The Beats Pill+ was a portable Bluetooth speaker released by Beats by Dre, known for its compact design, signature Beats audio profile, and emphasis on bass.

While it has since been discontinued, it left a significant mark on the portable speaker market, offering a blend of style, sound quality, and portability that appealed to many.

Its intuitive controls, decent battery life, and ability to charge other devices made it a versatile companion for on-the-go listening.

However, its premium price point and a sound signature that sometimes favored bass over clarity were common discussion points among audio enthusiasts.

Today, the legacy of the Pill+ lives on through its influence on subsequent portable speaker designs and the continued evolution of Bluetooth audio technology.

Feature/Product	Beats Pill+	JBL Flip 6	Bose SoundLink Flex	Ultimate Ears Boom 3	Sonos Roam	Sony SRS-XB33	Marshall Emberton II
Audio Profile	Bass-heavy, punchy	Balanced, clear	Balanced, spatial audio	360-degree, clear	Balanced, Sonos ecosystem	Bass-forward, Live Sound	Signature Marshall, robust
Connectivity	Bluetooth	Bluetooth	Bluetooth	Bluetooth	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Battery Life Approx.	12 hours	12 hours	12 hours	15 hours	10 hours	24 hours	30 hours
Water Resistance	No official IP rating	IP67 Dustproof/Waterproof	IP67 Dustproof/Waterproof	IP67 Dustproof/Waterproof	IP67 Dustproof/Waterproof	IP67 Dustproof/Waterproof	IP67 Dustproof/Waterproof
Charging Port	Lightning	USB-C	USB-C	Micro USB	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
App Support	Beats Pill+ App	JBL Portable App	Bose Connect App	Boom & Megaboom App	Sonos App	Sony Podcast Center App	Marshall Bluetooth App
Special Features	Speakerphone, Charge Out	PartyBoost, USB-C Charging	PositionIQ, Built-in mic	Outdoor Boost, PartyUp	Auto TruePlay, Voice control	X-Balanced Speaker Unit, Party Connect	Stack Mode, Multi-host

Table of Contents

The Legacy of the Beats Pill+: A Deep Dive into a Discontinued Icon

The Beats Pill+ carved out its niche in the competitive portable speaker market, emerging as a stylish and sound-focused option in an era when Bluetooth speakers were gaining immense popularity.

While it may no longer be available new, its impact on design and user experience remains noteworthy.

Understanding the Pill+’s place in audio history requires a look at its inception, its features, and how it stacked up against the burgeoning competition.

Origins and Design Philosophy

When it launched, the Beats Pill+ was an evolution of the original Beats Pill, addressing several criticisms and refining the overall experience. TunnelBear

Beats, known for its bold aesthetic and bass-forward sound, aimed to translate that identity into a more premium and portable package.

Sleek Aesthetics: The Pill+ maintained the iconic pill-shaped design but with a more refined, minimalist look. Its seamless grille and soft-touch finish gave it a premium feel that stood out from many ruggedized competitors.
Intuitive Controls: Unlike some speakers that buried controls, the Pill+ featured prominent, tactile buttons on the top, including a large, easily accessible multi-function “b” button for playback and call management.
Focus on Portability: Despite its robust build, the Pill+ was designed to be easily carried, fitting into most bags and even some larger pockets. This emphasis on portability was crucial for its target audience: users who wanted quality sound on the go without significant bulk.
Material Choices: Beats opted for high-quality plastics and metal grilles, providing both durability and a premium tactile experience. The choice of materials contributed to its substantial feel without making it excessively heavy.

Audio Performance: The Beats Signature Sound

At the heart of any speaker is its sound, and the Beats Pill+ delivered the signature Beats audio profile.

This meant a sound that was often characterized by its powerful low-end, clear mids, and somewhat subdued highs.

