Nothing Ear (1) vs Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) delivers impressive sound quality and ANC performance in a compact, lightweight design at an exceptional $99 price point. Its 11.6mm dynamic drivers and dual ANC modes provide solid noise cancellation, though battery life peaks at 4 hours with ANC enabled. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 takes a different approach with over-ear form factor, offering 50-hour battery life with ANC on and the unique Adjustable Sensory Bass feature with haptic feedback for bass lovers. However, it lacks portability and costs 50% more at $149. Choose Ear (1) for travel and everyday use, or select Crusher ANC 2 if you prioritize extended listening sessions and prefer over-ear comfort with customizable bass enhancement.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nothing Ear (1) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- →ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- →Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
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
Nothing Ear (1)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
- Squeeze gesture controls are intuitive and precise
- Qi wireless charging case adds convenience
Cons
- 4-hour ANC battery life is quite short
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- ANC is mild — doesn't match premium competitors
- Limited codec support — AAC and SBC only
- Transparent case shows dust and scratches easily
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 | Nothing Ear (1) | Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 313 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 50 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 40 mm + Adjustable Sensory Bass |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation with two modes (Light and Maximum), Transparency Mode, In-ear detection for auto play/pause, Nothing app with EQ customization, Squeeze gesture controls on stems | 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 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
Related Comparisons
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 Nothing products or all Skullcandy products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (1) or the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2.