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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X offers superior sound quality and a more expansive soundstage, making them ideal for immersive listening and critical audio work; however, they're not designed for calls since they lack a microphone, they're less portable than earbuds, and they don't work well for exercising. On the other hand, the Skullcandy Dime 2 provides convenience with their wireless design, compact size, and built-in controls, making them suitable for exercise and travel, and they also have a microphone for calls. If you prioritize listening experience and are okay with a wired connection, the ATH M40X would be the better option, but if you need versatility and mobility, especially at a lower price point, the Dime 2 earbuds may be more suitable. 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 Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime 2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Gaming
7.0
4.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Phone Calls
3.3
4.8
The Skullcandy Dime 2 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Skullcandy Dime 2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.7
5.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
5.2
The Skullcandy Dime 2 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.2
8.5
The Skullcandy Dime 2 and Audio Technica ATH M40X both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
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."
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About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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