Punchy Bass: The Pill+ was engineered to deliver a strong, resonant bass, which was particularly appealing for genres like hip-hop, electronic podcast, and pop. This wasn’t just about volume. it was about the feel of the bass.
Clear Mid-range: Vocals and primary instruments generally came through clearly, ensuring that the core of the podcast wasn’t lost amidst the prominent bass.
Balanced Treble with a caveat: While the treble was present, it sometimes lacked the crispness and detail found in more audiophile-focused speakers. This was a deliberate tuning choice by Beats, prioritizing impact and warmth over analytical clarity.
Stereo Separation: The Pill+ was one of the few compact speakers that offered a true stereo experience out of a single unit, contributing to a more immersive soundstage. Users could also pair two Pill+ speakers for even wider stereo separation, enhancing the listening experience significantly.

Frequency Range	Performance Characteristic	Best For
Low Frequencies Bass	Deep, impactful, sometimes overwhelming	Hip-hop, EDM, Pop
Mid Frequencies Vocals, Instruments	Clear, present, good separation	Vocals, Guitar-driven tracks
High Frequencies Treble	Smooth, slightly rolled off, not fatiguing	Background details, cymbals less shimmer

Connectivity and Smart Features

Beyond basic Bluetooth, the Beats Pill+ incorporated several features designed to enhance usability and interaction.

These smart functionalities were key to its appeal, especially at its price point. Windscribe

Bluetooth 4.0: Offering a stable connection and decent range, Bluetooth 4.0 was standard at the time, ensuring reliable wireless audio streaming from compatible devices.
“Pill+” App Integration: Beats developed a dedicated app that allowed users to unlock additional features. This included:
- DJ Mode: Allowed two Bluetooth sources to connect and control the speaker simultaneously, making it easy to switch between playlists.
- Amplify Mode: Paired two Pill+ speakers to play the same audio in sync, effectively doubling the sound output for larger spaces or outdoor gatherings.
- Stereo Mode: Configured two Pill+ speakers to act as dedicated left and right channels for a true stereo listening experience.
Speakerphone Functionality: A built-in microphone allowed users to take calls directly through the speaker, a convenient feature for hands-free communication. The call quality was generally clear, making it suitable for casual calls or conference calls in a small group.
Charge Out Feature: One of the most practical features was the ability to use the Pill+’s internal battery to charge other devices via its USB-A port. This turned the speaker into a portable power bank, a lifesaver for smartphones running low on juice while on the go.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is paramount for any portable speaker, and the Beats Pill+ aimed for a balance of power and endurance. Its charging solution was also a point of note.

12-Hour Battery Life: Beats claimed up to 12 hours of continuous playback, which was competitive for its size and sound output at the time. Actual battery life varied based on volume levels and content.
Lightning Port Charging: Uniquely for a non-Apple branded device, the Pill+ used Apple’s Lightning port for charging. This was a direct result of Apple’s acquisition of Beats, aligning the charging ecosystem with iPhones and iPads. While convenient for Apple users, it meant carrying an extra cable for Android users or those with USB-C devices.
Battery Status Indicator: A clear, illuminated fuel gauge on the speaker provided a quick visual indication of the remaining battery life, preventing unexpected power downs.

Comparisons and Market Positioning

The Beats Pill+ entered a crowded market, vying for attention against established players and emerging brands.

Its premium price point positioned it against some formidable competitors.

