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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for earbuds with advanced features like a smart charging case with a touch display, active noise cancelling, and better wireless codec support with LDAC, the JBL Live Buds 3 are a premium option. They are also optimized for exercise and air travel with good noise isolation and durability. However, if budget is a concern and you want something more affordable, the Skullcandy Dime is a solid choice with fair noise isolation, a compact size, and decent durability but lacks the high-end features like a smart case and active noise cancelling. Both options are suitable for casual listening, but the JBL is a better fit for noisy environments and those seeking higher sound quality, while the Skullcandy Dime is suitable for less demanding use cases and when prioritizing cost savings. 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 JBL Live Buds 3
- Good for music
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Skullcandy Dime
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
5.7
The JBL Live Buds 3 is good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Gaming
5.4
4.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Skullcandy Dime are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
5.2
6.2
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
7.1
The Skullcandy Dime is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Dime is only fair.
Battery
10.0 Hours
3.5 Hours
The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Dime has 3.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$27
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Buds 3 has a price of $216 and the Skullcandy Dime costs $27.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.6
5.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Skullcandy Dime are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Skullcandy Dime both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Buds 3 and the Skullcandy Dime compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Buds 3 | Skullcandy Dime |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $27 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 12 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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 JBL Live Buds 3 or the Skullcandy Dime
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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
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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