Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #39 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $74.91; the Beats Pill 2024 ranks #78, rated 3.3/5, and costs $99.95, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the better-sounding pick. A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. The catch: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
The Beats Pill 2024 is the lighter option. A compact waterproof speaker with long battery life, fast charging, a power bank port and stereo pairing. At 1.5 lbs (680 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge Essential 2 at 2.1 lbs (930 g). Watch for: Boosted upper bass, somewhat thuddy.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Beats Pill 2024 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale.
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
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Beats Pill 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.91 | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #39 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #78 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 8.6” x 2.8” x 2.8” (219 x 71 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x drivers with dual passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (lanyard) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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