Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Review: Unleashing the Power of Sound
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Over-Ear Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones have recently made waves in the audio community, and for good reason. With innovative features like Sensory Bass, active noise cancellation, and impressive battery life, these headphones cater to both casual listeners and serious audiophiles alike. In this review, we will explore the various aspects of the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2, including sound quality, design, functionality, and overall performance.
Design and Comfort
Modern Aesthetics
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 embraces a contemporary design that fuses style and functionality. Measuring 9.25 x 6.69 x 12.4 inches and weighing just 332 grams (11.7 ounces), these headphones are lightweight yet sturdy, made primarily from durable plastic. The aesthetic appeal is enhanced by a sleek finish, making them suitable for various occasions—be it commuting, traveling, or casual outings.
Comfort for Extended Use
One of the standout features of the Crusher ANC 2 is the comfort level they offer. The ear cups are plush and designed to wrap around the ears effectively, providing a snug fit without compromising on comfort. Many users have reported being able to wear these headphones for extended periods without discomfort—a crucial aspect for long travel sessions or extended music listening.
Sound Quality
Sensory Bass Technology
The Crusher ANC 2 is equipped with Skullcandy’s proprietary Crusher tech, which provides an immersive bass experience that can be tailored to your preferences. The adjustable bass slider allows users to customize the intensity of the bass, transforming the listening experience from chilling with mellow tunes to feeling the bass rumble through every note. This feature has been particularly praised by users who enjoy genres like hip-hop and EDM.
Custom Sound Profiles
A notable innovation introduced in these headphones is the custom sound profile feature. By analyzing individual hearing capabilities, the Crusher ANC 2 can be tuned to deliver sound that is specifically tailored to the user. This personalization elevates the listening experience, allowing for clarity and richness in the audio that is often missing in standard headphones.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Equipped with four microphones, the Crusher ANC 2 effectively cancels out ambient noise, enabling users to immerse themselves fully in their music. The adjustable noise cancellation levels allow for a tailored experience—whether you want complete silence or some awareness of your surroundings. While the noise cancellation feature performs admirably, some users have expressed that it may not match the quality found in higher-end competitors like Bose or Sony.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Seamless Wireless Experience
The Crusher ANC 2 utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 technology, ensuring a stable connection within a range of up to 10 meters. Pairing with devices is a breeze, making these headphones an excellent choice for users who frequently switch between multiple devices. The headphones can easily connect to cellphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
Impressive Battery Life
Battery performance is a highlight of the Crusher ANC 2, boasting an incredible 50 hours of usage on a single charge. In cases where you run out of battery, a quick 10-minute charge provides an additional 4 hours of playtime—perfect for those last-minute trips or commutes. This long-lasting battery life makes them ideal for travel, ensuring that users can enjoy their music without interruption.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Rich, dynamic sound with customizable bass.
- Comfortable Design: Suitable for long listening sessions.
- Advanced Battery Life: Up to 50 hours on a single charge.
- User-Friendly Controls: Voice control and easy switching between devices.
- Travel-Friendly Accessories: Comes with a protective travel bag and bonus charging cables.
Cons
- Noise Cancellation: While effective, it may not compete with high-end models.
- Bass Sensitivity: Some users may experience distortion at higher bass levels.
- Build Quality: While sturdy, some users noted skepticism about durability based on prior experiences with the brand.
Overall Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
After thorough evaluation, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 earns a solid 4.5 out of 5. This rating reflects its excellent sound quality, impressive battery life, and comfort, albeit with some minor drawbacks in noise cancellation and bass distortion.
Ratings Breakdown
- Sound Quality: 4.8
- Comfort: 4.8
- Battery Life: 5.0
- Noise Cancellation: 3.8
- Design: 4.0
- Value for Money: 4.3
Conclusion
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones are a compelling option for users seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and battery life without breaking the bank. While they may not dethrone the premium brands in terms of noise cancellation, their customizable sound and impressive bass response make them a worthy contender for music lovers and travelers alike. In summary, they offer a well-rounded audio experience that will appeal to a wide range of users. With their advanced features, comfort, and impressive battery life, they stand out as a notable choice in the crowded headphone market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How is the noise cancellation on the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2?
