The portable speaker market has evolved dramatically in recent years. Today's offerings combine impressive sound quality with features that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. The Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) and Beats Pill ($99.99), both released in 2024, represent the latest evolution in portable audio technology.
Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what makes a great portable speaker in 2024. Modern users expect more than just decent sound - they want waterproofing, long battery life, and extra features like smartphone charging or light shows. But the core fundamentals still matter most:
The Soundcore BOOM 2 brings impressive power with its 80W output system, using what's called a "2.1 channel" setup. This means it has two regular speakers (the ".2") and one subwoofer (the ".1") for bass. The subwoofer is a specialized speaker that handles just the low frequencies, helping create deeper, richer bass notes.
In contrast, the Beats Pill takes a different approach with its 12W system. While this might seem significantly less powerful on paper, raw wattage doesn't tell the whole story. The Beats uses advanced signal processing and acoustic design to maximize its output, focusing on clarity and balance rather than pure volume.
Both speakers reflect modern durability standards, but with different priorities:
Both speakers claim 24-hour battery life, but real-world usage varies significantly based on:
The BOOM 2's power bank feature is particularly noteworthy, essentially functioning as a portable battery pack for your other devices - a genuinely useful feature when you're away from power outlets.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 employs several interesting technologies:
The Beats Pill takes a different approach:
Modern portable speakers have evolved beyond simple Bluetooth playback. The BOOM 2 offers:
The Pill focuses on core features:
The BOOM 2 excels outdoors thanks to:
The Pill performs better in:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, they can serve as temporary solutions:
The Soundcore BOOM 2 at $129.99 offers:
The Beats Pill at $99.99 provides:
Both speakers represent significant advances in portable audio technology. The BOOM 2's integration of party features and power bank functionality shows how these devices are evolving beyond simple music playback. Meanwhile, the Pill's focus on balanced sound and simplicity demonstrates there's still a market for straightforward, well-executed speakers.
The choice between the Soundcore BOOM 2 and Beats Pill ultimately comes down to your specific needs and use cases. Both are excellent devices that showcase how far portable speaker technology has come, offering features and sound quality that would have been impossible just a few years ago.
| Soundcore BOOM 2 | Beats Pill |
|---|---|
| Output Power - Determines maximum volume and sound coverage | |
| 80W total (50W subwoofer + 2x15W tweeters) | 12W total output |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use and durability | |
| IPX7 (waterproof + floatable) | IP67 (dust-tight + water-resistant) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended portable use | |
| 24 hours (at 50% volume, without light effects) | 24 hours (at moderate volume) |
| Extra Features - Adds versatility and use cases | |
| Light show, power bank, 100+ speaker pairing | Find My device support, voice assistant |
| Sound Architecture - Impacts audio quality and balance | |
| 2.1 channel with dedicated subwoofer, bass-focused | 2.0 channel, balanced signature |
| Connectivity Range - Affects usable distance from source | |
| 100m / 328ft (Bluetooth 5.3) | Class 1 Bluetooth (100m theoretical) |
| Size/Portability - Consider for transport and placement | |
| Larger design with handle, 4.85 lbs | Compact cylindrical design, 1.5 lbs |
| Price - Value consideration vs features | |
| $129.99 (more features, higher power) | $99.99 (simpler, more portable) |
| Charging Capabilities - Additional functionality | |
| Built-in power bank (5V/1A output) | No power bank feature |
| Sound Customization - Ability to adjust audio | |
| Pro EQ via app, BassUp 2.0 technology | Basic EQ settings via app |
The Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) performs better for home theater due to its 80W output and dedicated subwoofer. While neither is ideal for permanent home theater setup, the BOOM 2's higher power and better bass make it more suitable for temporary movie watching compared to the Beats Pill ($99.99).
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers more powerful sound with its 80W system and dedicated subwoofer, while the Beats Pill provides more balanced audio. The BOOM 2 excels in volume and bass, while the Pill delivers clearer mids and highs.
Both are water-resistant, but the Soundcore BOOM 2 offers IPX7 waterproofing and can float, while the Beats Pill has IP67 rating adding dust protection. The Pill is more protected against dust, while the BOOM 2 handles water exposure better.
Both the Soundcore BOOM 2 and Beats Pill claim 24-hour battery life, but actual performance varies with volume and feature usage. The BOOM 2 includes a power bank feature for charging other devices, which the Pill lacks.
Neither speaker is designed for true surround sound. However, the Soundcore BOOM 2 can connect to 100+ speakers simultaneously and offers stereo pairing, making it more versatile for multi-speaker setups than the Beats Pill.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 is better suited for outdoor use with its higher volume output, waterproof floating design, and light show features. The Beats Pill works better for smaller outdoor gatherings where portability is prioritized over volume.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 costs $129.99 and offers more features, while the Beats Pill is priced at $99.99 with simpler functionality. The BOOM 2 provides better value if you need its additional features and power.
Both can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, but the Soundcore BOOM 2 performs better due to its higher power output and subwoofer. Neither speaker offers low-latency modes or optical inputs that would make them ideal for TV use compared to the Beats Pill.
The Beats Pill is more portable at 1.5 pounds with a compact design, while the Soundcore BOOM 2 is larger at 4.85 pounds but includes a carrying handle.
Both speakers can play music for karaoke, but neither has specific karaoke features. The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers higher volume and better bass response compared to the Beats Pill, making it more suitable for karaoke use.
Both the Soundcore BOOM 2 and Beats Pill support voice assistants through your connected device, but neither has built-in voice assistant capabilities.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers Bluetooth 5.3 with 100m range, while the Beats Pill uses Class 1 Bluetooth with similar theoretical range. Real-world performance depends on obstacles and interference.
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: soundcore.com - audioholics.com - community.anker.com - trustedreviews.com - soundcore.com - manuals.plus - soundcore.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - soundandvision.com - bestbuy.com - staples.com - connection.com - otza.com - target.com - quill.com - jumpplus.com - beatsbydre.com - apple.com - bhphotovideo.com - beatsbydre.com - vipoutlet.com
