Jada Jones/ZDNET
If the name Skullcandy mostly conjures up memories of bright colors, garish designs, and teenage vibes, there are two of us. That’s why when I saw its latest product, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones, the matte black design, I wondered if it was indeed made by the same company.
Although these new Crusher ANC 2 headphones don’t have the design of the Skullcandy headphones from the 2010s, the company’s innovations are still present on this model, for example the patented Crusher Bass technology.
So, how does the Crusher ANC 2 headphones sound? Is it worth looking into? So here is what it is.
Treble, like guitar riffs, is clear and bright
First of all, before we even talk about the bass, the Crusher ANC 2 is a great sounding headphone. The highs, like the guitar riffs, are clear and bright. Low-end sounds, like bass lines and kick drum hits, are deep and precise. Thus, all parts of the song Pressure by The 1975 were wonderfully transmitted by the 40 mm dynamic driver of the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2.
Now let’s move on to the most interesting feature of this headset: the Crusher Bass functionality. This is Skullcandy’s patented bass technology that generates a sensory bass experience. Basically, you get bass that you can both hear AND feel, hence the name “crushed skull” (what a wonderful translation!).
The Crusher Bass’s bass level can be adjusted via a slider in the Skull-iQ companion app, or by rotating the dial on the left earcup. To really test the feature, I listened to Yosemite by Travis Scott with the volume turned up and the Crusher Bass set to 100%.
A real subwoofer stuck to your skull
Very quickly, I realized that it was a mistake. I barely lasted 20 seconds under pressure. A real subwoofer. It’s intense, it crushes the skull (so yes it’s not just a marketing argument). And clearly listening to it melting is not good for your health.
But actually, it’s at the low end where the Crusher Bass is most useful. At the right level, combined with your favorite EQ settings, you can hear the deepest parts of a song with impressive clarity, while still feeling the thump and bass punch.
Jada Jones/ZDNET
While songs sound amazing with the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones, watching movies is a real game-changer. I watched John Wick 4 with the Crusher Bass set to 20%. With each blow, each bullet fired, each car accident, I had the impression of being at the heart of the film!
A perfectible ANC
Even though the Crusher ANC 2 may clearly be likened by some to a subwoofer glued to your skull, it is also a quality stereo installation placed on your ears. And better than a professional audio system or a home cinema, it follows you on transport and doesn’t cost you an arm or a leg.
The Crusher ANC 2, as their name suggests, is also equipped with an adjustable noise reduction system. But it makes a humming sound when it’s on and no music is playing. This buzzing is a sign of lower quality ANC than the competition (which hopefully isn’t why you’re buying these headphones). But the sound level of the headphones can be incredibly high, even at low volumes: so they naturally block out external noise.
The polyurethane earcups fit snugly without being too restrictive, so you get a good seal between your ears and the outside world.
50 hours of battery life
And either your ears will need a break or your skull will turn to mush before the battery runs out. Because the Skullcandy headphones can work for up to 50 hours. That’s more than the Bose QuietComfort 45, Sony XM5 over-ear headphones, and Apple AirPods Max.
Skullcandy claims that the Crusher ANC 2 headphones have “absolutely every feature”. Which would have been true if it had a port detection system. However, despite this shortcoming, it has just about every other feature, it’s true.
ZDNET’s buying advice for the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones
I recommend the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 to anyone looking for high-performance headphones that are comfortable to wear and use. The Crusher Bass technology isn’t as gimmicky as I thought. It really brings enormous enjoyment to the Crusher ANC 2, especially when watching movies.
If you like your music, movies, and TV shows to be so loud and punchy that it’s almost overwhelming, you should try these headphones. If you also want great sounding headphones that can reach the limits of human hearing, this Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is perfect for that too.