I can hardly believe it has been 12 years since I tested the original Beats Pill. As a tech reviewer who’s seen countless gadgets come and go, it’s not often that I get genuinely excited about a product relaunch. But when Beats announced the return of their iconic Pill speaker, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of nostalgia mixed with curiosity. Would this new iteration live up to the hype? After spending a week with the redesigned Beats Pill, I can confidently say it’s not just back—it’s better than ever.
Let’s start with the basics. Priced at $149.99, the new Beats Pill comes in three sleek colors: Matte Black, Statement Red, and Champagne Gold. But don’t let its familiar pill-shaped design fool you – this isn’t the same old speaker.
The new Beats Pill retains its iconic pill-shaped silhouette but introduces several thoughtful design refinements. Most notably, it’s 10% lighter than its predecessor, enhancing its portability without compromising on features or sound quality. The speaker now sports a 20-degree upward tilt, a clever acoustic strategy that projects sound more effectively and minimizes reflected audio for clearer listening.
The exterior features a soft-grip silicone backing that not only provides a secure hold but also helps dampen vibrations for cleaner sound output. A removable carry lanyard adds to its on-the-go appeal.
Now let’s talk about the noticeable improvement in sound quality Beats has completely overhauled the acoustic architecture, and the difference is night and day. The bass is punchier, the highs are crisper, and the overall sound is more room-filling than its predecessor. I was particularly impressed by the redesigned racetrack woofer, which Beats claims delivers 28% more motor force. In layman’s terms? Your favorite tracks sound richer and more dynamic than ever.
When testing, I observed that the Beats Pill especially shines with vocals and highs, which most portable speakers tend to struggle with. Mids are powerful and crisp too. I’m also impressed how it experiences minimal distortion at higher volumes.
But great sound isn’t worth much if your speaker dies mid-party. Thankfully, Beats has addressed this with an impressive 24-hour battery life. In my tests, I easily got through a full day of continuous playback without needing to recharge. And if you do find yourself low on juice, the Fast Fuel feature gives you 2 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge. That’s clutch for those last-minute beach trips or impromptu gatherings.
Speaking of beach trips, the new Pill boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It’s a welcome addition that makes the Pill a truly versatile companion for both indoor and outdoor use.
Connectivity is another area where the new Pill shines. Similarly to the latest Beats headphone releases, it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices, offering one-touch pairing and automatic pairing across your other devices. The Bluetooth connection is rock-solid. And for the audiophiles out there, you can even use the USB-C port for lossless audio playback from your laptop.
One of my favorite features is the ability to sync two Pill speakers for a wider soundstage. Whether you’re using them in Amplify Mode for more volume or Stereo Mode for a true left-right experience, it’s a game-changer for larger spaces or outdoor events. It makes the Beats Pills sound even more immersive.
Are there any downsides? Well, at $149.99, it’s not the cheapest portable speaker on the market. But considering the sound quality, battery life, and durability, I’d argue it’s worth the investment for anyone serious about their on-the-go audio.
Bottom line
In conclusion, the upgraded Beats Pill isn’t just a nostalgia play; it’s a serious contender in the portable speaker market. With its improved sound, robust feature set, and iconic design, it’s clear that Beats has put a lot of thought into this relaunch. And like with the Beats headphone lineup, it sounds phenomenal when playing pop music. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or new to the Beats ecosystem, the new Pill is worth a listen.