Beats Pill review: Packed with features without the Apple price tag

Beats finally realized they could make speakers too. Apple’s audio brand launched its last speaker, the Pill+, about ten years ago, and recently launched its successor, the Pill, in June.

The Pill costs $150, and while testing it, I couldn’t help but compare it to the recently released $130 Sony Ult Field 1. It has a pill-shaped design, a mono output system, and a mid-range price point aimed at audiophiles who want decent, roomy sound for picnics, hiking or solo listening.

Beats Pill Review: Design

I don’t think that is the best option for walking.

In terms of design, you can tell that Beats tried to maximize the functionality of the pill. It’s made with generous amounts of impact-resistant rubber combined with silicone, and has long straps that can be attached to a backpack for hiking. The Pill is also rated IP67, which means it’s the highest level of dust you can get and almost the highest level of water resistance (IP68 is the highest). It ticks all the boxes and should be enough for the average user who wants to take big audio in a small package to places like the beach or the park.

But if you like to have a speaker with you wherever you go (I do), you might be more comfortable taking the Ult Field 1 on your adventures. It is also IP67 rated, but features a much more rugged exterior and a full body. I like that the Type-C charging port is covered with a rubber flap to keep water out. On the other hand, the Beats Pill’s open USB-C port might be a concern if you’re at the beach or pool.

Photo: Artem Golub/Gizmodo

Both speakers come with straps, but Sony’s are much better. The Ult Field 1 straps are much thicker, sturdier and more durable, and there is also an additional curve on the body of the speaker that acts as a handle. The Ult Field 1 is also significantly lighter, at 650g compared to the Pill’s 680g.

Photo: Artem Golub/Gizmodo

Beats Pill Review: Battery Life

That’s twice what you get from a speaker this size.

Design is probably the only area where the Pill outperforms the Ult Field 1, but in terms of battery life, the Pill lasts an impressive 24 hours, while the Field 1 shuts down after 12 hours. I have been using the pill off and on for the past few weeks and have not needed to charge it yet. It also has some features that other speakers in this range (Ult Field 1 and Sonos Roam 2) do not offer. You can hear lossless audio through the USB-C connection, so you can enjoy high-resolution sound even when the speaker is connected to a laptop or other compatible device. I felt the audio was upgraded a bit, but not to the point where I was wired when I could have gone wireless.

I’m also glad that Beats is finally targeting Android users and offering the same basic features as iOS. The Pill offers the same one-touch connection to both systems, with Find My (for iOS) and Find My Device (for Android) options. In response to EU obligations, Beats has moved the Lightning port from the Pill’s previous model to the Pill’s USB-C port, making it easier to support non-Apple devices.

Beats Pill Review: Sound

It is better for treble than bass.

Beats promises a new refined Track woofer that seems to push 90% more air for more powerful bass. After hearing a few things Fred again Of the two speakers, I still recommend the Ult Field 1 if you like powerful bass that can sometimes overwhelm other elements of the orchestra. Even with the bass boost button turned off, the Pill delivers a rich, powerful bass sound. Some bass-heavy tracks may sound a little thick or too powerful, but in those cases you can simply turn the volume down.

The Pill performs best in the middle (or vocals) and treble. Linear voice range “ocean” The Phil had a clearer sound. The orchestra was not full and there was enough space for each element to shine on its own. Beats claims that the tweeters have been upgraded to deliver crisp levels and a rich midrange, and I was able to verify that claim after playing a few high-end songs.

Another cool feature that the Pill is very generous with for its affordable price is the Amplify and Stereo modes. You can provide an updated sound by pairing two Pills in Amplify mode, which, as the name of the mode suggests, delivers a louder sound. Or, if you switch to Stereo mode, the speakers act as left and right outputs. I tried both mods on my Beats Pills, and they were very easy to install. Bring the two speakers close to each other and press and hold the multifunction button on the speakers to turn them on or off. I think the Amplify mode could be useful at house parties when you want to have two speakers in two different rooms.

Photo: Artem Golub/Gizmodo

Beats Pill Review: Judgment

I think the Pill is an affordable speaker that offers a lot more than you might expect. You don’t seem to be paying a price for something made by Apple, often called the Apple Tax. It’s amazing. For just $150, you get an impressive high end and midrange, several portability-oriented features, and some nice features like Amplify and Stereo modes or lossless audio over USB-C. I would not recommend the Pill for bass only, as there are cheaper alternatives for the same price. The 24-hour battery life is more than double that of similar speakers in this range (10 to 15 hours), and the new Android compatibility feature expands the target audience for people who to carry a small speaker that can produce loud audio.