Short answer: the Beats Pill 2024 for better sound quality, the JBL Charge Essential for the lower price. The Beats Pill 2024 ranks #61 of 135 medium speakers at $99.95. The JBL Charge Essential ranks #68 at $73.99, $25.96 cheaper.
What the Beats Pill 2024 offers: Doubles as a power bank (USB-C charge-out). 24 hour battery life; a 10 min quick-charge gives 2 hours. Watch for: Boosted upper bass, somewhat thuddy.
What the JBL Charge Essential offers: Doubles as a power bank. Watch for: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.
Buy the Beats Pill 2024 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Charge Essential if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Beats Pill 2024 | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $73.99 |
| Ranked | #61 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #68 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.6" x 2.8" x 2.8" (219 x 71 x 70 mm) | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.4" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers with dual passive radiators | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 20W RMS |
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- Beats Pill 2024 vs JBL Charge 3
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The Two Speakers In Full
Beats Pill 2024: $99.95 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a power bank (USB-C charge-out). 24 hour battery life; a 10 min quick-charge gives 2 hours. IP67 rated. Stereo pairs with a second Pill.
Cons: Boosted upper bass, somewhat thuddy. Slightly recessed mids. Rolled off treble.
Full Beats Pill 2024 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 8.6" x 2.8" x 2.8" (219 x 71 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: New Beats Pill 2024: sound demo
- Oluv Patreon: Beats Pill 2024 - first & last impression
- DailyTekk: NEW Beats Pill First Impressions & Sound Test - Worth $149?
- Alan Ross Reviews: Beats Pill vs Harman Luna vs Bose Flex vs Soundcore Motion Plus
- Alan Ross - The Anti Shill!: Beats Pill (by Apple) 2024 version review vs JBL and Soundcore!
- Reddit Search for Beats Pill 2024 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Charge Essential: $73.99 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.4" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons