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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are a good choice for ease of use with Apple devices and offer wireless charging, but they are more expensive. If budget is a concern, the Skullcandy Dime offers similar overall sound quality, better build quality, and better noise isolation at a significantly lower price. However, the Airpods outperform the Dime in terms of comfort and microphone quality, which could be crucial for long listening sessions and clear calls. Neither option is ideal for gaming due to latency issues, but for general use, exercises, and travel, both are portable and decent options. Choose Skullcandy Dime for a budget-friendly choice with robustness and noise isolation, or Airpods for better integration with Apple products and ease of use. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
6.9
6.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Skullcandy Dime are both only fair for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Dime is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Cost
$89
$16
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Skullcandy Dime costs $16.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Skullcandy Dime has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
5.8
5.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Skullcandy Dime are both poor for music.
Gaming
4.8
4.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Skullcandy Dime are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Skullcandy Dime are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
4.0 Hours
3.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Dime has 3.5 hours of battery life.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Skullcandy Dime compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Skullcandy Dime |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $16 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 12 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Skullcandy Dime
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PC Magazine
Tim Gideon | April 2021
"For $25, the Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds deliver a powerful, balanced, rich, and bright sound signature. There’s really not much else to talk about, but the audio is better than you would expect for the price."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Skullcandy Dime
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Skullcandy
Skullcandy is an American, consumer-oriented, earbuds and headphones manufacturer with 20 years of market experience. They sell a wide variety of, budget-friendly and unique, wired and wireless products that are sure to please the vast majority of users. Among their most popular offerings, the Crusher headphones, includes a pair of actual subwoofers inside the cups which makes the bass extra prominent for a unique and extra fun sound.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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