ConsFirst / Bluetooth speakers / Compare
Bose SoundLink Max vs Beats Pill (2024)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Bose SoundLink Max ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on sound, loudness. Beats Pill (2024) wins on battery, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Bose SoundLink Max is pricey and heavy; for the Beats Pill (2024) it's distorts when loud. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Beats Pill (2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in bluetooth speakers | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Large portable | Portable |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 5% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Sound | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Loudness | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Battery | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Waterproof & rugged | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Bose SoundLink Max
- Pricey and heavy
SoundGuys lists the $399 price and the 4.6-pound weight as cons. Wirecutter calls it comparatively expensive. Tom's Guide notes that for about $50 more you can get the Sonos Move 2 with Wi-Fi. Amazon owners are split on value.
- Units that stop working
Amazon's summary says some owners report it stopped working after three months. Several 1-star Walmart reviews describe power buttons that stopped working, including one after 3 months.
- Battery, Bluetooth and bass gripes
Amazon calls battery and Bluetooth mixed, with some reporting fast drain. Bose's reply on Walmart says extreme volume can cut playback to about 3 hours. Wirecutter says it has less bass than some rivals, and one Walmart owner found it crackly when loud. SoundGuys notes the rubber finish collects dust and the ports have no covers.
Beats Pill (2024)
- Distorts when loud
SoundGuys says it starts sounding compressed past 50% volume and the highs distort above 80%, so it's a poor fit for parties. Wirecutter found it a little bright and edgy.
Source: SoundGuys review, Wirecutter (NYT) - No EQ, thin mids
SoundGuys lists under-emphasized mids and no equalizer (none in the Beats app or iOS) among its cons.
Source: SoundGuys review - Missing extras
SoundGuys notes no hands-free Siri, no AirPlay and no 3.5mm input. Wirecutter says it plays only about 2 dB louder than the cheaper Wonderboom 4.
Source: SoundGuys review, Wirecutter (NYT)
Who should pick which
Pick the Bose SoundLink Max if
Backyard and beach gatherings
Big sound you can still carry by the rope handle
Wired input from a 3.5mm source
Skip it if: You're on a budget (SoundGuys says wait for a sale); You want a light speaker for hiking; You want Wi-Fi or speakerphone
Pick the Beats Pill (2024) if
iPhone and Android owners who want one-tap pairing
Bass-forward listening at moderate volume
Long sessions between charges
Skip it if: You want to adjust the sound with an EQ; You'll play it loud at parties; You prefer a neutral, vocal-forward sound
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