JBL Live 670NC vs Beats Solo 4: Which Headphones Deserve Your Money?

Choosing between the JBL Live 670NC and the Beats Solo 4 can feel like picking between two excellent meals at your favorite restaurant. Both headphones sit in a similar price range.

Both promise great sound and modern features. But they serve different listeners in different ways. The JBL Live 670NC brings active noise cancellation and a warm, bass-forward sound signature.

The Beats Solo 4 counters with Apple ecosystem integration, a refreshed design, and improved audio quality over its predecessor. So which one should you pick?

Whether you care most about sound quality, comfort, battery life, or value for money, this post will help you decide. Let’s break it all down so you can make a confident purchase.

Key Takeaways

• The JBL Live 670NC offers active noise cancellation (ANC), which the Beats Solo 4 does not have. If blocking out background noise is a priority for you, the JBL has a clear advantage right out of the box.
• The Beats Solo 4 excels in Apple ecosystem compatibility. It features one-touch pairing with iPhones, automatic switching between Apple devices, and Find My support. Android users get similar features through the Beats app.
• Battery life is strong on both headphones. The JBL Live 670NC delivers up to 50 hours with ANC off and around 40 hours with ANC on. The Beats Solo 4 offers up to 50 hours of listening time. Both support fast charging.
• Sound quality differs between the two. The JBL pushes a bass-heavy, fun sound profile. The Beats Solo 4 has a more balanced and refined sound compared to older Beats models, thanks to its custom 40mm transducer.
• Comfort and fit vary based on head size. The Beats Solo 4 sits on the ear (on-ear design), while the JBL Live 670NC uses an over-ear design that surrounds the ear completely. Over-ear headphones generally feel more comfortable during long sessions.
• Price points are close, but deals and discounts can shift the value equation. Keep an eye on current pricing before you buy.

JBL Live 670NC Overview

The JBL Live 670NC is a mid-range wireless headphone from one of the most trusted names in audio. It features JBL’s signature sound with punchy bass and clear mids. The headphone supports Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable wireless connection.

JBL packed this model with active noise cancellation and an Ambient Aware mode. You can block out the world or let outside sounds in with a button press. The JBL Headphones app gives you access to a 10-band EQ so you can customize sound to your liking.

Build quality is solid with a mix of plastic and soft-touch materials. The headband has comfortable padding, and the ear cushions feel soft against the skin. These headphones fold flat for easy storage in a bag or backpack.

Pros:

• Active noise cancellation at a mid-range price
• 50-hour battery life without ANC
• 10-band customizable EQ through the app
• Over-ear design provides good passive isolation
• Multipoint connection supports two devices at once

Cons:

• Plastic build may not feel premium to some users
• ANC performance is decent but not class-leading
• Bass can sometimes overpower vocals at high volumes
• The carrying pouch is basic compared to hard cases from competitors

Beats Solo 4 Overview

The Beats Solo 4 is a major upgrade over the Solo 3. Apple redesigned these headphones with better sound, improved comfort, and modern connectivity. They feature a custom 40mm driver that delivers clearer audio across all frequencies.

These headphones work beautifully with both Apple and Android devices. iPhone users get one-touch pairing and automatic device switching. Android users enjoy similar functionality through the Beats app and Google Fast Pair.

The Solo 4 also supports spatial audio with head tracking for compatible content. Beats included a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-C port for wired listening, which is great for audiophiles who want a direct connection.

Pros:

• Excellent cross-platform compatibility (Apple and Android)
• Improved, balanced sound quality with custom 40mm driver
• Up to 50 hours of battery life
• Spatial audio with head tracking support
• UPnP Class 1 compliant USB-C audio for lossless playback

Cons:

• No active noise cancellation
• On-ear design can cause discomfort during long listening sessions
• Limited passive noise isolation compared to over-ear models
• Premium pricing for headphones without ANC

Sound Quality Comparison

Sound is the most important factor for most buyers. The JBL Live 670NC produces a warm, bass-forward sound. Kick drums hit hard. Electronic music sounds energetic and full. However, this bass emphasis can sometimes mask vocal clarity in acoustic tracks.

