While the Beats Pill used to be a common sight around parties and campfires, it slowly fell out of favor as Bluetooth speakers with better battery life and more advanced features hit the scene. In 2024, Apple decided to update the Pill, and it was a big jump in terms of catching up, or even passing the competition. That updated model, with bigger sound, more longevity, and a raft of mobile-focused features, is marked down by $50 at both Amazon and Best Buy, bringing the price down to just $100.
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Beats speakers and headphones have a signature sound, and the updated Pill is no different. It’s decidedly bass-forward, although Apple’s influence has smoothed out some of the sharper edges that can result in that decision. Our reviewer Ryan Waniata wrote a really in-depth breakdown of the sound across several genres in his review, in case you want details about how it matches with your musical preferences. There’s no equalizer, so you’re stuck with the sound it comes out of the box with, for better or worse.
The newer Pill is also more capable of adventuring than its predecessors. It has a new IP67 dust and waterproof rating, which should make it better for your beach trips, even if it isn’t quite as rugged as some of our other favorite Bluetooth speakers. It has super-long battery life, though, with a quoted 24 hours of charge at half volume, and even better at low volumes. It can charge your other devices with the built-in USB-C port as well.
Like the older Pills that came before it, the newer model comes in a handful of both subtle and eye-catching colors. I spotted the discounted price on the classic Black, Light Gray, and Dark Gray, as well as the bolder Champagne Gold and Statement Red options on Amazon, but your mileage may vary at other retailers.
Despite some minor quibbles, this is a really excellent speaker with a signature sound profile that Beats fans know and love. If that doesn’t sound like you, make sure to check out our full roundup of the best Bluetooth speakers for some alternatives.
