What do you usually get whenever you consider Skullcandy and over-ear headphones? A really hefty portion of bass that is greater than able to making your head bob and rumble with every bass-heavy monitor.The Crusher ANC 2 generally really feel like that on steroids. Beats could have constructed its model fame on leaning closely in the direction of bass response, however Skullcandy takes that to a different stage with the extent of customization concerned. If you are seeking to take heed to bangers like they have been enjoying in a nightclub, these headphones are able to rock for you. Today’s greatest Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 offersSkullcandy Crusher ANC 2: Price and availability(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)Skullcandy launched the Crusher ANC 2 in May 2023, they usually’ll be straightforward to search out for so long as the corporate continues to make them. They come at an fascinating beginning worth of $230, however do not be shocked when you see that knocked all the way down to $200 on occasion. They at present solely are available in true black, however Skullcandy likes to come back out with numerous coloration schemes later, in order that’s at all times a risk when you’re in search of some headphones that can higher match your type.Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2: What’s good(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)Skullcandy has by no means been shy about attempting funky coloration schemes in its merchandise, but the Crusher ANC 2 appear like they’re all enterprise with the matte black end and understated design. The solely pigment standing out right here is the orange energy button. The materials advantages turn out to be fairly apparent when you open them up and put them in your head and over your ears. Generous cushioning on each the scarf and ear cups makes them very comfy to put on to the purpose the place I’m shocked at how lengthy I can hold them on with out ever feeling an irritating itch or constraint. They additionally fold up properly of their carrying case, which is a handy solution to retailer and journey with them whereas additionally decreasing the possibility they could scratch or smudge alongside the best way. They have been straightforward to pair and arrange, although you’ll want to spend a while exploring the Skull-iQ app, which is newer than the earlier Skullcandy app and affords far more integrative and customized options. Chief amongst them is Voice Control, enabling the headphones to reply to “Hey Skullcandy” with fundamental features on demand. It’s completely totally different out of your telephone’s personal voice assistant, so it will not intrude with, say, Google Assistant or Alexa, as an illustration. You can at all times add Alexa via the app, to not point out iHeartRadio, in case you need to converse on to that.(Image credit score: Android Central)Run via the Personal Hearing take a look at to tailor the sound to your ears. Use Hearing Modes to regulate energetic noise cancelation (ANC) and Stay Aware options to what works greatest for you. Do the identical with the onboard EQ to both select one of many presets or create your personal.Button Settings reveals you the way all of the controls work, and you can too customise them to your liking. Spotify Tap helps you to combine that service into the headphones as long as you will have a Premium account. There’s even a characteristic to regulate your telephone’s digicam via the Crusher ANC 2, which simply appears wild as an built-in possibility. As per normal, Skullcandy additionally partnered with Tile for these headphones to make them simpler to search out in case you lose or misplace them. (Image credit score: Android Central)The Crusher part controls the bass response, and to say it goes to 11 could be an understatement. Actually, it would not be an exaggeration to name it ridiculous as a result of it could possibly simply attain these depths, however that also needs to come as no shock, given what the Crusher headphones have been constructed to do from the beginning.The dial on the left cup controls bass the identical means the slider does on the app, so it is easy to regulate anytime you need. What stands out simply as a lot to me is how good the Crusher ANC 2 are in total sound high quality. While they don’t seem to be going to be on par with the likes of Sony, Bose, or Sennheiser, they’re an enchancment over the earlier Crushers and play cleaner than I anticipated.You discover this extra whenever you reasonable how a lot bass pumps via them, permitting a number of the spectacular steadiness to chop via the noise. Frankly, you do not have to be into hip-hop or home music to benefit from the Crusher ANC 2 for what they’re, however I might perceive one’s place on wanting elsewhere if audio constancy was of paramount significance. Skullcandy affords plenty of customization and ancillary options to make these cans actually really feel like they have been made for you.(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)The steadiness is a welcome step in the best path for a model that appeared glad with drowning all the pieces in an ocean of rumbling bass. You will not get the identical heat you’ll with extra balanced tuning out of the field, however I see no motive why most would not take pleasure in listening to tunes on these headphones for prolonged intervals.But I’ll warning that when you’re a fan of assorted genres, particularly ones that sound very totally different from each other, it’s possible you’ll want Skullcandy was just a bit extra versatile. For my ears, I take pleasure in listening to easy jazz and rock on these as a lot as I did 90s hip-hop. I additionally admire the multipoint connections to remain paired with two units directly, making it tremendous straightforward to take a telephone name on one telephone whereas listening to tunes from my laptop computer. Call high quality is not dangerous, both, even when it would not come off as something supremely particular.And then there’s battery life, which is excellent regardless of all the pieces accessible right here. Skullcandy charges it at as much as 50 hours with ANC on and at affordable quantity and bass ranges; I’ve had no downside hitting that quantity. The onboard voice at all times promptly tells you the way a lot you will have left each time you flip the headphones on. If you are in a bind, plug them in for 10 minutes, and you’ll stand up to 4 hours of playback.Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2: What’s not good(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)There’s a lot happening right here that it will virtually be straightforward to miss what’s lacking, and that is simpler ANC. It’s not horrible, by any means, however for over-ear headphones with this type of passive isolation, it is somewhat shocking they don’t seem to be higher that means. Part of the issue is that the shift from ANC Off to ANC On would not really feel like a dramatic distinction. You discover this much more in conditions the place there’s rather a lot happening round you or throughout a commute. While one might argue ramping up the bass may mitigate background noises, it would not take a lot to additionally make the elevated rumble really feel uncomfortable. It’s one factor when your complete physique vibrates to the beat in a membership, nevertheless it’s one other when it is simply your head doing it.No shock additionally that there is nothing particular happening with Bluetooth codecs. The Crusher ANC 2 aren’t concentrating on audiophiles, so I do not count on hi-res codecs, however I do marvel what aptX might’ve completed for these cans if the compatibility was there. At least you possibly can take heed to tunes with a wired connection, so when you’re so inclined, plug in a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and go hi-res that means.Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2: Competition(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)If bass have been a class, it will be laborious to argue in opposition to pitting the Crusher ANC 2 in opposition to the most effective wi-fi headphones. Being extra exact, there are fascinating rivals to contemplate. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 provide plenty of customized options and produce a sound that is friendlier to these in search of steadiness over bass.For a lot much less cash, the Treblab Z7 Pro current a surprisingly good bundle that additionally contains aptX assist and comparable battery life. If you have been pondering of those as a sensible choice for understanding, see how they examine to the most effective over-ear headphones for exercises.Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)You can purchase this if…
You need severe bass.
You desire a comfy match with dependable buttons.
You like having plenty of additional options.
You want longer battery life.
You should not purchase this if…
You need higher ANC.
You need aptX or LDAC assist.
You do not want this a lot bass.
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 keep the model’s fame in spades and show to be enjoyable headphones to hear with — much more so in case your ears (and cranium) have a hankering for additional bass. You have to just accept the middling ANC that goes with that, however then once more, it is also laborious to search out over-ears with this a lot customization within the app.That could make it a troublesome resolution relative to what else is obtainable. So to make clear issues for you, begin with the bass and work your means from there. Compare options and think about the way you’d greatest take pleasure in music each time you place these on. But when you’re all about that bass, then the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 are undoubtedly the headphones for you.
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 ship a number of the deepest bass you’ll find on any pair of over-ear headphones. They additionally current plenty of useful options and customization to make them really feel and sound extra to your liking.