The Beats Solo 4 takes a different approach. Beats moved away from its older, overly bassy sound. The Solo 4 sounds more balanced and natural. Vocals sit clearly in the mix. Highs are crisp without being harsh. Bass is still present but controlled.

If you enjoy hip-hop, EDM, and pop music, the JBL will satisfy your cravings for deep bass. If you listen to a wider variety of genres and want accuracy, the Beats Solo 4 sounds more refined. The JBL does offer EQ customization, which helps close the gap.

Active Noise Cancellation: A Big Differentiator

This is where the JBL Live 670NC pulls ahead significantly. It has active noise cancellation. The Beats Solo 4 does not. That is a straightforward and important difference.

The JBL’s ANC can reduce low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, train rumbles, and air conditioning hum. It also has an Ambient Aware mode that lets in outside sounds. This is useful when you need to hear announcements or conversations.

The Beats Solo 4 relies entirely on passive isolation. Its on-ear design presses the ear cushions against your ears to block sound. This works to some degree, but it cannot match electronic noise cancellation. If you commute on public transport or work in a noisy office, the JBL is the better choice.

For quiet environments like home offices or libraries, the lack of ANC on the Beats Solo 4 is less of an issue. Your listening environment should guide this decision.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort matters a lot, especially if you wear headphones for hours each day. The JBL Live 670NC uses an over-ear design. The ear cups surround your ears completely. This distributes pressure evenly and reduces hotspots.

The Beats Solo 4 uses an on-ear design. The ear cups rest directly on your ears. Beats improved the padding and reduced the clamping force compared to the Solo 3. Still, on-ear headphones can cause soreness after extended use for some people.

Head size also plays a role. The JBL headband extends further and accommodates larger heads comfortably. The Beats Solo 4 fits snugly and works well for smaller to medium-sized heads. If you wear glasses, the over-ear JBL design may feel more forgiving on the temples.

Battery Life and Charging

Both headphones deliver impressive battery performance. The JBL Live 670NC lasts up to 50 hours with ANC turned off. With ANC on, expect around 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives you roughly 4 hours of playback.

The Beats Solo 4 also offers up to 50 hours of battery life. Fast Fuel charging provides 5 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging. Both headphones charge through USB-C ports.

In real-world use, you can easily get a full week of use from either headphone between charges. Battery life is essentially a tie here. Both brands deliver excellent performance that removes charging anxiety from your daily routine.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Beats Solo 4 wins the connectivity battle for most users. It supports Bluetooth 5.3, Apple’s one-touch pairing, Google Fast Pair, and automatic device switching. It works equally well on iOS and Android.

The JBL Live 670NC also supports Bluetooth 5.3 and offers multipoint connection. This means you can connect to two devices at the same time. You can take a phone call while connected to your laptop without manual switching.

The Beats Solo 4 supports USB-C audio that allows lossless playback from compatible devices. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired use. The JBL includes a 3.5mm jack as well. Both headphones give you wired and wireless flexibility.

Design and Build Quality

The Beats Solo 4 looks sleek and modern. It has a streamlined profile with a matte finish. The headband is flexible and durable. Beats offers several attractive color options. The overall aesthetic feels premium and fashion-forward.

The JBL Live 670NC has a more traditional look. It uses a combination of plastic and padded materials. The headphones fold flat for portability. The design is clean but does not turn heads the way the Beats can.

Build quality is solid on both models. The Beats Solo 4 feels slightly more premium in hand. The JBL Live 670NC feels sturdy and reliable. Neither headphone feels fragile or cheap. Your preference here comes down to personal style.

App Support and Customization

The JBL Headphones app is feature-rich. It gives you access to a 10-band equalizer, ANC level control, and sound mode presets. You can also update firmware and configure gesture controls. The app works on both iOS and Android.

The Beats app on Android provides device management and firmware updates. On iOS, Beats settings are built directly into the system settings. You get access to spatial audio controls and device management. However, Beats does not offer a full EQ customizer.

