the button — you can remove Transparency if you only want to switch between full ANC and off, for example. This is useful if you find yourself cycling through modes you do not need.

What noise cancelling actually blocks on Solo 4

Active noise cancelling works best on repetitive, predictable sounds with strong bass frequencies. On a flight, it cuts engine noise noticeably. On a train or bus, it softens the rumble of the engine and wheels. In an office, it reduces the hum of ventilation systems and the general ambient noise level. Many people find they can focus better with it on, even if they are not fully blocking sound.

It does not block voices well. If someone is talking near you, you will still hear them clearly even with ANC on. The same goes for sudden sounds — a door slamming, a car horn, a phone ringing. These happen too fast for the system to predict and cancel. High-pitched sounds like a kettle whistling or a baby crying are also harder for ANC to reduce. If your main goal is blocking speech or sudden noise, passive isolation (the physical fit of the ear cups) matters more than the active system.

Battery life with and without noise cancelling

Beats Solo 4 is rated for up to 36 hours of battery life with noise cancelling off. With ANC on, that drops to roughly 24 hours. The exact number depends on volume level, how much you use Transparency mode, and the specific audio content you are listening to. Streaming music uses slightly more battery than playing stored files.

In practice, most people get closer to 20 to 30 hours with ANC on if they listen at moderate to high volume. If battery life is a priority, turning off noise cancelling when you do not need it — like when you are at home or in a quiet space — extends the time between charges. The headphones charge via USB-C and take about two hours for a full charge from empty.

Comparing Solo 4 noise cancelling to other headphones

Beats Solo 4 sits in the middle of the on-ear headphone market for noise cancelling performance. It is stronger than budget models like JBL Live Pro 2 or Soundcore Space A40, but weaker than premium over-ear options. The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 both cancel more noise across a wider range of frequencies, partly because they are over-ear designs that seal better around your ears.

If you spend a lot of time on planes or in very loud environments, you might notice the difference. If you mostly use headphones in offices, coffee shops, or for casual listening, Solo 4 noise cancelling is usually enough. The trade-off is that Solo 4 is lighter, more portable, and cheaper than those over-ear models. It is also a better choice if you want something you can wear for a few hours without ear fatigue, since on-ear designs are generally more comfortable for shorter sessions.

Transparency mode and when to use it

Transparency mode (sometimes called Ambient mode) lets outside sound pass through to your ears while you are still listening to music or a call. It is useful when you need to hear your surroundings — crossing a street, talking to someone in the room, or listening for a doorbell. Press and hold the button on the left ear cup to cycle to Transparency mode, and you will hear a tone confirming the switch.

In Transparency mode, the microphones on the headphones pick up ambient sound and play it through the speakers alongside your audio. The volume of the outside sound is adjustable in the Beats app. Some people find it natural and helpful; others find it sounds slightly artificial because it is being processed through the microphones. You can test it by switching modes during a conversation or while walking outside to see if it works for your situation.

Troubleshooting noise cancelling problems

If noise cancelling sounds weak or stops working, the first step is to check that it is actually on. Look at the Beats app to confirm the toggle is enabled. If it is on but not working, restart the headphones by holding the power button for 10 seconds until you see the LED flash. Then turn them back on and try again.

Noise cancelling also depends on a good seal between the ear cup and your ear. If the headphones are not sitting snugly, ANC will not work as well. Try adjusting the headband or trying a different ear cup size if your model came with multiple sizes. If you have recently updated the Beats firmware, check the app to see if a newer version is available — sometimes noise cancelling performance improves with updates. If none of these steps help, the microphones inside the headphones may be damaged, and you may need to contact Beats support or consider a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use noise cancelling, or can I turn it off?

You can turn it off completely. Press and hold the button on the left ear cup to cycle through the modes. Many people turn off ANC to save battery life when they are in quiet environments or do not need it. There is no penalty for using the headphones without noise cancelling on.

Will noise cancelling work if I am wearing glasses or have a hearing aid?

Glasses usually do not interfere with noise cancelling because they sit on your nose, not inside the ear cup. Hearing aids can sometimes cause feedback if they are very close to the microphones, but most people wear both without problems. If you experience issues, try adjusting the headphone fit or the hearing aid position slightly.

Can I use noise cancelling while on a phone call?

Yes. Noise cancelling stays on during calls, and the microphones on the headphones will pick up your voice while reducing background noise on your end. The person you are talking to will hear less ambient sound from your location, which is usually a benefit.

Does noise cancelling work with all audio apps?

Noise cancelling works independently of what app you are using. Whether you are listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or watching videos, ANC functions the same way. It is a hardware feature of the headphones, not something controlled by individual apps.

What happens to noise cancelling if the battery gets very low?

Noise cancelling requires power to run the microphones and processing. If your battery drops below about 5 percent, ANC may stop working to preserve enough power for basic audio playback. Charge the headphones to restore full noise cancelling functionality.