Against JBL Flip 6 and JBL Charge 5: JBL speakers are renowned for their ruggedness and balanced sound. The Pill+ offered a more “lifestyle” aesthetic and a distinct bass-forward sound, while JBL often emphasized waterproofing and louder overall output. JBL’s PartyBoost feature provided similar multi-speaker pairing to the Pill+’s Amplify and Stereo modes.
Against Bose SoundLink Flex: Bose typically prioritizes clear, balanced audio and sophisticated sound processing. The SoundLink Flex, a more recent offering, boasts a more rugged design and impressive spatial audio capabilities for its size, areas where the Pill+ was less focused. Bose’s emphasis is often on natural sound reproduction rather than boosted bass.
Against Ultimate Ears Boom 3: UE speakers are known for their 360-degree sound, extreme durability, and vibrant designs. The Boom 3, with its IP67 rating and floatable design, offered a more adventure-ready profile compared to the more home-oriented Pill+. UE’s PartyUp feature also allowed connection of numerous speakers.
Against Sonos Roam: The Sonos Roam entered the market with the advantage of the Sonos ecosystem, offering seamless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, plus features like Auto TruePlay tuning. While the Pill+ was a pure Bluetooth speaker, the Roam’s dual connectivity and smart home integration put it in a different league for those already invested in Sonos.
Against Sony SRS-XB33: Sony’s XB series focuses on “Extra Bass” and party features like customizable lighting. The SRS-XB33 offers a much longer battery life and is significantly more rugged with an IP67 rating and shockproof design. While both prioritize bass, Sony often provides more customization options via its app.
Against Marshall Emberton II: Marshall speakers blend iconic retro design with modern sound. The Emberton II offers a robust, balanced sound signature and an impressive 30-hour battery life. It’s also incredibly durable. The aesthetic and audio profile are distinctly different from the Pill+, catering to different tastes.

The Pill+ found its sweet spot with users who valued its distinctive design, Apple ecosystem compatibility via Lightning, and powerful bass in a relatively compact form factor.

It wasn’t the most rugged or feature-rich in every category, but it excelled in its specific niche. Vote for the next toaster we buy

Discontinuation and Afterlife

The Beats Pill+ was officially discontinued by Apple/Beats in 2022. Several factors likely contributed to this decision:

Focus on Headphones: Apple’s primary focus for Beats shifted more towards headphones like the Beats Studio Buds and Powerbeats Pro and the HomePod line for smart home audio.
USB-C Transition: The continued use of the Lightning port for charging became an anachronism as most other portable electronics, including many Apple products, adopted USB-C. Developing a new Pill+ with USB-C might not have aligned with their strategic priorities.
Internal Competition: The HomePod Mini offered a compact, smart speaker experience with deeper Apple ecosystem integration, potentially cannibalizing the need for a dedicated Beats portable speaker within Apple’s own product lineup.

Despite its discontinuation, the Pill+ remains a sought-after item on the second-hand market for those who appreciate its specific sound profile or design.

Its influence can be seen in the continued demand for stylish, bass-focused portable speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Beats Pill+?

The Beats Pill+ was a portable Bluetooth speaker manufactured by Beats by Dre an Apple subsidiary, known for its compact pill-shaped design, signature bass-heavy audio, and features like speakerphone functionality and the ability to charge other devices.

When was the Beats Pill+ released?

The Beats Pill+ was originally released in October 2015. Private Internet Access

Is the Beats Pill+ still available for purchase new?

No, the Beats Pill+ was officially discontinued by Apple/Beats in 2022 and is no longer available for purchase new from official retailers. You might find it on the second-hand market.

What kind of sound quality does the Beats Pill+ offer?

The Beats Pill+ offers a sound profile characteristic of Beats products: strong, punchy bass, clear mid-range frequencies, and slightly subdued or smooth high frequencies.

It’s designed for impactful sound, especially with bass-heavy genres.

Does the Beats Pill+ have good bass?

Yes, the Beats Pill+ is known for its powerful and impactful bass, which is one of its primary distinguishing features.

How long does the Beats Pill+ battery last?

The Beats Pill+ has a claimed battery life of up to 12 hours of continuous playback. Proton VPN

Actual battery life can vary depending on volume levels and audio content.

What port does the Beats Pill+ use for charging?

The Beats Pill+ uses a Lightning port for charging, which is the same port used by many Apple iPhones and iPads.

Can the Beats Pill+ charge my phone?

Yes, the Beats Pill+ features a USB-A port that allows you to use its internal battery to charge other devices, effectively acting as a small power bank.

Is the Beats Pill+ waterproof?

No, the Beats Pill+ does not have an official IP water resistance rating and is not designed to be waterproof or water-resistant. It should be kept away from water.

Can I pair two Beats Pill+ speakers together?

