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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're after studio-quality sound and comfort for long sessions, the Audio Technica M50x is the better option, although it comes at a higher cost. They are known for their detailed and clear audio reproduction, making them suitable for music production and critical listening. However, if you prioritize affordability and prefer something lightweight for casual listening, the Skullcandy Dime may be more suitable. While the sound quality won't match the Audio Technicas, they are compact and very portable, which can be advantageous for on-the-go use or workouts. Consider how important audio fidelity and build quality are to you compared to cost and portability when making your decision. 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 M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.5
5.7
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Gaming
6.3
4.8
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
6.2
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.5 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime has 3.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$27
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Skullcandy Dime costs $27.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.1
The Skullcandy Dime and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Skullcandy Dime both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Skullcandy Dime compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Skullcandy Dime |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $27 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Skullcandy Dime
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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 Audio Technica M50x or the Skullcandy Dime
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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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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