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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality and isolation are your main concerns, the Etymotic ER2SE provides superior audio fidelity and noise isolation due to its deep-insert ear tips, crucial for high-fidelity monitors, but the fit may be uncomfortable for some. Conversely, the Skullcandy Dime 2, while more affordable, offers convenient features like a compact design and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening, though with a compromise in sound quality. For activities that involve movement, such as exercise or commuting, Skullcandy's wireless convenience might outweigh audio quality, making it the practical choice. However, if you prioritize the accuracy of audio reproduction for critical listening, the Etymotic would be better despite the higher price and potential comfort adjustment. 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 Etymotic ER2SE
- 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
8.8
6.0
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
4.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
5.2
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.5
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
4.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for phone calls.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 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 | 4.2/10 | 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 | 9.1/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER2SE
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
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."
Get a great deal on the Etymotic ER2SE or the Skullcandy Dime 2
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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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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