Beats Pill Review: Small Speaker, Big Sound - Here's What You Need to Know

The new Beats Pill review shows a speaker that's improved by a lot but costs less than before. At $150, the new Beats Pill (2024) saves you $50 compared to the 2015 Pill Plus and doubles the battery life to 24 hours. This unexpected mix of better features and lower price makes it worth checking out.

The Beats Pill speaker packs impressive upgrades into its compact frame. The speaker has IP67 dust and water resistance that lets it survive underwater at 1 meter depth for 30 minutes. You'll also find Bluetooth 5.3 and a redesigned woofer system. The new Beats Pill weighs just 680 grams (24 ounces), which is lighter than its predecessor while delivering better sound quality and clarity.

The 2024 Beats Pill looks great in five colors: Statement Red, Matte Black, Champagne Gold, Navy Blue, and Blush Pink. The speaker has practical features like a removable lanyard and can charge other devices too. Music enthusiasts will love the lossless audio support through USB-C with sample rates up to 48 kHz/24-bit. The specs look promising, but how does this Bluetooth speaker actually sound? Let's dive into the performance details.

Design upgrades that actually matter

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The Beats Pill features a smart redesign that brings real improvements to how you'll use it. These design changes don't just look good - they actually boost your everyday experience with the speaker.

Sleeker, more portable form factor

The new Beats Pill speaker is now slimmer and easier to carry than before. It measures 21.9 cm x 7.1 cm x 7.0 cm (8.62 in x 2.80 in x 2.76 in) and weighs just 681 grams. You'll notice the 10% weight reduction compared to the previous Beats Pill+ every time you pick it up.

The most creative design element is its 20-degree upward tilt. This isn't just about looks - it serves a real purpose by pointing sound waves toward your ears instead of straight ahead. This smart angle helps your music avoid obstacles that might block or muffle the sound.

The speaker becomes even more portable with its removable lanyard. You can carry the Beats Pill in one hand or attach it to your bag without hassle. A soft-grip silicone backing makes it comfortable and secure in your hand. These practical features really shine when you're out and about with your music.

IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating

The biggest upgrade comes from its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance - something you couldn't find in older Beats Pill models. This certification makes the Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker much more versatile in where and how you use it.

IP67 rating means your speaker stays protected against:

• Complete dust ingress (perfect for beach days)

• Temporary water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes

In spite of that, Apple points out that the new Beats Pill is water-resistant but "not waterproof or dustproof". You can use it confidently by the pool, beach, or in the rain, thanks to "enhanced internal seals that help keep dirt, sand and water out". Just remember not to leave it underwater too long.

USB-C replaces Lightning port

The Beats Pill now uses USB-C instead of Lightning connectivity. This change lines up with Apple's move toward USB-C throughout its product range. This update brings several practical advantages beyond charging.

The USB-C port turns the Beats Pill speaker into a portable power bank. You can charge your phone or other devices through the USB-C cable whenever needed - this really helps during long days away from power outlets.

The USB-C connection also lets you play high-quality audio. You get lossless audio through a direct USB-C connection to compatible devices like laptops. This gives you an alternative to Bluetooth when you want the best possible sound quality.

Color options: Matte Black, Champagne Gold, Statement Red

The 2024 Beats Pill comes in three main colors that fit different styles and settings. Matte Black offers a clean, subtle look that works anywhere. Champagne Gold brings an elegant, premium feel, while Statement Red makes a bold impression.

If you're buying two Beats Pills for stereo pairing, you can match colors or create unique combinations. Black or red models might work better for outdoor adventures, while gold could blend into sandy environments.

The detachable lanyards add another way to customize your speaker - mix and match lanyard colors with different speaker bodies. Black and red combinations look especially striking.

Navy Blue and Blush Pink have joined the original three colors, giving you more ways to match your style.

The Beats Pill shows environmental awareness too - its packaging uses 100% fiber from sustainably managed forests.

Sound check: How the Beats Pill really performs

Image Source: Apple

"The increased magnet grade (N50H) "enables 28% stronger motor force and is capable of 90% more air volume displacement when compared to the dual-woofer system in Pill Plus."" — David Carnoy, Senior Editor at CNET, tech reviewer specializing in audio products

The Beats Pill really shines in sound quality. I tested this compact speaker thoroughly and learned that its internal components make it stand out from similar options.

New woofer system with 90% more air displacement

The Beats Pill speaker got a complete driver array redesign behind its front-facing grille. The heart of this speaker is a re-engineered racetrack woofer with extra bracing that keeps it stable at high volumes. This is a major upgrade - stronger neodymium magnets help the driver vibrate with 28% more motor force.

