Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
The Verdict
Apple AirPods Max deliver premium sound quality with spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, leveraging Apple's 40mm driver and proprietary processing for an immersive listening experience. Build quality is exceptional with stainless steel and aluminum construction, though the 384.8g weight makes them noticeably heavier than competitors. Battery life reaches 20 hours with ANC enabled, and the 5-minute quick charge provides 1.5 hours of playback. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 take a different approach, emphasizing customization and value with 50 hours of battery life on a single charge and USB-C charging that offers 4 hours from just 10 minutes. The adjustable sensory bass slider with haptic feedback provides tactile control absent in AirPods Max, and the Tile tracker integration is genuinely useful. Sound signature differs significantly: AirPods Max prioritize detailed, balanced audio with spatial processing, while Crusher ANC 2 caters to bass enthusiasts with their signature sensory bass feature. AirPods Max excel for Apple ecosystem users seeking premium audio and seamless integration; Crusher ANC 2 offer superior battery longevity, faster charging, and better value for those prioritizing endurance and customizable sound. Choose AirPods Max for premium audio quality and ecosystem integration, or Crusher ANC 2 if battery life and bass-forward sound matter more to your listening habits.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) if…
- →Outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies
- →Best-in-class ANC with 9-microphone array blocks virtually all noise
- →Premium build with stainless steel, aluminum, and mesh canopy
Buy the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 if…
- →Adjustable haptic bass is unique — physically feels the bass vibration
- →50-hour battery with ANC is exceptional for $149
- →Built-in Tile tracker means you can always find them
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies
- Best-in-class ANC with 9-microphone array blocks virtually all noise
- Premium build with stainless steel, aluminum, and mesh canopy
- Digital Crown provides precise, tactile volume and playback control
- 20-hour battery life easily lasts multiple days of use
Cons
- Extremely expensive at $549 — most costly consumer headphones
- 384.8 g is noticeably heavy for long listening sessions
- Lightning port instead of USB-C is frustrating
- Smart Case doesn't fully protect the headphones and looks odd
- No power button — relies on Smart Case for low power mode
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
Pros
- Adjustable haptic bass is unique — physically feels the bass vibration
- 50-hour battery with ANC is exceptional for $149
- Built-in Tile tracker means you can always find them
- Personal Sound hearing profile customizes audio to your ears
- ANC at this price point is competitive
Cons
- Heavy at 313 g — noticeably heavier than all competitors
- No LDAC, aptX, or multipoint Bluetooth
- Haptic bass is a gimmick for some — feels odd to others
- Sound quality prioritizes bass over accuracy
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) | Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 384.8 g | 313 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs with ANC | 50 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs |
| Drivers | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 40 mm + Adjustable Sensory Bass |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation with 9 microphones, Transparency mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, Digital Crown for volume control, Stainless steel frame with aluminum ear cups, Mesh knit canopy headband | Adjustable Sensory Bass with haptic feedback slider, Skull-iQ Smart Feature technology, Active Noise Cancellation, Personal Sound with hearing profile, Built-in Tile tracker for finding lost headphones, Stay-Aware mode for transparency |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Sony WH-1000XM6
- Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
- Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Skullcandy products. View full details for the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) or the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2.