Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
The Verdict
Audio-Technica's M40x targets studio professionals with a brutally flat frequency response and lightweight 240g build, making them ideal for mixing and monitoring work. The included dual cables and foldable design offer practical flexibility. Skullcandy's Crusher ANC 2 caters to casual listeners with 50-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and genuinely useful ANC that blocks ambient noise effectively. The adjustable haptic bass and hearing profile personalization add consumer-friendly features absent from the M40x. Weight difference is notable: 240g versus 313g matters during long sessions. Price gap of $50 reflects different use cases entirely. Choose the M40x if you need accurate monitoring for music production or critical listening in controlled environments. Pick the Crusher ANC 2 if you want wireless convenience, noise isolation for commuting, and bass-forward sound without worrying about technical accuracy. These aren't competitors so much as tools for different purposes.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x if…
- →Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- →Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- →Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
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
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Pros
- Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
- Foldable and portable with detachable cables
- Reliable build quality trusted by studios globally
Cons
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass response is intentionally restrained — not for bass lovers
- Ear pads are thin and may need replacement for comfort
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal competitors
- No carrying case included
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 | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 240 g | 313 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 50 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs |
| Drivers | 40mm large-aperture dynamic driver | 40 mm + Adjustable Sensory Bass |
| Features | Flat, neutral frequency response for accurate monitoring, 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire, 90-degree swiveling ear cups, 2 detachable cables included, Foldable for portability, Circumaural design | 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 | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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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.
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