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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Etymotic ER4XR and the Skullcandy Dime, you'll find that the ER4XR, while much more expensive, provides superior noise isolation and overall sound quality, which could be important for critical listening or environments where you want to block out the outside world. However, they are wired and may not be as convenient as the wireless Dime, especially during exercise or when on the go. In contrast, the Dime is more affordable, offers built-in controls, and better suits calls and meetings, with a lighter build perhaps more comfortable for long periods. It also has a higher portability score due to its wireless nature and additional features like sweatproof certification, which could make it a better option for active users. 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 ER4XR
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0
5.7
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Gaming
6.2
4.8
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
6.2
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.3
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.5
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Dime is only fair.
Battery
N/A
3.5 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime has 3.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$16
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Skullcandy Dime costs $16.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Dime has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
7.1
The Etymotic ER4XR and Skullcandy Dime are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Skullcandy Dime compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Skullcandy Dime |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $16 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 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 | 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 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
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 ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
Skullcandy Dime
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Etymotic ER4XR or the Skullcandy Dime
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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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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