Short answer: the Sonos Play for better sound quality, the Beats Pill 2024 for the lower price. The Sonos Play ranks #48 of 137 medium speakers at $299. The Beats Pill 2024 ranks #62 at $129.95, $169.05 cheaper.
On the Sonos Play side: Genuinely wide, clean stereo dispersion off-axis thanks to the two angled tweeters, holding up from the side far better than most portables. Loudness processing keeps it sounding full-bodied at low volume. The catch: Bass distorts noticeably on bass-heavy tracks at default settings, and the distortion persists even after enabling Trueplay tuning and manually pulling bass back in the app. Sounds boxy and short on clarity next to cheaper competitors.
What the Beats Pill 2024 gets right: 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. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass, somewhat thuddy. Slightly recessed mids. Rolled off treble.
Buy the Sonos Play if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Beats Pill 2024 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sonos Play | Beats Pill 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $129.95 |
| Ranked | #48 of 137 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 137 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 7.6" x 4.4" x 3" (192.3 x 112.5 x 76.7 mm) | 8.6" x 2.8" x 2.8" (219 x 71 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters | 2x drivers with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | - |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs / 1.3 kg | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Aux Input | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~56Hz |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 29, 2026 at 8:52 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Sonos Play: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Genuinely wide, clean stereo dispersion off-axis thanks to the two angled tweeters, holding up from the side far better than most portables. Loudness processing keeps it sounding full-bodied at low volume. 24-hour user-replaceable battery with an included wireless charging base, IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and full Sonos WiFi multi-room with AirPlay 2 on top of Bluetooth 5.3.
Cons: Bass distorts noticeably on bass-heavy tracks at default settings, and the distortion persists even after enabling Trueplay tuning and manually pulling bass back in the app. Sounds boxy and short on clarity next to cheaper competitors.
Full Sonos Play review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.6" x 4.4" x 3" (192.3 x 112.5 x 76.7 mm) |
| Drivers | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs / 1.3 kg |
| Wifi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Beats Pill 2024: $129.95 Amazon eBay
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 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: New Beats Pill 2024: sound demo More from Oluv’Sone →
- 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 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross - The Anti Shill!: Beats Pill (by Apple) 2024 version review vs JBL and Soundcore!
- Reddit Search for Beats Pill 2024 Review
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