The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones, priced at $229.99, bring a unique blend of features to the audio market, promising an immersive experience for music lovers and bass enthusiasts alike. These headphones attempt to stand out with their Crusher Adjustable Sensory Bass, Active Noise Cancelling, and Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology. How does this pair of cans fare during real-world testing? Here is my review.
Unleash the beast
Unleashing the black headphones from their box for the first time, it’s clear that the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is robust with premium build quality. The design is both collapsible and compact, making them travel-friendly.
Go bass or go home
The standout feature is the Crusher Adjustable Sensory Bass, offering an unprecedented level of bass that you can actually feel. Coupled with Skullcandy’s Supreme Sound technology and 40mm drivers, these headphones deliver rich and full sound across various genres. However, the bass boost feature could perhaps be overwhelming for some, and the overall sound might not satisfy audiophiles seeking more balanced audio profiles. With that said, I had great fun using these headphones to listen to music and watch movies.
ANC could be better
The ANC performance, while adequate, falls short of the standards set by competitors in the same price bracket. The noise cancellation is decent but not exceptional, which I was a little disappointed by. In a segment where superior noise cancellation is a defining feature, the Crusher ANC 2’s performance is merely average.
Comfort is here
Comfort is a strong point of these headphones, with soft ear cushions that encompass the ears fully. They are designed for prolonged use without discomfort. The physical control buttons offer intuitive interaction, and the headphones support multipoint pairing, allowing seamless switching between devices.
That’s smart
The Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology enhances user experience by allowing voice control over various functions. Additionally, Personal Sound by Mimi tailors the audio output to individual hearing profiles, enhancing the listening experience. I’m a fan of both of these software enhancements and have found them pretty smart.
Go long
Battery life is impressive, with up to 50 hours of playtime on a single charge. The Rapid Charge feature is also handy, allowing for a quick boost of battery life after just a short charging period. This is a must-have for wireless headphones, as I hate being caught without enough charge.
Final Verdict
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones cater to a specific audience, prioritizing immersive bass and customizable sound experiences. While they may not suit every listener’s taste, especially those seeking more balanced audio profiles or superior ANC, they offer a unique and enjoyable listening experience, especially for bass lovers. Their robust build, long battery life, and innovative features like personalized sound and voice control make them a compelling choice for users seeking a fun and engaging audio experience without breaking the bank.
Disclosure: Crusher ANC 2 review sample provided by Skullcandy.