When it comes to portable speakers, the Beats brand has become synonymous with premium sound quality and stylish design. Among their most popular offerings, the Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus stand out in the Bluetooth speaker market. As consumers seek to enhance their audio experience, understanding the differences between these two models becomes paramount. In this extensive comparison, we will uncover the unique features, specifications, and performance aspects of both models to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Overview of Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus
Before diving into the specifics, let’s establish a foundational understanding of what each product offers.
Beats Pill
Launched in 2012, the original Beats Pill introduced a redesigned approach to portable speakers. Characterized by its compact, cylindrical shape, it was engineered for users who desired high-quality audio on the go.
Beats Pill Plus
Released as an upgrade in 2015, the Beats Pill Plus aimed to refine the original design while integrating improved sound quality, battery life, and connectivity options. This model built upon the foundation of its predecessor, making solid advancements that appealed to a wider audience.
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Weight
When it comes to portability, both models are relatively lightweight and easy to carry.
| Model | Dimensions (inches) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Beats Pill | 7.5 x 2.6 x 2.5 | 0.95 |
| Beats Pill Plus | 8.15 x 2.8 x 3.2 | 1.25 |
While the Beats Pill is slightly smaller and lighter, the Pill Plus offers a bulkier build which contributes to a more robust sound profile.
Visual Aesthetics
Both speakers exude a sleek and modern look, featuring the iconic Beats logo. The original Pill model is available in a variety of colors, while the Pill Plus comes primarily in black and white options, emphasizing a pure aesthetic.
Audio Quality Comparison
Sound quality is the core of any audio device, and both the Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus have their unique auditory signatures.
Drivers and Sound Performance
The Beats Pill features dual speakers with a bass radiator, delivering rich sound quality that impresses users. However, the Pill Plus takes this experience to the next level. With improved drivers and a larger acoustic chamber, the Pill Plus provides enhanced bass response and overall clarity.
Listening Experience
While both speakers deliver impressive audio, users tend to find that the Beats Pill Plus has a more well-rounded sound profile, making it ideal for a variety of music genres, from bass-heavy tracks to vocals.
Battery Life and Charging Features
Battery life is a significant factor when deciding on a portable speaker, especially for users who are always on the move.
Battery Life
- The original Beats Pill boasts up to 7 hours of playback.
- In contrast, the Beats Pill Plus offers an extended battery life of 12 hours, making it a more reliable companion for long outings.
Charging Options
Both speakers come with USB charging capabilities, but the Pill Plus incorporates a lightning connector, which improves charging efficiency compared to the traditional USB charger found with the original Pill. Additionally, the Pill Plus can charge other devices directly, allowing you to use its battery to power your smartphone or tablet.
Connectivity Features
In today’s digital world, robust connectivity is crucial for seamless audio experiences. Let’s examine how each model excels in this area.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Both the Beats Pill and the Beats Pill Plus are equipped with Bluetooth, allowing for easy pairing with various devices. The Pill Plus, however, benefits from Bluetooth 4.2, offering a more stable connection and enhanced range compared to the Pill’s earlier version.
Multi-Device Pairing
One standout feature of the Beats Pill Plus is its ability to connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing users to switch tracks with ease. This is particularly useful during social gatherings or parties, where multiple users may want to control the music.
User Experience and Functionality
Controls and Interface
Both the Beats Pill and Pill Plus feature user-friendly controls. However, the Pill Plus introduces a more intuitive interface, enabling quick access to volume and play functions through distinct buttons. Moreover, the Pill Plus has an onboard speakerphone, which enhances its functionality for hands-free calls.
App Integration
Another area where the Pill Plus shines is its compatibility with the Beats app. This provides a more seamless user experience, allowing users to track battery life, manage EQ settings, and enable features such as stereo pairing for an elevated audio experience. The original Pill lacks this level of app integration, limiting some capabilities.
Pricing and Market Positioning
When evaluating audio devices, price often plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process.
Price Point
The original Beats Pill usually retails for a lower cost compared to the Beats Pill Plus, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Conversely, the Pill Plus is marketed as a premium model, reflecting its enhanced features and capabilities.
Choosing the Right Model for You
Deciding between the two models largely depends on your needs, preferences, and budget constraints. If you seek a reliable speaker with decent sound quality at a lower price, the original Beats Pill could suffice. However, for those who prioritize superior audio performance, longer battery life, and advanced functionality, the Beats Pill Plus is undoubtedly the better choice.
Final Thoughts
In summary, both the Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus bring their unique strengths to the table. The original Beats Pill offers portability and solid sound quality for casual listeners, while the Pill Plus steps up the game with advanced audio features, longer battery life, and an improved design.
When weighing your decision, consider what aspects are most important to you – whether it be sound quality, battery longevity, or budget. Whatever your choice, both speakers embody the commitment to quality and design that the Beats brand is known for.