If you love tweaking your sound, the JBL app gives you far more control. The Beats experience is simpler and more streamlined. Neither approach is wrong. It depends on whether you prefer hands-on customization or a plug-and-play experience.

Call Quality

Both headphones handle phone calls reasonably well. The JBL Live 670NC uses beamforming microphones that focus on your voice. ANC helps reduce background noise during calls. Callers can hear you clearly in moderately noisy environments.

The Beats Solo 4 also performs well on calls. Voice pickup is clear and natural. However, without ANC, more background noise can bleed into your calls compared to the JBL.

For frequent callers who take calls in noisy settings, the JBL Live 670NC offers a slight edge. In quiet environments, both headphones deliver similar call quality. Neither headphone matches dedicated business headsets, but both handle everyday calls without issues.

Portability and Travel

The JBL Live 670NC folds flat and comes with a soft carrying pouch. It is easy to slip into a bag. The over-ear design makes it slightly bulkier than the Beats, but the folding mechanism helps manage that.

The Beats Solo 4 is compact and lightweight. Its on-ear design makes it naturally smaller than over-ear alternatives. Beats did not include a hard case in the box, which is a missed opportunity at this price point.

For travelers, the JBL’s ANC is a huge bonus on flights and trains. The Beats Solo 4 wins on sheer portability due to its smaller size. If you travel frequently and want noise cancellation, the JBL is the better travel companion.

Price and Value for Money

Both headphones often retail in a similar price range. The JBL Live 670NC frequently shows up at a lower street price thanks to sales and discounts. The Beats Solo 4 holds its price more firmly.

Considering the JBL includes ANC and a customizable EQ at a competitive price, it offers strong value for money. The Beats Solo 4 justifies its price through superior sound quality, premium design, and seamless ecosystem integration.

Budget-conscious buyers should lean toward the JBL. Those who value brand, design, and Apple ecosystem features may find the Beats Solo 4 worth the extra investment. Both headphones deliver more than their price tags suggest.

Which One Should You Buy?

The answer depends on your priorities. Buy the JBL Live 670NC if you want active noise cancellation, deep bass, extensive EQ customization, and strong value at a lower price. It is the practical choice for commuters, office workers, and bass lovers.

Buy the Beats Solo 4 if you want balanced sound quality, premium design, Apple or Android ecosystem integration, and spatial audio support. It is the better choice for style-conscious listeners who care about refined audio.

Both headphones are excellent in their own right. You will not regret either purchase. Just match your needs to the right strengths, and you will be happy every time you put them on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Beats Solo 4 have noise cancellation?

No, the Beats Solo 4 does not have active noise cancellation. It relies on passive noise isolation from its on-ear cushions. If ANC is important to you, the JBL Live 670NC is the better option in this comparison.

Can the JBL Live 670NC connect to two devices at once?

Yes, the JBL Live 670NC supports multipoint Bluetooth connection. You can pair it with two devices simultaneously and switch audio between them without disconnecting manually.

Are the Beats Solo 4 comfortable for long listening sessions?

The Beats Solo 4 has improved padding over the Solo 3. However, its on-ear design can cause ear fatigue after a few hours. People with sensitive ears may prefer the over-ear JBL Live 670NC for extended wear.

Which headphones have better bass, JBL Live 670NC or Beats Solo 4?

The JBL Live 670NC delivers more emphasized and punchy bass out of the box. The Beats Solo 4 has controlled and tighter bass. Bass lovers will generally prefer the JBL’s sound signature.

Do both headphones support wired listening?

Yes, both the JBL Live 670NC and Beats Solo 4 include a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired use. The Beats Solo 4 also supports lossless USB-C audio, which is a bonus for audio purists.

Which one is better for iPhone users?

The Beats Solo 4 offers a more seamless experience for iPhone users. It supports one-touch pairing, automatic device switching, Find My integration, and spatial audio with head tracking on Apple devices.

Last update on 2026-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API