Introduction
In an era where portable speakers have become an essential part of our audio experience, the Beats Pill+ stands out as a popular choice. This compact Bluetooth speaker, designed by Beats by Dre, promises high-quality sound in a small, portable form factor. This review delves deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Beats Pill+ speaker, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential buyers.
Design and Build Quality
The Beats Pill+ boasts a sleek and modern design, characterized by its pill-shaped form. Measuring just 0.68 feet in length, this speaker is small enough to be easily portable while still offering a powerful audio experience. Its build is sturdy, which suggests durability, though it lacks an official rating for dust or water resistance. This could be a consideration for users planning to use the speaker in more rugged outdoor environments.
Portability
One of the standout features of the Beats Pill+ is its portability. Its compact size makes it convenient to carry around, whether you’re heading to a beach party, a picnic, or just moving from room to room in your house. The lightweight design ensures it won’t be a burden, and its stylish look means it’s an accessory you’ll be happy to show off.
Audio Performance
The primary function of any speaker is to deliver quality sound, and the Beats Pill+ does not disappoint in this regard. It offers a defined, pure sound quality that caters to a wide range of music genres. However, there are specific characteristics of its audio performance that are worth noting.
Sound Profile
The sound profile of the Beats Pill+ is boomy, with a noticeable emphasis on bass. This makes it particularly suitable for genres like EDM, hip-hop, and pop, where strong bass lines are a key component of the music. However, the overemphasized treble range can sometimes make higher frequencies sound bright or piercing, which might not be to everyone’s taste.
Stereo Content
A significant advantage of the Beats Pill+ is its ability to play stereo content without downmixing it into mono. This means that listeners can enjoy a more immersive audio experience, with distinct left and right channels that enhance the depth and richness of the sound.
Volume
While the Beats Pill+ delivers high-quality sound, it does have some limitations when it comes to volume. It doesn’t get exceptionally loud, which could be a drawback in large outdoor spaces or noisy environments. This is an important consideration for users who plan to use the speaker in such settings.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for portable speakers, and the Beats Pill+ offers a respectable performance in this area. It boasts a 12-hour rechargeable battery, which is more than sufficient for most daily uses. However, in practical terms, the battery lasts just under eight hours, which is still adequate for outdoor activities or parties that last most of the day.
Charging Capabilities
The Beats Pill+ comes with a Lightning to USB-A charging cable and a 12.5W power supply unit (PSU). This setup not only allows for convenient recharging of the speaker itself but also includes a charge-out feature that lets you use the speaker to charge your Apple iPhone and other devices. This added functionality can be a lifesaver when your phone’s battery is running low and there’s no power outlet in sight.
Connectivity
Bluetooth
The Beats Pill+ is designed for easy pairing and playing with Bluetooth devices. It supports both iOS and Android platforms, ensuring broad compatibility with most smartphones and tablets. The Bluetooth range is decent, allowing for a stable connection within a reasonable distance.
Beats Pill+ App
To enhance the user experience, Beats offers the Beats Pill+ app. This app unlocks several features, such as the ability to bring a second speaker into the mix for fuller sound or stereo pairing. Additionally, the app allows two users to control the music from separate Bluetooth sources, making it a fun and interactive way to share DJ duties with friends.
Speakerphone Functionality
In today’s connected world, having a speaker that doubles as a speakerphone can be extremely useful. The Beats Pill+ includes an enhanced speakerphone feature, enabling users to make and receive calls with clarity. This is particularly handy for conference calls or when you need to take a call hands-free while multitasking.
Additional Features
Compatibility
The Beats Pill+ is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making it a versatile choice regardless of your smartphone preference. This compatibility extends to the Beats Pill+ app, which is available on both platforms and adds a layer of functionality and customization to the speaker.
Included Accessories
With the purchase of the Beats Pill+, you receive several accessories to enhance your user experience. These include a 1.5m Lightning to USB-A charging cable, a 12.5W PSU, a Quick Start Guide, and a Warranty Card. These accessories ensure that you have everything you need to get started right out of the box.
Performance in Different Settings
Outdoor Use
When it comes to outdoor use, the Beats Pill+ has some strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, its boomy sound profile can be particularly enjoyable in open spaces, where bass-heavy music can energize a gathering. The battery life, though just under eight hours in practice, is typically sufficient for a day’s outing. However, the speaker’s volume limitations and lack of water or dust resistance could be drawbacks for users planning to use it in more challenging environments.
Indoor Use
Indoors, the Beats Pill+ excels in providing a rich and immersive audio experience. Its ability to play stereo content without downmixing ensures that music sounds vibrant and full. The speakerphone functionality is also more relevant in indoor settings, making it easy to switch between music and calls.
Comparison with Competitors
In the crowded market of portable Bluetooth speakers, the Beats Pill+ faces stiff competition. When compared to other popular models in its price range, several factors stand out.
Sound Quality
While the Beats Pill+ offers a boomy sound profile that many will enjoy, some competitors provide a more balanced sound signature. For users who prefer a more neutral or customizable sound, other brands might offer better options.
Durability
The lack of an official dust or water resistance rating puts the Beats Pill+ at a disadvantage compared to some ruggedized competitors. For users who prioritize durability and plan to use their speaker in harsh environments, this could be a significant consideration.
Battery Life
The advertised 12-hour battery life of the Beats Pill+ is competitive, though its practical performance of just under eight hours is slightly less impressive. Some competing models offer longer battery life, which could be appealing to users who need extended playback times.
Connectivity and Features
The Beats Pill+ offers solid Bluetooth connectivity and additional features through the Beats Pill+ app, such as stereo pairing and dual-source control. However, some competitors offer more advanced connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and voice assistant compatibility, which are absent in the Beats Pill+.
Recommendations
Based on the comprehensive review of the Beats Pill+ speaker, here are some recommendations for potential buyers:
Ideal Users
- Bass Lovers: If you enjoy music genres that benefit from a strong bass presence, the Beats Pill+ is a great choice.
- Portable Audio Enthusiasts: Its compact and stylish design makes it perfect for users who need a portable speaker for on-the-go use.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: The included Lightning to USB-A charging cable and the ability to charge iPhones make it particularly appealing for Apple users.
Considerations
- Outdoor Users: If you plan to use the speaker in outdoor or rugged environments, the lack of dust and water resistance might be a concern.
- Volume Needs: For those who need a speaker that can get exceptionally loud, the Beats Pill+ might fall short in very noisy settings.
- Balanced Sound Seekers: Users who prefer a more balanced sound profile might want to explore other options that offer customizable EQ settings.
Final Thoughts
The Beats Pill+ is a well-designed portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers a boomy sound profile, solid battery life, and useful features such as speakerphone functionality and the Beats Pill+ app. While it has some limitations in terms of volume and durability, it remains a strong contender in the portable speaker market, particularly for users who appreciate its design and bass-heavy sound.