A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods are wired with an open enclosure, offering decent overall sound quality, good for calls and meetings, and have a higher microphone quality. They're less portable due to the wire but have an in-line mic making them quite suitable for voice calls. On the other hand, the Skullcandy Dime 2 are wireless with a closed enclosure, offering better sound quality and sound isolation, more comfortable, and better for exercise with a higher durability rating. They support AAC codec, which may improve performance with Apple devices, and come with a case providing additional battery life. However, they have a lower mic quality, meaning they might not be as good for calls. If you prefer convenience and use during physical activity, go for the Skullcandy Dime 2, but if you prioritize call quality and don't mind a wired connection, the Apple Earpods could suit you better. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime 2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.0
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Gaming
8.3
4.7
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.8
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
5.2
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.1
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, 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 Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$30
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 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 Earpods has good build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Earpods and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 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 | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 2
See more
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 Earpods 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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
124,700
Recommendations made
18,705
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.
Featured in
