Beats Pill Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Review
Product Information & Ratings
Review Summary
The Beats Pill+ Wireless Bluetooth Speaker offers a sleek design, robust build, and powerful audio performance for its size. As the first major product released by Beats under Apple's ownership, it carries a blend of both style and substance. However, while it excels in sound quality, there are some limitations in its features that might affect its competitiveness in the crowded Bluetooth speaker market.
1. Design & Build Quality (4/5)
The Beats Pill+ maintains its iconic pill-shaped design but with a sleeker finish that aligns more closely with Apple's design language. Its compact and portable form makes it easy to carry, although it's slightly heavier than some of its competitors. The speaker feels sturdy with a rubberized exterior that adds grip, but it lacks a water or dust resistance rating, limiting its use in outdoor environments. Charging is done via a Lightning cable, which is convenient for Apple users. While it feels durable, you might want to use a protective case when taking it on the go.
2. Sound Quality (4.5/5)
One of the strongest aspects of the Beats Pill+ is its sound performance. It delivers a powerful bass response and clear midrange, making it well-suited for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and electronic music. During our tests, the audio remained crisp and dynamic at moderate volumes, but at higher levels, we noticed some distortion in the treble frequencies. Compared to other Bluetooth speakers like the Bose SoundLink Revolve and JBL Flip 5, the Pill+ has a more boomy sound profile that may appeal to bass enthusiasts but lacks some clarity in the highs for more balanced listening experiences.
3. Battery Life & Connectivity (3.5/5)
The battery life of the Beats Pill+ is decent, offering up to 12 hours of playback on a full charge, which should be enough for most day trips or gatherings. However, this falls short compared to rivals like the JBL Charge 4, which boasts over 13 hours of playtime. On the plus side, the speaker charges fully in about three hours. The Beats Pill+ supports Bluetooth connectivity, and you can pair two speakers together using the Beats app to create a stereo setup, though the app functionality is limited compared to other brands.
4. Features & Usability (3/5)
The speaker's features are somewhat basic for its price range. It does not have an IP rating for water or dust resistance, which is a standard feature in many competitors. The multi-function button on top allows you to control playback and answer calls, but it lacks the integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant or Siri. The ability to pair with another Beats Pill+ for a stereo experience is a nice touch, but the lack of support for multi-device Bluetooth pairing can be a downside for those who frequently switch devices.
Who It’s For
- Bass Lovers: Ideal for those who enjoy a bass-forward sound profile, especially fans of genres like hip-hop and EDM.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Perfect for Apple users who appreciate the seamless integration with other Apple devices using the Lightning cable.
- Casual Listeners: Suitable for people looking for a stylish and portable speaker for indoor use rather than rugged outdoor adventures.
Overall Rating: 3.8/5
The Beats Pill+ Wireless Bluetooth Speaker stands out for its solid sound quality and stylish design but falls short in some areas like portability and advanced features. Its bass-heavy sound and sleek aesthetic will appeal to a specific audience, but those looking for a more versatile, feature-rich speaker may want to explore alternatives. While it delivers on the Beats brand promise of bold sound and design, it faces tough competition from brands like Bose and JBL that offer more balanced sound and better value.
Pros
- Powerful Bass: The Beats Pill+ delivers a bass-heavy sound profile, well-suited for genres like hip-hop and EDM. Equipped with two tweeters and two woofers, it achieves clear mids and punchy bass, which is impressive for its compact size
- Sleek, Portable Design: Compact and stylish, the Beats Pill+ features a minimalist look with rounded edges and a durable rubberized exterior. Though slightly heavier than similar models, it is still convenient to carry for casual indoor or small outdoor gatherings
- Stereo Pairing Option: The speaker can connect with a second Beats Pill+ via the Beats app, offering either a stereo setup or an amplified sound mode to cover a larger area, making it versatile for social settings
Cons
- No Water or Dust Resistance: The Pill+ lacks an IP rating, making it less suitable for rugged outdoor use or environments with dust and moisture, which is common in competing portable speakers like JBL and Bose
- Limited Features for the Price: Although well-designed, the Pill+ does not include voice assistant integration or multi-device Bluetooth pairing, which some users might expect at this price point. Additionally, it uses a Lightning cable for charging, which may be inconvenient for non-Apple users
Key Features
- Battery Life: The Pill+ offers around 12 hours of playback, enough for most day trips but shorter than some competing models. It fully charges in about 3 hours and includes a USB-A port for charging mobile devices in a pinch.
- Compact but Bass-Driven Sound: The speaker’s design supports solid bass and clear midranges, though it may experience distortion at high volumes. At moderate levels, however, it provides a dynamic audio experience for smaller spaces
- Minimalist Controls: A single “b” button on top manages playback and call answering, while pairing requires the app. This streamlined approach suits users who prefer a simple setup but lacks multi-functionality found in some rivals
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