Product comparison
Compare AirPods 4 with ANC and Beats Solo 4 by open-fit earbud versus on-ear design, noise control, battery life, fit, calls, and price.
Updated 2026-08-23
Buying decision
These products share a tracked $149 price but solve different problems. AirPods 4 adds ANC to an open-fit earbud and is rated for up to four hours per charge with ANC; Beats Solo 4 is an on-ear headphone without an ANC focus and carries an official rating of up to 50 hours. Choose the form factor first, then test fit, calls, and device switching during the return window.
AirPods 4 with ANC
AirPods 4 with ANC is the $149 option for buyers who want pocketable earbuds and active noise control without a sealed silicone tip. Accept the cited four-hour ANC-on rating per charge and confirm that the open fit remains secure during walking, commuting, and calls.
Beats Solo 4
Beats Solo 4 trades ANC and a pocketable case for an on-ear design and an officially listed battery rating of up to 50 hours. Choose it when charging interruptions matter more than active cancellation, and use the return window to check pad pressure over a full study or work block.
travel noise cancellation
AirPods 4 is the only option in this pair built around active noise cancellation for regular travel.
long battery life
Beats lists up to 50 hours, far beyond the AirPods' per-charge and case totals, when ANC is not required.
pocketable daily carry
The true-wireless earbud and charging case are the more compact option, provided the open fit stays secure.
on-ear listeners
Solo 4 avoids an in-ear fit and is the better match when on-ear pads remain comfortable through a personal trial.
AirPods 4 with ANC is tracked at $149, about 17% below its $179 launch reference, while Beats Solo 4 is tracked at $149, about 25% below its $199 launch reference. Their current editorial references are equal, so configuration, warranty, and retailer terms should break the tie. AirPods 4 with ANC remains a current-market option, but the exact US SKU and checkout price still need a retailer check; Beats Solo 4 remains a current-market option, but the exact US SKU and checkout price still need a retailer check. These figures are not live offers, so re-check retailer pricing and return terms before buying.
Recommendation
AirPods 4 with ANC is the stronger default for open-fit ANC and iPhone earbuds, mainly because it pulls ahead on comfort and call quality. Pick Beats Solo 4 only if you specifically need what it does better day to day.
Winner for most buyers
AirPods 4 with ANC
Choose AirPods 4 with ANC if you want Apple noise control without a sealed ear tip. Skip it if longer ANC-on endurance or the isolation of a silicone-tip design is more important.
AirPods 4 with ANC
Editorial score: 8.1 / 10
Best for: open-fit ANC, iPhone earbuds
Beats Solo 4
Editorial score: 7.4 / 10
Best for: portable on-ear, long battery life
Side-by-side
18 tracked specs across 7 groups
Every value shows its editorial trust state. “Needs confirmation” means the field has not completed field-level source review; it does not mean the value is known to be wrong.
These sources support the specification fields identified on the linked product pages. Unbadged fields remain editorial reference data, and price or regional availability should be checked again before purchase.
AirPods 4 with ANC is the relevant choice when you want pocketable earbuds, dislike sealed silicone tips, and still need active noise control. Apple rates a charge at up to four hours with ANC and the case at up to 20 hours in that mode, so it fits shorter daily sessions better than uninterrupted long-haul listening. Its value depends on the open fit staying secure and its Apple features working with the devices you own.
Beats Solo 4 trades the AirPods' ANC and pocketable case for an on-ear form and an officially listed battery rating of up to 50 hours, plus up to five hours from a ten-minute Fast Fuel charge. That makes it better suited to buyers who want fewer charging interruptions and do not need active cancellation. The on-ear pads and headband pressure are the deciding risks, so a generous return window matters more than a paper comfort claim.
Both products are tracked at $149, so start with form factor rather than brand: test whether the AirPods remain stable without ear tips and whether the Solo 4 stays comfortable through a full work or study block. Then compare ANC in your commute, microphone quality on your phone, and switching behavior across your devices. Pick AirPods for open-fit noise control and portability; pick Solo 4 for much longer rated endurance when passive on-ear isolation is enough.
JBL Tune Flex
JBL Tune Flex is worth checking if neither comparison product lands at the right price or if you want another way to balance noise cancellation, comfort, call quality, battery life, sound tuning, app support, and return-window risk.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is worth checking if neither comparison product lands at the right price or if you want another way to balance noise cancellation, comfort, call quality, battery life, sound tuning, app support, and return-window risk.
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