The portable Bluetooth speaker market in 2024 has evolved significantly from its early days of basic wireless sound. Today's speakers range from budget-friendly units to premium audio devices that rival traditional home speakers. Two particularly interesting options are the newly released Morel BIGGIE ($299) and the Beats Pill ($99), which represent different approaches to portable audio.
The Morel BIGGIE employs what's called a two-way speaker design - meaning it uses separate drivers for high and low frequencies. Its 1-inch soft dome tweeter (handling high frequencies) and 4-inch woofer (handling mid and low frequencies) work together to produce more accurate sound. This separation of frequencies is similar to what you'd find in high-end home speakers.
In contrast, the Beats Pill uses a simpler full-range driver approach. While this design keeps the speaker compact and affordable, it requires more compromises in sound quality since one driver handles all frequencies.
The BIGGIE's more sophisticated approach shows in its sound quality. The separate tweeter provides clearer high frequencies - you can hear the shimmer of cymbals and the breath in vocal performances. The dedicated woofer, combined with the ported enclosure (a tuned opening that enhances bass response), delivers deeper and more controlled bass.
The Pill takes a different approach, focusing on what Beats calls a "fun" sound signature. This means emphasized bass and treble (often called a V-shaped sound profile), which can make music more exciting but less accurate. While this works well for popular music genres, it might not satisfy listeners wanting to hear every detail in their music.
The BIGGIE, at 5.7 pounds, is substantially heavier than the 1.5-pound Pill. However, its robust MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) construction helps reduce unwanted vibrations, improving sound quality. The included carrying handle makes transport manageable, though it's clearly designed for moving between rooms or outdoor spaces rather than being carried all day.
The Pill excels in portability with its lightweight design and IP67 water resistance rating (protected against dust and can survive water immersion up to 1 meter). This makes it more suitable for activities like hiking or beach trips where the BIGGIE might be impractical.
Both speakers offer impressive battery life, with the Pill claiming 24 hours and the BIGGIE promising 20 hours at moderate volumes. The BIGGIE adds fast charging capability - 20 minutes of charging provides about 4 hours of playback, which can be crucial when you're in a hurry.
The BIGGIE features the latest Bluetooth 5.3 with an impressive 165-foot range and is Auracast-ready (a future technology that will allow broadcasting to multiple compatible speakers). It also supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for pairing two units in stereo configuration.
The Pill uses an older Bluetooth version with standard range but includes useful features like instant pairing with iOS devices. Both speakers maintain stable connections in typical use, though the BIGGIE's extended range could be valuable for large outdoor spaces.
The BIGGIE includes a USB-C port that can charge your phone - a thoughtful feature for long listening sessions. Both speakers include auxiliary inputs for wired connections, useful when Bluetooth isn't practical or when connecting to older devices.
The Morel BIGGIE at $299 represents a significant investment but delivers audiophile-grade sound quality and robust construction. Its advanced features and superior sound quality make it a worthy consideration for those who prioritize audio performance.
The Beats Pill at $99 offers solid value for casual listeners. While it doesn't match the BIGGIE's sound quality, its portability, water resistance, and adequate sound quality make it a practical choice for many users.
The BIGGIE's superior sound quality and power make it suitable as a primary speaker in smaller rooms or as part of a wireless stereo pair. Its DSP (Digital Signal Processing) helps maintain sound quality at higher volumes, making it viable for parties or background music.
The Pill works better as a supplementary speaker, perfect for moving from room to room or taking outside. While it can fill a room with sound, it's more suited to personal listening or small gatherings.
Both speakers handle outdoor situations differently. The BIGGIE's power and sound quality make it ideal for backyard gatherings or picnics where sound quality matters. The Pill's waterproofing and lighter weight make it better for adventures where durability and portability are paramount.
