A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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Elex
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Dime
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What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

If you're looking for high-end audio quality with detailed sound for critical listening, the Focal Elex would be a better choice despite being more expensive. On the other hand, if you prefer something budget-friendly for casual, everyday use like commuting or working out, and you can compromise on sound quality, the Skullcandy Dime would suit you. The Focal Elex, while delivering superior sound, may also be bulkier and less portable than the compact, easy-to-carry Skullcandy Dime. Consider also the durability and the ease of replacing one at a lower cost if you tend to lose or damage your earbuds. 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 Focal Elex
  • Good for music
  • Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime
  • Very good for air travel

Key differences

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Music

7.7
Elex
Dime
5.7
The Focal Elex is good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.

Gaming

6.9
Elex
Dime
4.8
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.

Phone Calls

4.3
Elex
Dime
6.2
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.

TV and Video

8.3
Elex
Dime
5.3
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.

Noise Reduction

2.5
Elex
Dime
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.

Battery

N/A
Elex
Dime
3.5 Hours
The Focal Elex does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime has 3.5 hours of battery life.

Cost

$749
Elex
Dime
$27
Product image
Product image

$0

$100

$200

$300

$400

The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the Skullcandy Dime costs $27.

Build Quality

9.0
Elex
Dime
8.5
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Dime has very good build quality.
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Key similarities

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Podcasts and Audiobooks

7.1
Elex
Dime
7.1
The Skullcandy Dime and Focal Elex are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.

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We’re constantly working to improve.

How the Focal Elex and the Skullcandy Dime compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Focal ElexSkullcandy Dime
Focal ElexSkullcandy Dime

GENERAL

Price
$749
$27
Brand
FocalSkullcandy
Release Date
December 1, 2017March 1, 2021
Form Factor
HeadphonesEarbuds
Connectivity
WiredWireless

SOUND

Music Score
7.8/105.7/10
Phone Calls Score
4.4/106.2/10
Gaming Score
6.9/104.8/10
TV and Video Score
8.4/105.4/10
Exercise Score
4.3/106.6/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
N/A3.5 Hours
Wireless charging
N/ANo
Charging time
N/A1 Hours
Bluetooth version
N/A5
Case Battery Life
N/A12

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoNo
Noise Reduction Score
2.5/106.5/10
Virtual Surround
NoNo
Android App
N/ANo
iOS App
N/ANo
Mic Quality
N/A7/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
9/108.5/10
Comfort score
8/107/10
Size
N/ASmall
Weight (headset or single earbud)
450 Grams4.5 Grams
Microphone style
N/AIntegrated

Shopping

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Focal Elex

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Dig into reviews and images

Golden Sound

Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."

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 Focal Elex or the Skullcandy Dime

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

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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.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,600
Recommendations made
18,390
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.

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