The noise cancellation is effective, utilizing four microphones that help mute ambient sounds. However, some users have found it to be less effective compared to higher-end brands like Bose or Sony.
Q2: Can I use the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 while charging?
Yes, the headphones can be used while charging, providing flexibility for users during extended listening sessions.
Q3: Is there a wired option for the Crusher ANC 2?
Yes, the headphones come with a 3.5mm AUX cable for wired use, allowing you to enjoy music even when the battery runs low.
Q4: How long does it take to charge the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2?
The headphones charge quickly; a full charge takes approximately 2 hours, and a quick 10-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback.
Q5: Are the headphones suitable for gaming?
While designed primarily for music, the Crusher ANC 2 can also be used for gaming; however, some users may prefer dedicated gaming headsets for optimal performance.
In summary, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Over-Ear Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones offer a well-rounded audio experience that will appeal to a wide range of users. With their advanced features, comfort, and impressive battery life, they stand out as a notable choice in the crowded headphone market.
Ale san –
The headphones are great, but the cable they sent is not what was shown in the image. It was supposed to be a black and green type C cable, but instead, they sent a regular one. What can be done about this? Thank you.
Hamada10 –
Outstanding build quality!
Exceptional sound!
Long-lasting battery life!
Stylish design!
Seamless device pairing with no glitches!
threepac –
I’ve been using the Evo headphones for about a year and decided to try these when I saw them on sale. The sound quality is definitely more refined, but I found the bass lacking compared to the Evo’s. Additionally, the left side produces a popping sound when the bass is too heavy. I’m not sure if this is a manufacturing defect in my unit or if it’s just poorly designed. Overall, if you already have the Evo’s, I’d recommend sticking with them, as the ANC is only average at best.
Ale san –
The sound quality is quite good, but I have to set the bass to the lowest level; it’s too powerful.
Julie –
I might never purchase another brand of headphones again. These are fantastic! The sound clarity and quality are outstanding. They’re incredibly comfortable to wear. They charge quickly, maintain their battery life exceptionally well, and as a bonus, I can feel the bass in my toes. Honestly, this is the best headset I’ve ever had.
NinjaNutjob –
I was on the hunt for a good Bluetooth music and gaming headset, primarily for music during my travels. I own some Sony C700 earbuds, which are fantastic, but I didn’t want to risk losing them while on the go—I’ve almost lost them a few times. I was considering the Sony WH-1000XM4, knowing they are top-notch, but I wasn’t keen on spending $350, especially since I don’t need the microphone. Then, I saw the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 go on sale not once, but twice—thankfully, the second sale coincided with payday! I snagged them for around $120 instead of the regular $230.
I had been skeptical about Skullcandy products for a while, viewing them mainly as a budget brand found in airports and local stores. To my surprise, they have really stepped up their game and built a strong reputation. I was a bit worried after hearing some reports of missing cases or used headsets, but I verified that my purchase was directly from Amazon. Upon arrival, I was pleased to find everything sealed and in brand-new condition.
The headset fits comfortably, and I often forget I’m wearing them. After three days of use, I can say they are lighter than they appear in pictures. My medium-sized ears fit perfectly inside the cups. At the time of writing, I’ve been wearing them for about 10 hours straight, switching between music, shows, and games. Unlike many headsets, my ears and head feel great even after prolonged use due to the comfortable padding.
The audio quality exceeds my expectations. For Bluetooth, it delivers above-average quality compared to most RF headsets. I’m genuinely impressed by how clear, strong, and deep the sound is.