Consider the Morel BIGGIE if:
Choose the Beats Pill if:
The BIGGIE's newer release date (2024) brings current technology like Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast readiness. Its advanced DSP and driver configuration suggest it will remain competitive for years. The Pill, while featuring proven technology, may not offer the same long-term technical advantages but provides a more accessible entry point to portable audio.
Both speakers represent different philosophies in portable audio - the BIGGIE aims for premium audio performance while the Pill focuses on accessibility and practicality. Your choice should align with your primary use case and how much you value audio quality versus portability and price.
| Morel BIGGIE | Beats Pill |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $299 - Premium pricing reflects audio components | $99 - More accessible mainstream pricing |
| Audio Configuration - Determines sound quality and accuracy | |
| Two-way system: 1" tweeter + 4" woofer | Single full-range driver system |
| Power Output - Impacts volume capability and headroom | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | 12W total output |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 20 hours, fast charging (4 hours from 20 min charge) | 24 hours, standard charging |
| Size & Weight - Affects portability and placement options | |
| 7"x7"x4.5", 5.7 lbs - Less portable but more stable | 2.8"x8.6"x2.8", 1.5 lbs - Highly portable |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| No official rating | IP67 rated - Full dust/water protection |
| Bluetooth Features - Impacts connection quality and range | |
| BT 5.3, 165ft range, TWS stereo pairing, Auracast-ready | BT 5.0, standard range (~30ft) |
| Additional Features - Adds versatility | |
| USB-C phone charging, aux input, MDF cabinet | Aux input, instant iOS pairing |
| Sound Signature - Defines listening experience | |
| Balanced, accurate reproduction with detailed highs | V-shaped sound (emphasized bass and treble) |
| Best Use Case - Helps match to buyer needs | |
| Home audio replacement, critical listening, parties | Personal listening, travel, outdoor activities |
| Value Proposition - Overall worth considering features/price | |
| Premium price justified for audiophile-grade sound | Good value for casual listening and portability |
The Morel BIGGIE offers superior sound quality with its two-way speaker system and advanced DSP, while the Beats Pill provides good but basic sound quality. The BIGGIE's higher price reflects its premium audio components.
The Morel BIGGIE costs $299, while the Beats Pill is priced at $99. The $200 difference reflects the BIGGIE's advanced audio technology and build quality.
The Beats Pill is significantly more portable at 1.5 pounds compared to the BIGGIE's 5.7 pounds. The Pill's compact size makes it ideal for travel and everyday carrying.
Both can be used outdoors, but the Beats Pill has IP67 water resistance making it more suitable for beach or pool use. The Morel BIGGIE performs better for backyard parties but should be protected from water.
The Beats Pill offers 24 hours of battery life, while the BIGGIE provides 20 hours. The BIGGIE features fast charging, providing 4 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
The Morel BIGGIE offers True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for connecting two speakers in stereo mode. The Beats Pill has basic stereo pairing capabilities for dual speaker setup.
The Morel BIGGIE delivers deeper, more controlled bass through its dedicated 4-inch woofer. The Beats Pill emphasizes bass but can't match the BIGGIE's depth and accuracy.
The BIGGIE is better suited for parties with its higher volume output (95dB) and superior sound quality. The Pill works better for small gatherings and personal listening.
The Morel BIGGIE offers superior Bluetooth range at 165 feet with version 5.3, while the Beats Pill has standard Bluetooth range of about 30 feet.
The Morel BIGGIE can charge phones through its USB-C port. The Beats Pill doesn't offer this feature.
The Beats Pill has better durability for outdoor use with its IP67 rating. The BIGGIE is well-built but lacks official water resistance certification.
For casual everyday use, the Beats Pill offers better value at $99 with good portability and water resistance. If sound quality is your priority and budget allows, the BIGGIE provides superior audio performance at $299.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - bestbuy.com - staples.com - connection.com - otza.com - target.com - quill.com - jumpplus.com - beatsbydre.com - apple.com - bhphotovideo.com - beatsbydre.com - vipoutlet.com
