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The short answer
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker wins this comparison. Choose it if sound quality comes first. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 6.8/10.
Bose
Stereo sound, a rope carry handle and phone charging make this a practical backyard speaker. It offers up to 20 hours of playtime, with 4.7 lb to carry.
Bettr Score
91.6/100
Beats
One speaker for Bluetooth listening, USB-C audio and hands-free calls. It can charge your phone, pairs with iPhone or Android, and offers up to 24 hours of battery life.
Bettr Score
75.9/100
| Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker | Specification | Beats Pill |
|---|---|---|
$399 | Reference price | $149.99 ✓ Winner |
20 hours | Advertised battery life | 24 hours ✓ Winner |
4.7 lb | Weight | 1.5 lb ✓ Winner |
IP67 | Ingress protectionTie | IP67 |
4 | Durability tierTie | 4 |
5.3 | Bluetooth versionPersonal preference | Class 1 |
Yes | Can charge another deviceTie | Yes |
No | USB audio input | Yes ✓ Winner |
No | Auracast or compatible broadcast pairingTie | No |
No | Floats in waterTie | No |
No | Speakerphone | Yes ✓ Winner |
The buying advice
Choose Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker if sound quality comes first. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 6.8/10.
Choose Beats Pill if easy carrying matters most. Beats Pill has the higher portability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 7/10 versus 5.5/10. Beats Pill weighs 1.5 lb versus 4.7 lb — 3.2 lb less to carry.
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 6.8/10. Beats Pill has the higher portability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 7/10 versus 5.5/10. The recorded reference-price difference is $249.01.
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 6.8/10.
Beats Pill has the higher portability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 7/10 versus 5.5/10.
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher volume rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.3/10 versus 4.9/10.
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher durability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 7.5/10 versus 4.5/10.
People's Pick
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eBay — New
In stock · checked Oct 30, 2026
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$315.00
Item price · shipping unknown
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eBay — New
In stock · checked Oct 30, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$65.00
Item price · shipping unknown
We may earn a commission when you buy through links marked “Affiliate link.” This does not change your price or our scores. How we earn
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