In June, Apple unveiled the latest generation of the Beats Pill, a portable Bluetooth speaker integrated with the Beats brand. My esteemed colleague Chance Miller from DMN noted in his review that the new Beats Pill is “better than ever” – and I wholeheartedly agree. The more I use the new Beats Pill, the clearer it becomes that it offers a more compelling value than the HomePod mini.
Beats Pill is superior to HomePod mini
The original Beats Pill debuted in 2012, even before Apple acquired Beats. The accessory was discontinued in 2022, and a replacement had not been introduced until now. The refreshed version features a new design and significant upgrades, including extended battery life and a USB-C port.
I currently possess two Beats Pills, and honestly, the new model ranks among my favorite gadgets of 2024. As previously mentioned, there’s a comprehensive review of the Beats Pill available on DMN – and it’s definitely worth checking out – so I intend to concentrate on contrasting the Beats portable speakers with Apple’s HomePod mini. Many individuals are curious about which option they should choose.
Firstly, the HomePod mini and the Beats Pill serve different purposes. As its name implies, the HomePod mini is designed for home use. It operates only when plugged in and requires a Wi-Fi connection. Conversely, the Beats Pill is crafted as a portable speaker, offering impressive versatility regarding where and how you utilize it.
Despite their differences, I firmly believe the Beats Pill holds several advantages over the HomePod mini, beginning with sound quality. The Beats Pill delivers richer bass, whereas the HomePod mini lacks sufficient bass – a critical factor when enjoying music. Additionally, the Beats Pill can reach significantly higher volume levels than the smaller HomePod.
With both pairs of HomePod mini and Beats Pill in my possession, I can confidently assert that the Beats Pill pair creates a more immersive sound experience. Additionally, you can pair two Beats Pills together for stereo mode or multi-room audio. If your goal is simply to listen to music, the choice is clear: the Beats Pill is the way to go.
I appreciate that the Beats Pill features a built-in battery, allowing me to transport it anywhere with ease. I can enjoy it in my office, bathroom, or even take it to a party. Its battery life is impressive, lasting up to 24 hours of continuous playback. I can use my Beats Pill throughout the week without needing to recharge it.
Another significant advantage is its Bluetooth connectivity. Pairing it with any compatible device is simple, whereas the HomePod mini is limited to Apple devices via AirPlay. Additionally, you can transmit Lossless audio to the Beats Pill using USB-C and employ the speaker as a power bank for your iPhone.
Who should consider purchasing a HomePod mini?
However, there are aspects where the HomePod mini excels. For instance, it can be configured as speakers for an Apple TV setup, seamlessly connecting with your TV through eARC. Although the Beats Pill can also work with Apple TV, it requires pairing each time like standard Bluetooth headphones – and it won’t provide audio for your entire TV system.
If you’re looking for a speaker that integrates with HomeKit, the HomePod mini is a better choice. This is due to the HomePod’s always-on microphones for Siri functionality, which the Beats Pill lacks. Additionally, establishing two HomePod minis in stereo mode is more straightforward since they maintain a consistent Wi-Fi connection.
Exclusive Black Friday Offer for Beats Pill
Typically, the HomePod mini retails for $99, while the Beats Pill is priced at $149. However, during Black Friday 2024, the Beats Pill will be available for the same $99 as the HomePod mini. It’s an unbeatable deal.
What about you? Which speaker do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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