Beats has finally landed in India, and the wait has been well worth it. The Apple-owned brand has introduced three audio devices to the market: the Beats Solo Buds, Solo 4 headphones, and the Beats Pill speaker. While all three are exciting in their own right, the Beats Pill speaker takes center stage in a market already dominated by JBL and Sony. I’ve been using it for the past few weeks, and although it may not be the loudest Bluetooth speaker in its category, it brings a lot of interesting features to the table that make it stand out.
With support for both Apple’s Find My and Android’s Find My Device, this speaker ensures you won’t lose track of it easily. It also supports lossless audio through its USB-C port, which doubles as a charging port for external devices. The Pill is equipped with a detachable lanyard for easy carrying, and its IP67 rating means it’s dustproof and water-resistant, making it a great companion for the outdoors.
Design: Sleek and Durable
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Beats Pill is its sleek and stylish design. It’s available in three bold colors: Red, Black, and Gold, which are complemented by a metal grille and a durable silicone wrap. The design feels premium, and the control layout is also intuitive. The power button sits on the left side, while the track control button is centered and volume controls are on the right. These buttons have a tactile feel, making them easy to use even without looking.
Its compact size adds to its appeal. Despite its impressive features, the Pill is easy to carry and won’t take up much space in your bag. Whether you're headed to the beach, poolside, or a workout session, the IP67 rating gives you the confidence to bring it along without worrying about water or dust damage.
Sound: Punchy and Clear
For day-to-day use, the Beats Pill delivers surprisingly good sound quality. While it may not be the loudest Bluetooth speaker out there, its sound is well-balanced, punchy, and tuned for modern music genres like Bollywood, EDM, and pop. The bass is prominent, providing that deep, satisfying thump, but it doesn’t overpower the mids and highs. For a speaker of this size, the clarity and sharpness are impressive, and it handles casual listening and house parties alike with ease.
One of the biggest sound-related highlights is the ability to connect it via USB-C for high-resolution audio. I tested this, and the improvement in audio quality was noticeable almost instantly. The sound felt fuller and more refined, which is a nice option for audiophiles who want that extra fidelity in a portable package.
Features: Smart and Functional
Beyond sound, the Beats Pill shines with its thoughtful extras. The USB-C port not only allows for better audio quality but can also be used to charge your phone or other devices, a handy feature when you're on the go. With a simple triple-tap of the power button, you can toggle whether the Pill is charging or being charged.
Another standout feature is its seamless integration with both iOS and Android devices. The setup process is smooth, and once connected, the speaker syncs effortlessly with your phone’s Find My or Find My Device app, so you can easily locate it if misplaced. This level of cross-platform compatibility is a big win for users, and it works flawlessly across both ecosystems.
Drawbacks: Mono Output
Of course, no speaker is perfect, and the biggest downside of the Beats Pill is its mono sound output. Stereo sound, which adds depth and dimension to music, is missing from the Pill. For many users, especially those using the speaker for casual listening, this won’t be a deal-breaker. However, for those who crave a more immersive audio experience, you can link two Pill speakers to achieve stereo sound—though doing so would significantly increase your costs.
Verdict: Worth the Price?
At Rs 16,900, the Beats Pill is priced competitively for a premium portable speaker. It offers a blend of stylish design, durability, and useful features that justify the price tag. While it may not be the loudest or most immersive speaker on the market, it delivers a balanced sound profile that works well for modern music, casual listening, and social gatherings. If you value portability, a premium build, and solid sound, the Beats Pill is a fantastic option for on-the-go audio, and its arrival in India is a welcome addition to the portable speaker lineup.
For those looking for a speaker that blends style, performance, and portability, the Beats Pill is a strong contender—especially if you're already embedded in the Apple ecosystem. Despite a few limitations, this is one speaker that packs plenty of punch for its size and will likely win over fans in India with its thoughtful design and modern features.