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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a key factor for you, you may lean towards Apple Earpods, but consider what you gain with the Skullcandy Dime despite being slightly more expensive. For instance, if Skullcandy Dime offers superior sound quality, durability, or additional features like water resistance and a microphone for calls, it might justify the extra cost. On the other hand, if you prefer the Apple ecosystem and seamless integration with your devices, Earpods could be the better choice. Assess what's more important to you: brand integration and potential savings with Earpods, or the features and performance that come with the Skullcandy Dime. 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 Earpods
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
5.7
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Gaming
8.3
4.8
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
6.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Dime is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4
5.3
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.5 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime has 3.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$16
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Skullcandy Dime costs $16.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Skullcandy Dime has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.1
The Apple Earpods and Skullcandy Dime are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Skullcandy Dime compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Skullcandy Dime |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $16 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 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 | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
See more
Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Skullcandy Dime
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Earpods 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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
113,900
Recommendations made
17,085
Consumer hours saved
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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