Yes, Beats Solo 4 headphones include active noise cancelling

The Beats Solo 4 come with active noise cancelling (ANC) built in. This means the headphones use microphones and processing to detect outside sound and play an inverted sound wave that cancels it out — so you hear less of the world around you without turning up the volume.

The noise cancelling on Solo 4 is not the strongest in the market. It works well on steady, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, air conditioning, or traffic rumble. It is less effective on sudden noises like a car horn or someone talking directly to you. If you are choosing between headphones specifically for noise cancelling power, models from Sony or Bose typically perform better.

You can turn the noise cancelling on or off through the Beats app on your phone, or by pressing the button on the left earcup. The headphones also have a transparency mode that lets outside sound in when you need to hear your surroundings — useful if you are walking or need to hear someone speaking to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Beats Solo 4 have active noise cancelling that works by detecting and cancelling out outside sound waves.
  • The noise cancelling is moderate — it handles steady background noise well but does not block sudden or high-pitched sounds as effectively as premium competitors.
  • You can toggle noise cancelling on and off in the Beats app or using the button on the left earcup.
  • Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without removing the headphones, which is useful while walking or in conversations.

How active noise cancelling actually works

Active noise cancelling does not create silence by blocking sound physically — the headphones cannot seal your ears completely. Instead, the system listens to the noise around you and generates a mirror-image sound wave that cancels it out through interference. Think of it like two waves in water that meet and flatten each other.

The Solo 4 use two microphones per earcup to pick up outside sound. The headphones then process that sound in real time and play the cancelling wave through the speaker. This happens fast enough that you do not hear the original noise. The system works best on predictable, repeating sounds — like an airplane cabin or a fan — because those are easier to predict and cancel.

Battery power is required for active noise cancelling to work. If your Solo 4 run out of battery, the noise cancelling stops, though you can still use them as regular headphones if they have enough charge to power the speaker.

What the Solo 4 noise cancelling handles well and poorly

The Solo 4 perform well on low-frequency rumble and hum. If you are on a flight, in a car, or near an air conditioning unit, you will notice a clear reduction in that background drone. The noise cancelling also helps in offices with constant ambient noise.

The Solo 4 are less effective at blocking mid and high-frequency sounds — voices, keyboard typing, or a dog barking. These sounds change too quickly for the system to predict and cancel reliably. If noise cancelling is your primary reason for buying headphones and you work in a noisy office with lots of talking, a model designed specifically for that (like Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort) will serve you better.

Transparency mode and when to use it

Transparency mode is the opposite of noise cancelling. When you turn it on, the microphones pick up outside sound and play it through the speakers so you hear it clearly — almost as if you were not wearing headphones. This is useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.

Common uses for transparency mode include walking outside (so you hear traffic), working in an office (so you notice someone approaching), or having a quick conversation without removing the headphones. You can switch between noise cancelling and transparency mode when ready through the app or by holding down the button on the left earcup.

Battery life with noise cancelling on versus off

Active noise cancelling uses extra battery power because the microphones and processing are always running. The Beats Solo 4 last about 40 hours with noise cancelling off, but only about 18 hours with it on. That is still a full week of daily listening if you use them for a few hours a day, but it is a significant difference if you plan to use them for long stretches without charging.

If battery life is a concern, you can turn off noise cancelling when you do not need it — like when you are at home or in a quiet environment. The app makes this a one-tap change.

Comparing Solo 4 noise cancelling to other Beats models

Beats makes several headphone models with different noise cancelling capabilities. The Solo 4 sit in the middle of the Beats lineup. The Studio Pro have stronger noise cancelling and cost more. The Solo 3 (the previous generation) do not have active noise cancelling at all — they only have passive isolation from the physical fit of the earcups.

If you are comparing the Solo 4 to non-Beats brands, Sony and Bose headphones generally offer more aggressive noise cancelling, especially for voices and mid-range sounds. However, the Solo 4 are lighter, more portable, and integrate more smoothly with iPhones and other Apple devices if that matters to your workflow.

How to use noise cancelling on your Solo 4

To turn noise cancelling on or off, press and hold the button on the left earcup for about two seconds. A voice prompt will tell you which mode you are in. You can also open the Beats app on your phone, tap the settings icon, and toggle noise cancelling from there.

The app also lets you switch to transparency mode or turn both off completely (called ambient mode). Some users prefer to manage this through the app because it is faster once you get used to the menu, while others prefer the physical button because it does not require your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will noise cancelling work if my Solo 4 are low on battery?

Noise cancelling requires active power, so it will stop working when the battery gets very low — usually below 5 percent. You will get a warning from the headphones before this happens. Regular headphone playback may still work briefly after noise cancelling stops.

Can I use noise cancelling with any audio source?

Yes. Noise cancelling works the same way whether you are listening to music, a podcast, a phone call, or nothing at all. The system cancels outside noise independently of what is playing through the speaker. Some people use noise cancelling just to reduce ambient sound even when they are not listening to anything.

Does transparency mode let me hear everything around me?

Transparency mode amplifies outside sound through the headphones, so you hear it clearly. However, it is not a perfect replacement for removing the headphones — the earcups still cover your ears physically, and the microphones have limits. For safety-critical situations like crossing a busy street, removing the headphones is still the better choice.

What if noise cancelling sounds strange or makes me feel dizzy?

Some people experience discomfort from active noise cancelling, especially in the first few uses. This usually goes away as you adjust. If it does not, try turning off noise cancelling and using the headphones in transparency mode or with both off. There is no medical risk — it is just a sensory adjustment your brain makes.