The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for high-end features like active noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and integration with Apple devices, then the Apple AirPods Pro would be your choice; however, they come at a premium price. On the other hand, if you're on a budget and need a basic set of earbuds for casual listening, Skullcandy Dime is much more affordable, although it may not offer the same level of sound quality or features as the AirPods Pro. Remember, with the Skullcandy, you'll sacrifice some build quality and advanced features but save money. 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime
The Skullcandy Dime has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro.
Key differences
Music
6.8/10
5.7/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is only fair for music, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
6.2/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Dime is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
7.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Dime is good.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
6.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Dime is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
3.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Dime has 3.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$27
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Skullcandy Dime costs $27.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Dime has very good build quality.
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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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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.