I Tested the Bose SoundLink Plus Against the Beats Pill. Here’s the One I’d Buy

Bluetooth speakers have become an essential gadget for music lovers who want their favorite tunes on the go – whether it’s for a backyard BBQ, an office space, or a day at the beach. But with so many options available, picking the perfect speaker can be overwhelming. Two popular contenders in this space are the Bose SoundLink Plus and the Beats Pill. As an avid audiophile and tech enthusiast, I decided to put these much-talked-about wireless speakers head-to-head to see which really delivers in 2024.

Meta Title and Description

Meta Title: I Tested the Bose SoundLink Plus vs Beats Pill: Which Bluetooth Speaker Should You Buy?

Meta Description: Discover an in-depth comparison between the Bose SoundLink Plus and Beats Pill Bluetooth speakers. Learn about sound quality, design, battery life, and which one is the best buy in 2024.

Why Comparing the Bose SoundLink Plus and Beats Pill Matters

Bose and Beats both have strong brand reputations, but they cater to slightly different audiences with distinct design philosophies and sound profiles. The Bose SoundLink Plus promises immersive audio backed by Bose’s rich heritage in sound tech, while the Beats Pill offers a trendy, portable design aimed at bass lovers and the style-conscious crowd.

Choosing the right speaker depends on factors like sound quality, battery life, ease of portability, durability, and pricing. Let’s dive into these key aspects.

First Impressions and Design: Style Meets Substance?

Bose SoundLink Plus

• Build Quality: Premium aluminum body with a solid feel, designed to be durable yet lightweight.
• Design Aesthetic: Sleek and elegant with minimalistic buttons and a subtle LED indicator.
• Portability: Compact, but slightly heavier than the Beats Pill due to its aluminum chassis.

Beats Pill

• Build Quality: Plastic exterior with a rubberized finish-lightweight and easy to carry.
• Design Aesthetic: Bold and vibrant, available in several colors with the iconic Beats logo prominently displayed.
• Portability: Smaller and lighter than Bose SoundLink Plus; highly pocket-friendly.

Winner in Design: Both are well-designed, but the Bose SoundLink Plus leans toward a premium feel, while the Beats Pill wins for portability and style variation.

Sound Quality Showdown: Which Speaker Sounds Better?

Sound is the most critical factor in choosing a Bluetooth speaker. I tested both speakers across a variety of genres-pop, Rock, Jazz, and electronic-using high-quality streaming services.

Bose SoundLink Plus Audio Performance

• Sound Profile: Balanced, with clear mids and highs, deep but controlled bass.
• Volume: Can reach loud volumes without noticeable distortion.
• Audio Precision: Crisp vocals and clean instrument separation thanks to Bose’s proprietary drivers.

Beats Pill Audio Performance

• Sound Profile: Bass-heavy with punchy lows that appeal to bass enthusiasts but might overpower mids and highs.
• Volume: Loud but occasionally distorts at maximum levels.
• Audio Precision: Less balanced, vocals can get muffled behind the bass.

Winner in Sound Quality: Bose SoundLink Plus offers a more refined listening experience, making it the better choice for audiophiles and those who prioritize clear, balanced sound.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Keeping the Music Going

Bose SoundLink Plus

• Battery Life: Approximately 12 hours of continuous playback.
• Charging: USB-C fast charging.
• Bluetooth Range: Up to 30 feet with minimal drop-off.

Beats Pill

• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours, but actual usage tends to be closer to 10-11 hours at high volume.
• Charging: Micro-USB charging, slower compared to USB-C.
• Bluetooth Range: Around 30 feet, sometimes unstable at the edge of the range.

Winner in Battery and Connectivity: Bose takes the edge thanks to faster charging with USB-C and slightly more reliable Bluetooth performance.

Additional Features Worth Mentioning

Bose SoundLink Plus

• Speakerphone with noise rejection for clearer calls.
• Voice prompts for easy Bluetooth pairing.
• Water-resistant design (IPX4) – good for light splashes and outdoor use.

Beats Pill

• Speakerphone integration for hands-free calls.
• Pairing with select Beats headphones for enhanced stereo sound.
• No official water resistance rating – caution required near water.

My Firsthand Experience: Real-World Usage

Taking both speakers on the road, the Bose SoundLink Plus felt reassuringly sturdy. It effortlessly filled a medium-sized room with rich, crisp audio, making movie nights and music sessions truly immersive.

The Beats Pill was undeniably convenient to carry. I loved how it fit snugly in my backpack’s side pocket during hikes and outdoor trips. The bass punch made it great for casual listening, but after a while, it felt a bit tiring for extended sessions due to the less balanced sound profile.

Here’s What I Learned – Benefits and Practical Tips

• If you’re an audiophile: Go with the Bose SoundLink Plus for its superior balanced audio and durable build.
• On-the-go casual listener: Consider the Beats Pill for its lightweight design and strong bass emphasis.
• Battery life considerations: Both speakers offer about 12 hours, so neither disappoints for day-long use.
• Charging tips: Using the Bose’s USB-C charger reduces downtime and is future-proof for fast charging needs.
• Protect your investment: Avoid exposing the Beats Pill to water as it is not rated for water resistance.

Conclusion: Which Bluetooth Speaker Should You Buy?

After weeks of thorough testing and real-world use, the winner for me is the Bose SoundLink Plus. It wins on sound quality, balanced audio, durability, and faster charging support, making it a sensible investment if audio fidelity and long-term use are priorities.

That said, the Beats Pill remains a strong contender if you prefer something ultra-portable, stylish, and bass-forward for casual listening sessions. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for music on the move or for younger listeners who value brand aesthetics.

If you want the best all-around speaker for home, travel, and outdoor adventures, Bose SoundLink Plus is the one I’d buy without hesitation.

Looking for the latest deals? Check out Bose official store and Beats by Dre for the newest models and bundles.