In the crowded world of portable speakers, understanding the nuances between models can lead to a vastly improved listening experience. Choose wisely, and enjoy your music like never before!
What are the main differences between the Beats Pill and the Beats Pill Plus?
The Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus differ primarily in terms of audio quality, battery life, and connectivity features. The Beats Pill Plus boasts a more powerful stereo sound, enhanced bass response, and an overall richer audio experience compared to the original Beats Pill. Additionally, the Pill Plus comes equipped with a longer battery life, allowing for up to 12 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, whereas the original Pill typically lasts up to 8 hours.
Connectivity also sees an upgrade in the Beats Pill Plus. It supports improved Bluetooth coverage and can connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easier for users to switch between playlists on different devices. The original Pill, while still offering Bluetooth capabilities, lacks this dual connectivity feature, limiting its usability when multiple devices need to share the speaker.
Is the Beats Pill Plus worth the extra cost compared to the original Beats Pill?
Whether the Beats Pill Plus is worth the extra cost largely depends on individual needs and preferences. For users who prioritize sound quality and longer battery life, the additional investment for the Pill Plus can be justified. The enhanced audio performance and dual device connectivity can significantly amplify the overall listening experience, making it a more versatile choice for music lovers and social gatherings.
On the other hand, if someone primarily uses a portable speaker for casual listening and does not require the best audio fidelity or extended playtime, the original Beats Pill may still serve as a sufficient option. It remains a decent speaker for its price, so potential buyers should consider their specific usage scenarios before making a decision.
Can I connect the Beats Pill Plus to multiple devices at once?
Yes, the Beats Pill Plus can connect to two devices simultaneously. This feature allows users to share control of the speaker between multiple devices, making it easy to switch between playlists or streaming services without manually disconnecting and reconnecting each time. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently switch between their smartphone and tablet or want to share music playback with friends.
In contrast, the original Beats Pill only allows for connection to one device at a time. While it still offers reliable Bluetooth connectivity, it may not cater to the convenience offered by its successor. Therefore, if fluid connection between multiple devices is important to you, the Beats Pill Plus is a more suitable option.
How does the battery life of the Beats Pill compare to the Beats Pill Plus?
The Beats Pill Plus has a superior battery life compared to the original Beats Pill. Users can expect up to 12 hours of continuous playback on the Pill Plus, making it an excellent choice for long outings, parties, or road trips where charging may not be readily available. This extended duration is a significant improvement that increases usability and convenience in various situations.
By contrast, the original Beats Pill typically offers around 8 hours of playback on a full charge. While this is still respectable for casual use, it may require more frequent charging for extended listening sessions. For users seeking longer durations without interruptions, the upgraded battery life of the Beats Pill Plus can be a compelling reason to upgrade.
What audio features are present in each model?
Both the Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless streaming from various devices. However, the Pill Plus comes with enhanced audio features, including improved stereo sound and a more robust bass response, creating a better overall listening experience. It also includes a built-in speakerphone, allowing users to take calls hands-free while enjoying music.
The original Beats Pill has solid audio quality, but it lacks some of the advanced features and refinements found in the Pill Plus. Audio performance is still commendable, which makes it a good choice for casual listeners. However, for audiophiles or those who appreciate richer sound profiles, the added benefits of the Beats Pill Plus might make it the preferred model.
Are there any design differences between the Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus?
When it comes to design, both models share a similar cylindrical shape, but the Beats Pill Plus introduces some notable improvements. The Pill Plus has a more refined finish and is slightly larger, which accommodates its enhanced sound system. The placement of controls has also been adjusted for improved accessibility, making it easier for users to manage playback and volume controls directly on the speaker.
Additionally, the Beats Pill Plus features a more durable construction, which adds to its overall longevity, especially for outdoor use. While the original Beats Pill still boasts a stylish design, the advancements made in the Pill Plus’s design cater to improved user experience and reliability, making it a more appealing option for those concerned about portability and durability.
Can I use the Beats Pill series with voice assistants?
The Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus do not natively support voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant built-in. However, they can be used in conjunction with devices that do support these voice assistants. When connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet that allows voice commands, users can utilize their device’s capabilities to interact with voice assistants while enjoying music on the speakers.
For those who are looking for more integrated smart speaker features, you may find that other models specifically designed for this purpose offer better compatibility. Nevertheless, if voice assistance is not a primary requirement, both the Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus remain excellent choices for quality sound and portability.
How do I charge the Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus?
Charging both the Beats Pill and Beats Pill Plus is straightforward and user-friendly. Both speakers utilize a standard Lightning connector, which is commonly used for Apple devices. Users can charge the speakers using a USB power adapter, a computer’s USB port, or other compatible charging methods, allowing for flexibility depending on the available power sources.
To ensure optimal battery performance, it’s recommended to charge the speakers fully before first use and avoid letting the battery deplete completely on a regular basis. While both models provide a visual indication of battery levels through LED indicators, users should be mindful of charging them after prolonged use to maintain their battery health over time.