Beats Solo 4 vs JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 79. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset - Great overall at around $130.

On-Ear

Beats Solo 4

71Good

$200

Full review data

On-Ear

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

79Great

$130

Full review data

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset leads on 6 of 7 measures.

Beats Solo 4
JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

HearWiki score

Sound

7.1

7.4

Noise cancelling

6.5

Battery

9.3

9.2

Calls

7.3

8.0

Value

7.4

8.0

Price (USD)

$200

$130

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Both shipped in 2024. The JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Transparency mode, Custom EQ and Companion app.

Solo 42024
Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset2024

What differsSolo 4Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

ANC type: None; Hybrid
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, USB-C.

Specifications

Solo 4Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

Type: On-Ear; On-Ear
Price (USD): $200; $130
HearWiki score: 71; 79
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 2× 40 mm dynamic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 40 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: 2; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: -; 32 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 94 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC; SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
Latency: -; 50 ms
Wireless range: -; 9 m
Battery life: 50 h; 90 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 60 h
Full charge time: 10 min; -
Quick charge: 10 min → 5 h; 10 min → 6 h
Wireless charging: No; -
Active noise cancelling: No; Yes
ANC type: none; hybrid
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; No
Controls: buttons; buttons
Voice assistant: Siri; Yes
Weight: 217 g; 128 g
Case weight: -; 80 g
Water resistance: none; none
Foldable: Yes; -
Detachable cable: -; No
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Pad material: -; leather
Connector: USB-C; USB-C
Microphones: 2; 5
Microphone type: -; MEMS
Mic sensitivity: -; -38 dBV
Call noise reduction: Yes; Yes
Call NR technology: beamforming; 2-mic ENC

Specification comparison of Beats Solo 4 vs JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset
Spec	Beats Solo 4	JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset
Type	On-Ear	On-Ear
Price (USD)	$200	$130
HearWiki score	71 / 100 Good	79 / 100 Great
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	2× 40 mm dynamic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	40 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	2	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance	-	32 Ω
Sensitivity	-	94 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing	No	Yes
Latency	-	50 ms
Wireless range	-	9 m
Battery
Battery life	50 h	90 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	60 h
Full charge time	10 min	-
Quick charge	10 min → 5 h	10 min → 6 h
Wireless charging	No	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	none	hybrid
Transparency mode	No	Yes
Companion app	No	Yes
Custom EQ	No	Yes
Wear detection	No	No
Controls	buttons	buttons
Voice assistant	Siri	Yes
Design
Weight	217 g	128 g
Case weight	-	80 g
Water resistance	none	none
Foldable	Yes	-
Detachable cable	-	No
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Pad material	-	leather
Connector	USB-C	USB-C
Calls
Microphones	2	5
Microphone type	-	MEMS
Mic sensitivity	-	-38 dBV
Call noise reduction	Yes	Yes
Call NR technology	beamforming	2-mic ENC

What reviewers said

Beats Solo 4

The Beats Solo 4 are a wireless on-ear pair that lean heavily into long battery life and a lively sound signature, while keeping the classic foldable design. They skip modern extras like active noise cancellation, transparency, and app support, focusing instead on straightforward, reliable playback for everyday listening. With Bluetooth 5.3 and up to 50 hours per charge, they suit users who value endurance over feature-packed performance.

Pro:Excellent battery life of up to 50 hours
Pro:Lightweight and foldable for portability
Pro:Solid Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC support

Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
Con:Lacks multipoint pairing and auto-pause
Con:No water resistance rating

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

The JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset is a lightweight, versatile option designed for office and remote work, featuring hybrid active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3, and multipoint connectivity. It offers impressive battery endurance, clear call quality with multiple microphones, and a simple button-based control scheme, all wrapped in a comfortable, portable design.

Pro:Exceptional battery life, even with ANC enabled
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long work sessions
Pro:Hybrid ANC effectively reduces moderate ambient noise

Con:Occasional Bluetooth connectivity quirks reported
Con:No water resistance rating
Con:Limited codec support (only SBC and AAC)

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison Beats Solo 4 JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset