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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and active noise cancellation for focused listening and air travel, the Airpods Max are superior, but they come at a premium price and are bulkier, making them less portable. The Skullcandy Dime 2 offers better value and portability with very good sound quality; they're more comfortable for extended wearing and suitable for use during exercise due to their sweatproofing. However, they lack active noise cancellation and aren't the best for calls or gaming due to lower microphone quality and higher latency. Choose the Airpods Max for the best listening experience or the Skullcandy Dime 2 for a budget-friendly, exercise-compatible option. 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 Max
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime 2
- The Skullcandy Dime 2 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Max.
Key differences
Music
7.3
6.0
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.5
4.7
The Apple Airpods Max and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for gaming, though the Apple Airpods Max is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.6
4.8
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
5.2
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
5.1
The Apple Airpods Max and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for TV and video, though the Apple Airpods Max is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
10.0
6.5
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Battery
21.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 8.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Skullcandy Dime 2
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Max 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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