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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value ultimate sound quality and are using them primarily in quiet environments, the Focal Elex will deliver with its superior overall sound and soundstage. However, remember that these are wired, open-back headphones, which means they won't isolate noise well and are not convenient for outdoor use. On the other hand, the Skullcandy Dime 2 offers a great price value, with decent sound quality and the added benefits of being wireless, having a built-in mic, and being more portable, making them more versatile for various activities like exercise or travel. They also have a stem design, which some users find comfortable and stable in the ear. Keep in mind though, the soundstage won't be as expansive as the Focal Elex, and they may not be as durable. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime 2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7
6.0
The Focal Elex is good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Gaming
6.9
4.7
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
5.2
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
TV and Video
8.3
5.1
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Focal Elex does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$749
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.3
4.8
The Skullcandy Dime 2 and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Focal Elex and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | 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 | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
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 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 Focal Elex or the Skullcandy Dime 2
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
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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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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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