The Crusher Deep Bass feature is incredible for those who love bass. If you want serious bass in your audio, this headset is perfect. The Crusher control is mind-blowing—turn it up just one-third of the way, and you’ll feel the ear cups vibrate, which is surprisingly comfortable. At half volume, it’s like an ear massage while watching an action movie or gaming. However, I find that at 100% Crusher, the bass overpowers other audio elements, though it might be suitable for something I haven’t tried yet.
The ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) feature effectively blocks about 90% of ambient noise. You can hardly hear your own voice while talking, which is impressive.
Regarding battery life, the headset arrived charged to 50%. It charged to full capacity quickly, and after using it for 10 hours straight, I only depleted 20% of the battery. This aligns well with the advertised 50-hour capacity from a full charge.
The Skull-IQ app functions like any other Bluetooth companion app, allowing for settings adjustments and firmware updates. Initially, I faced issues connecting to my laptop, where it kept disconnecting and reconnecting. I discovered that it doesn’t play well with other Bluetooth audio devices. Once I removed my Turtlebeach 6000 Gen 2 receiver, I could easily resync the Crushers without further issues. One minor annoyance is that when a notification comes through on my phone, it cuts all audio from my laptop for a few seconds before returning to the game audio. I haven’t experienced this with my Sony C700s, which just temporarily quiet the other source.
Overall, these headphones excel in specific genres and might not be the best for others—like country music. They shine in the following categories:
I highly recommend the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2. 9.2/10
Jared B. –
Incredible product! For a quick summary, see the next paragraph. These headphones switch seamlessly between two Apple devices without any interruptions, just like AirPods. They offer excellent comfort with ample size adjustments to accommodate everyone. They’re also highly durable and straightforward to set up and use. The Bluetooth connection functions as smoothly as my AirPod Pros. However, the noise canceling leaves something to be desired, and the transparency mode is similar in performance. On the plus side, the battery life is exceptional and lasts for a long time.
Summary: Fantastic headphones that fit well, feature advanced Bluetooth like AirPods, offer great bass and sound quality, and are enjoyable to use. I would recommend them, but keep in mind that the noise canceling is not very effective.
DogsDogsDogsDogs –
I gave these a two-month trial before sharing my thoughts.
As mentioned in the title, I suffer from vestibular migraines, which means I need hearing protection even in restaurants or stores. It’s frustrating. What’s even worse? Music can be painful too, even if it’s well-tuned. I still crave loud music with a strong punch. So, I set out to find the ideal pair of headphones. After spending a small fortune over the past 15 years searching, trying brands like Sony, V-Moda, and Bose across various price ranges from $50 to $300, I found that while the Bose came close, they lacked the punch I was looking for.
My first attempt at finding the right headphones was with Skullcandy, and they were a disappointment—way too much emphasis on the 60Hz-4kHz range and not enough balance across the spectrum.
However, I’m thrilled I decided to give Skullcandy another shot. This pair delivers an incredible punch! They respond excellently to custom equalizer settings in the app, not just the presets. I’ve had mixed experiences with separate apps, but having a manual adjust wheel for bass reverb adds a fantastic depth to the sound.
I was initially worried about the intricate design and its reliability, but I’ve learned that simpler designs tend to be more dependable. These headphones? Absolutely reliable! No battery drain, no malfunctions, and no compatibility issues.
The only downside
The active noise cancellation (ANC) could be improved. If you want headphones that eliminate all surrounding noise without cranking the volume, go for Bose; they offer unmatched ANC.
But if you’re like me and prioritize deep bass, impressive battery life, and sound quality while toning down the 60Hz-4kHz range, these are the headphones for you. After trying out various brands in search of the perfect “I’m listening to The Glitch Mob. Leave Me Alone.” headphones that won’t aggravate my condition, I can confidently say I’m done. These are it!
Joey S. –
When I first paired my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the earbuds, the sound quality was extremely disappointing, which was quite a shock. After downloading the app and adjusting the sound settings, it improved somewhat. Then I realized the issue was due to the Dolby Atmos system on Samsung phones. Once I turned it off, the sound became incredible—stereo quality that I believe rivals Bose and Sony.