I tested the Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones: they are portable and offer marathon battery life

I vividly remember 2008, when I was in college. Lady Gaga’s Poker Face had become a sensation, but the techie in me was more interested in a pair of headphones she held in the video: Beats by Dre. From that year onward, Beats headphones were everywhere — in the hands of athletes, actors, and especially musicians.

This celebrity push gave the brand, founded by Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine, a much broader reach, helping it become a cultural icon in its own right. Frankly, Beats by Dre headphones have never been about the best audio quality, they’re designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear during a workout or run.