Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $149. The Beats Pill 2024 ranks #78, rated 3.3/5, at $99.95, $49.05 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding pick. A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Beats Pill 2024 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Beats Pill 2024 lacks. The tradeoff: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
The Beats Pill 2024 is the longer-running choice. A compact waterproof speaker with long battery life, fast charging, a power bank port and stereo pairing. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass, somewhat thuddy.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $49.05 you would save on the Beats Pill 2024 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit.
A compact waterproof speaker with long battery life, fast charging, a power bank port and stereo pairing.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | Beats Pill 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #37 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #78 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 8.6” x 2.8” x 2.8” (219 x 71 x 70 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x drivers with dual passive radiators |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (lanyard) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~56Hz |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-C) |
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