These engineering improvements let the Beats Pill push out 90% more air compared to the old model's dual-woofer system. The speaker moves more air and creates deeper, fuller bass from its compact body.

The driver array tilts upward at 20 degrees to aim sound at your ears instead of straight ahead. This smart design choice projects better sound whether you place the speaker on a table, shelf, or any surface below ear level.

Bass-forward tuning: pros and cons

The Beats Pill packs impressive bass for a portable speaker. Bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM really showcase what the Beats Pill can do.

Bass-heavy tracks reveal:

• Strong synthesized bass pulses even at low volumes

• Clear, well-defined drum sounds

• Enough power to keep a medium-sized party going

The bass-forward tuning has its drawbacks. You might notice distortion above 80% volume. The Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker doesn't let you adjust the EQ to match your priorities, unlike some rivals.

Mono vs stereo mode with dual speakers

A single Beats Pill gives you mono sound. Pairing two units opens up two powerful options:

Amplify Mode: Both speakers play identical audio, doubling the volume. Just press the center buttons on two Pills at once.

Stereo Mode: One speaker handles left audio while the other manages right. Start by pairing two speakers in Amplify Mode, then press and hold the center button and plus button on either speaker. The speaker you use becomes the left reference speaker.

Stereo Mode creates real stereo separation and better sound quality. Your music fills rooms more effectively and sounds more immersive.

How it compares to Bose SoundLink Flex and Sonos Roam 2

The Beats Pill stands out among similarly priced speakers:

Versus Sonos Roam 2:

• Beats Pill hits harder with more bass power

• Roam 2 handles vocals and high frequencies better

• Roam 2 lets you customize EQ settings

Versus Bose SoundLink Flex:

• Beats Pill sounds more dynamic with brighter tones

• Vocals stand out more thanks to forward midrange

• SoundLink Flex delivers warmer, balanced sound

The Beats Pill works great outdoors because its forward sound cuts through background noise. The mix of bigger bass and brighter mids makes the Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker perfect for listeners who want energetic sound rather than perfect accuracy.

Battery life and charging: All-day power?

"Beats says the new Pill can get up to 24 hours of battery life at 50% volume level or double what the Pill Plus offered." — David Carnoy, Senior Editor at CNET, tech reviewer specializing in audio products

Power makes a huge difference when you're mobile, and the [Beats Pill](https://amzn.to/4dw1Djm) packs enough juice to keep your tunes playing throughout the day. The battery performance stands out as a major highlight based on my thorough testing.

24-hour battery life at 50% volume

The Beats Pill speaker runs for up to 24 hours on a single charge. Apple proved this claim through rigorous tests in April 2024 with preproduction units paired to iPhone 15 Pro devices. Their testing played 358 unique audio tracks from iTunes Store at 50% volume until the battery died.

Your actual battery life will vary based on these factors:

• Volume level (higher volume drains battery faster)

• Connected device type

• Environmental conditions

• Usage patterns

The battery lasts around 7.5 hours at higher volumes (80dB, almost maximum). This makes sense since louder audio needs more power.

The Beats Pill comes with smart battery indicators. The light shows white if the charge is above 10% and red if below that threshold when you power it on or off. The speaker also saves battery with a 20-minute auto-off timer that kicks in during periods of inactivity.

Fast charging: 2 hours from 10-minute charge

The newest Beats Pill shines with its Fast Fuel charging feature. A quick 10-minute charge gives you about 2 hours of playback. This comes in handy when you need to grab your speaker and go.

Charging couldn't be simpler - just plug in the USB-C cable to any power source. A green light shows while charging, then turns white for 10 seconds at full charge before shutting off. The Beats Pill ships with a USB-C cable but you'll need your own wall charger.

Charge-out feature for phones and earbuds

The Beats Pill doubles as a portable power bank. You can charge other devices through its USB-C port with the Charge Out feature.

This works with:

• Smartphones (including iPhones)

• Wireless earbuds

• Other portable electronics

My tests show the charging speed isn't blazing fast - phones don't detect any fast charging capability. Still, this feature adds great value and might save you from carrying a separate power bank on your adventures.

Just connect your device to the Beats Pill speaker with a USB-C cable to start charging. The speaker keeps playing music while charging other devices, though this will drain its battery faster.

Smart features and connectivity you’ll actually use

The Beats Pill stands out with its smart connectivity features. This speaker goes beyond basic music playback and includes practical tech features that make daily use better.

How to pair Beats Pill with iPhone, Android, Mac

The Beats Pill pairs easily with your devices. Apple users can connect with a single touch - just press the power button with your iPhone nearby. Your screen will show a connection prompt, and a quick tap gets you connected.

For Android devices and Macs:

• Hold the power button until you see the light flash

• Open Bluetooth settings on your device

• Look for "Beats Pill" in the device list and select it

The Beats Pill keeps your device in memory and connects automatically when you turn it on. You can switch between paired devices with a quick visit to your Bluetooth settings.

USB-C audio for lossless playback

The Beats Pill speaker lets you enjoy lossless audio through its USB-C port. A direct USB-C connection to your device skips Bluetooth compression completely. Your music plays in high-quality 48 kHz/24-bit resolution.

This wired option gives you the best sound quality when wireless convenience isn't your priority. USB audio has become a vital feature for listeners who want the best sound from their portable speakers.

Find My support for Apple and Android

Misplaced your speaker? The newest Beats Pill works with Apple's Find My network to show its location in the Find My app. You can make it play a sound to spot it nearby.

Android users get similar benefits through the Beats app. The Find My Device feature helps you track down your speaker if it goes missing.

Speakerphone functionality that works

The Beats Pill outperforms other portable speakers in call quality with its noise-canceling microphone that picks up voices clearly. You can handle calls by pressing the multifunction button.

The speaker maintains clear call quality up to 6 feet away, which works well for small group calls. Voices sound natural without the echo you typically hear from speakerphones.

Is the Beats Pill worth it? Final thoughts

Small Speaker, Big Value - Is the Beats Pill Worth It?

I tested the Beats Pill and can tell you this speaker packs amazing value. It stands out in the crowded portable speaker market with great sound quality, easy portability, and useful features.

Apple surprised everyone by adding more features to the 2024 Beats Pill and dropping the price by $50. You get double the battery life, better sound, and solid durability for less money - that's rare to see these days.

The sound quality sets this speaker apart from its rivals. A new woofer system delivers room-filling bass from this tiny package. The audio stays impressive even though you might hear some distortion at max volume.

The battery life shines bright. You get 24 hours of playback at normal volumes, perfect for weekend trips without hunting for power outlets. Fast Fuel charging comes in handy too - a quick 10-minute charge gives you 2 hours of music when you're in a rush.

The Beats Pill's power to charge other devices might be its most practical feature. You won't need a separate power bank on day trips or outdoor adventures anymore.

That 20-degree upward tilt might seem small but it makes the sound reach you better. Beats focused on real-life use instead of just making things look pretty.

Of course, the Beats Pill isn't perfect. Audio perfectionists might miss EQ controls, and the bass-heavy sound won't match every type of music. All the same, these small issues fade when you look at everything this speaker does right.

The IP67 rating means your Beats Pill speaker handles beach days, pool parties, and camping trips easily. Mix that with its light weight and handy lanyard, and you've got a speaker that goes anywhere.

Stack it against the Sonos Roam 2 or Bose SoundLink Flex, and the Beats Pill shows its strength with deeper bass and louder sound. Your choice between these ended up depending on whether you prefer the Beats' energetic sound or its competitors' balanced approach.

The Beats Pill shows how a product can get better and cheaper at the same time. This speaker deserves a close look if you want portable sound that delivers on quality and features.

FAQs

Q1. How long does the battery last on the new Beats Pill speaker? The new Beats Pill offers up to 24 hours of playback time at 50% volume on a single charge. However, actual battery life may vary depending on factors like volume level and usage patterns.

Q2. Is the Beats Pill waterproof? The Beats Pill has an IP67 rating, making it dust-resistant and waterproof for up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of water. While it can withstand splashes and brief immersion, it's not recommended for extended underwater use.

Q3. Can the Beats Pill charge other devices? Yes, the Beats Pill features a Charge Out function that allows it to act as a portable power bank. You can charge smartphones, wireless earbuds, and other devices by connecting them to the speaker's USB-C port.

Q4. How does the sound quality compare to other portable speakers? The Beats Pill delivers powerful bass and dynamic sound, especially excelling in genres like hip-hop and EDM. It offers more bass impact than some competitors, though it may lack some of the finer detail in higher frequencies that other speakers provide.

Q5. Can I pair two Beats Pills for stereo sound? Yes, you can pair two Beats Pill speakers for enhanced audio. They offer two modes: Amplify Mode, where both speakers play the same audio for increased volume, and Stereo Mode, where one speaker plays the left channel and the other plays the right for true stereo separation.