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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're considering premium build quality and better comfort for long listening sessions, the Beats Solo 3 might be the better choice. However, for superior sound quality, particularly in music, and exceptional portability, the Skullcandy Dime 2 are likely more suitable. The Beats Solo 3 offer an over-ear design that’s beneficial for air travel with active noise canceling and longer battery life which is great for extended use without charging, but they come at a higher cost. In contrast, the Skullcandy Dime 2 are more affordable, provide a great fit for exercise, and are sweatproof, making them excellent for active lifestyles. 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 Beats Solo 3
- The Beats Solo 3 has no clear advantages over the Skullcandy Dime 2.
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime 2
- The Skullcandy Dime 2 has no clear advantages over the Beats Solo 3.
Key differences
Gaming
5.3
4.7
The Beats Solo 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for gaming, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
5.2
The Beats Solo 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
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Key similarities
Music
6.3
6.0
The Beats Solo 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both only fair for music.
Phone Calls
4.7
4.8
The Skullcandy Dime 2 and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.6
5.1
The Beats Solo 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Skullcandy Dime 2 and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 6.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 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 | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Solo 3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support. The Beats Solo3 Wireless holds up well today with just a few features showing its age."
Skullcandy Dime 2
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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 Beats Solo 3 or the Skullcandy Dime 2
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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.
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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.
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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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