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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x headphones are known for their excellent sound quality and are often used by professional musicians and audio engineers, making them suitable for serious music enthusiasts. They offer exceptional clarity across an extended frequency range, with a deep, accurate bass response. However, they're over-ear and wired, which can be less convenient for on-the-go use compared to wireless options. On the other hand, the Skullcandy Dime 2 earbuds are significantly more affordable and offer the convenience of wireless listening with a portable charging case. While their sound quality is generally good for casual listening, it might not match the level of detail and precision of the M50x. The Dime 2 are also more suited for activities like working out or commuting, where wireless functionality and compact form factor are beneficial. So, if you prioritize sound quality and are using them primarily in a stable environment, the M50x could be worth the investment. If you're looking for something more versatile, budget-friendly, and convenient for everyday use, the Skullcandy Dime 2 might be the better choice. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime 2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.0
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
4.7
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
5.2
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.1
The Audio Technica M50x is 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 M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.4
4.8
The Skullcandy Dime 2 and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Skullcandy Dime 2 both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 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 | N/A | 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 | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 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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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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