Yes, using the Beats Pill+ app, you can pair two Pill+ speakers together in “Amplify Mode” to play the same audio louder, or in “Stereo Mode” to create a dedicated left and right stereo soundstage. Perfect Privacy

Does the Beats Pill+ have a microphone for calls?

Yes, the Beats Pill+ has a built-in microphone that allows you to use it as a speakerphone for hands-free calls.

What is the Beats Pill+ app used for?

The Beats Pill+ app now discontinued allowed users to manage speaker settings, check battery life, and unlock features like DJ Mode multiple sources, Amplify Mode two speakers playing in sync, and Stereo Mode two speakers as left/right channels.

Is the Beats Pill+ app still available?

While the app might still be functional on older devices, it is no longer actively supported or available for download on current app stores, which might limit some features.

Why was the Beats Pill+ discontinued?

What are some alternatives to the Beats Pill+?

Popular alternatives include the JBL Flip 6, Bose SoundLink Flex, Ultimate Ears Boom 3, Sonos Roam, Sony SRS-XB33, and Marshall Emberton II.

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Does the Beats Pill+ support Apple’s W1 or H1 chip?

No, the Beats Pill+ was released before the W1 and H1 chips were integrated into Beats products, so it does not feature the seamless Apple device pairing benefits of those chips.

Can I connect the Beats Pill+ to an Android phone?

Yes, the Beats Pill+ connects via standard Bluetooth, so it is compatible with Android phones, iPhones, tablets, and any other Bluetooth-enabled device.

How heavy is the Beats Pill+?

The Beats Pill+ weighs approximately 1.68 pounds 0.76 kg, making it relatively light and portable for its size and sound output.

What colors was the Beats Pill+ available in?

The Beats Pill+ was primarily available in Black and White, with a limited edition PRODUCTRED version also released.

Does the Beats Pill+ have an AUX input?

No, the Beats Pill+ relies solely on Bluetooth for audio input and does not feature a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack. Table Tool Toasters

Can I control podcast directly from the Beats Pill+?

Yes, the Beats Pill+ has tactile buttons on top for play/pause, track skipping double press for next, triple press for previous, volume control, and call management.

How does the Beats Pill+ compare to the original Beats Pill?

The Pill+ was a significant improvement over the original Pill, offering better sound quality, longer battery life, a more refined design, and the addition of the Charge Out feature and Lightning port charging.

Is the Beats Pill+ good for outdoor use?

While portable, the Beats Pill+ is not ruggedized or water-resistant, making it less ideal for challenging outdoor environments compared to more durable, purpose-built outdoor speakers.

It’s best suited for casual outdoor use in safe, dry conditions.

Can I connect multiple devices to the Beats Pill+ simultaneously?

No, the Beats Pill+ supports one active Bluetooth connection at a time for audio streaming. GE 4-Slice Toaster

However, in “DJ Mode” via the app, two Bluetooth devices could essentially take turns controlling the speaker.

Does the Beats Pill+ come with a carrying case?

The Beats Pill+ often came with a soft carrying pouch in the box, though this varied by region and specific retail package.

What is the Bluetooth range of the Beats Pill+?

The Beats Pill+ typically offers a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet about 10 meters in ideal conditions, though obstacles and interference can reduce this.

Was the Beats Pill+ expensive?

When launched, the Beats Pill+ was priced at a premium, reflecting its brand status, design, and audio performance. It typically retailed for around $229.95 USD.

Does the Beats Pill+ have an auto-off feature?

Yes, the Beats Pill+ will automatically power off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life. Ninja Max XL AF161

How do I factory reset a Beats Pill+?

To factory reset a Beats Pill+, you typically hold down the power button and the “b” button Beats logo simultaneously for a certain duration until the speaker indicates a reset e.g., flashing lights. It’s best to consult the original user manual for precise instructions.

What is the current market value of a used Beats Pill+?

The market value for a used Beats Pill+ varies significantly based on its condition, age, and whether it includes original accessories.

You can find prices on platforms like eBay, but expect them to be lower than the original retail price, given its discontinued status.

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