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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and the Skullcandy Dime 2 involves several tradeoffs. The AirPods offer seamless integration with Apple devices and the convenience of wireless charging, making them a suitable choice for Apple users seeking ease of use. They also provide a more balanced sound for calls and meetings. On the other hand, the Skullcandy Dime 2 earbuds are more budget-friendly and deliver better overall sound quality, plus they are sweatproof, which may appeal to active users or those looking to save money without a major compromise in audio performance. Neither offers active noise cancellation, but the Dime 2 has better noise isolation, enhancing listening in noisy environments. Build quality and comfort also lean in favor of the Skullcandy Dime 2, making it a strong contender for lengthy listening sessions. The choice ultimately comes down to your budget, brand ecosystem preference, and whether features like sweat resistance or battery life are crucial to you. 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 2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
6.9
4.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
5.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Skullcandy Dime 2 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
5.8
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Skullcandy Dime 2 to be only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
4.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 8.5 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 2
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2022
"With the low price, it’s a low-risk investment. The Dime 2 is a decent set of backup buds for those times when you don’t want to risk your more upscale buds. If it weren’t for the lackluster battery life, I’d say everyone should have a pair as a spare for music."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Skullcandy Dime 2
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.
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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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