Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 vs Sony LinkBuds
The Verdict
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 and Sony LinkBuds serve fundamentally different use cases, making direct comparison challenging. Crusher ANC 2 excels as a closed-back over-ear option with 50-hour battery life on a single charge, active noise cancellation, and signature adjustable haptic bass feedback that appeals to bass enthusiasts. At 313g, they're substantial but comfortable for extended listening. Sony LinkBuds take the opposite approach with ultra-lightweight 4.1g earbuds designed for all-day wear and natural ambient awareness through their open ring driver design. Their 5.5-hour battery is supplemented by a charging case reaching 17.5 hours total. LinkBuds lack ANC but offer multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and IPX4 water resistance, making them more versatile for active lifestyles. Crusher ANC 2 provides superior isolation and bass customization at $149, while LinkBuds at $179 prioritize portability, transparency, and seamless connectivity across devices. Choose Crusher ANC 2 if you want immersive, bass-forward listening with maximum battery endurance. Select LinkBuds if you prefer lightweight, open-air earbuds that let you stay connected to your surroundings while supporting multiple devices simultaneously.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Sony LinkBuds if…
- →Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- →Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- →Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Sony LinkBuds
Pros
- Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
- Multipoint for seamless switching between devices
- IPX4 for rain and light sweat
Cons
- Open design means zero noise isolation and significant sound leak
- 5.5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
- Bass response is inherently limited by the open driver
- Unusual fit may not work for all ear shapes
- $179 is pricey given the sound quality limitations
Full Specifications
| Spec | Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 | Sony LinkBuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 313 g | 4.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs (ANC on) | 5.5 hrs (17.5 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm + Adjustable Sensory Bass | 12mm ring driver (open design) |
| Features | 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 | Open ring driver design — hear surroundings naturally, Wide Area Tap for touch-free controls, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive volume control, Multipoint connection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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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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