The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize exceptional audio quality and are willing to invest in a midrange price, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is a solid choice, featuring sound customization through an app and active noise cancelling for better sound isolation. For calls and meetings, gaming, and watching TV, the Pi7 S2 is less optimal due to lower performance scores in those areas. Alternatively, the Skullcandy Dime 2, positioned at a budget price, offers good comfort and build quality but has no app support for sound customization. It is not ideal for noisy environments since it lacks active noise cancelling, but it boasts a longer battery life and is highly portable for outdoor activities and travel. Both earbuds are wireless and optimized for use with Android and Apple devices. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
Good for music
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime 2
The Skullcandy Dime 2 has no clear advantages over the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2.
Key differences
Music
7.5/10
6.0/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3/10
4.7/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for gaming, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
6.0/10
5.1/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is only fair for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3/10
6.5/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$259
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has a price of $259 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
"While the overall sound quality is great, these earbuds fall short in terms of battery life, customization and ANC performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ ability to consistently deliver pristine sound isn’t enough to make up for what the Pi7 S2 lacks, which is unfortunately quite a bit."
"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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 or the Skullcandy Dime 2
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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
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.