Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
The Verdict
Beats Solo 3 excels for Apple ecosystem users with its W1 chip enabling instant pairing and Fast Fuel charging that delivers 3 hours of playback from just 5 minutes. Battery life reaches 40 hours, though this applies to the wireless mode without active features draining capacity. The on-ear design weighs only 215g, prioritizing portability over comfort during extended sessions. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 targets users wanting practical features at a lower price point: active noise cancellation, 50-hour battery life with ANC engaged, and genuinely useful additions like a Tile tracker and adjustable haptic bass. Its 40mm drivers with customizable bass deliver engaging sound for casual listening, while 5.2 Bluetooth and USB-C charging represent more modern connectivity standards. Sound quality favors the Beats for clarity and fidelity, but the Crusher ANC 2 provides superior isolation, longer battery endurance, and better value for non-Apple users. If you're deeply invested in Apple products and prioritize portability with premium sound, choose the Beats Solo 3. For most others seeking feature-rich headphones with ANC at a friendlier price, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 delivers considerably more functionality and nearly all-day battery reserves.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Solo 3 Wireless if…
- →40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- →Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- →W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
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
Beats Solo 3 Wireless
Pros
- 40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
- Foldable and portable for commuting and travel
- Iconic Beats styling in multiple color options
Cons
- On-ear clamping force causes discomfort during extended sessions
- Bass-heavy sound signature lacks detail in mids and highs
- No ANC — you're paying for brand and battery, not noise cancellation
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- Bluetooth 4.0 is outdated — lacks modern codec support
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 | Beats Solo 3 Wireless | Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 215 g | 313 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs | 50 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 3 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs |
| Drivers | Fine-tuned acoustics driver | 40 mm + Adjustable Sensory Bass |
| Features | Apple W1 chip for seamless Apple pairing, Fast Fuel charging (5 min = 3 hrs), Foldable design for portability, On-ear controls, RemoteTalk cable for wired use | 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 | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 with Apple W1 chip | 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Skullcandy products. View full details for the Beats Solo 3 Wireless or the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2.