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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If budget is a concern and you prioritize portability and long battery life, Skullcandy Dime 2 may be suitable, though their overall sound and mic quality may be less impressive. However, for better sound, comfort, and advanced features like a smart charging case and active noise cancelling, the JBL Live Buds 3 excel, though they are more costly and larger in size. Both have LDAC and AAC codec support, but the JBL's offer additional sweat and dustproofing, making them a robust option for exercise and outdoor use. Choose JBL for premium features and Skullcandy for affordability and portability. 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 2
- The Skullcandy Dime 2 has no clear advantages over the JBL Live Buds 3.
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.0
The JBL Live Buds 3 is good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
4.7
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
5.2
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.6
5.1
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for TV and video, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Dime 2 is only fair.
Battery
10.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Dime 2 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Buds 3 has a price of $216 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 costs $30.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.2
4.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Skullcandy Dime 2 both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Buds 3 and the Skullcandy Dime 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Buds 3 | Skullcandy Dime 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 8.5 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 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 JBL Live Buds 3 or the Skullcandy Dime 2
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.
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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.
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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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