Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Review: Bass Lovers' Verdict
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones have built a cult following among bass enthusiasts—but the story that emerges from user data is more complex. Across Reddit, Best Buy, Amazon, and tech reviews, the recurring verdict is clear: they score 8.4/10 for bass lovers, but drop to the mid-6 range for those seeking balanced audio and high-end ANC performance. While the sensory bass feature delivers a one-of-a-kind “subwoofer-on-your-head” experience, noise cancellation and mid/treble clarity fall short of class leaders like Sony’s WH-1000XM5.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — buy if you crave overwhelming bass and long battery life, avoid if you want elite ANC or audiophile-grade clarity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sensory bass that can literally vibrate your skull — adjustable via earcup wheel | Noise canceling only excels with low frequencies; poor performance for high-pitched sounds |
| 50–60 hours battery life with rapid charge (4 hours in 10 mins) | Mids and highs can sound muddy or congested at high bass settings |
| Multipoint Bluetooth pairing for seamless device switching | Noticeable sound leakage at high volume |
| Comfortable fit for most users, with soft memory foam pads | No auto power-off/on-ear detection — can drain battery if you forget to turn them off |
| Highly customizable EQ and button mapping via Skull-iQ app | Transparency (“Stay Aware”) mode often ineffective |
| Built-in Tile tracker for locating lost headphones | Lack of high-bitrate codec support (no LDAC/aptX) |
Claims vs Reality
One of Skullcandy’s boldest claims is that the Crusher ANC 2 offers “adjustable 4-mic active noise canceling” that adapts to your environment. While the marketing promises “crystal clear audio with no distractions,” users consistently report that ANC effectiveness is limited to low-frequency rumbles. Tom’s Guide found that “higher pitch sounds are barely muffled,” and a Best Buy reviewer echoed: “I can't tell much difference between the modes… even when setting the intensity level at the highest.” For commuters or office workers seeking quiet from voices and clattering keyboards, this is a notable shortfall.
Another highlight in Skullcandy’s pitch is the sensory bass technology that “you can literally feel.” Here, reality matches the hype—sometimes overwhelmingly so. A verified Best Buy buyer raved: “Bass crushing sound!!! Better than the Evos… I can’t describe the bass. You have to get them and see for yourself.” However, Consumer Reports cautions that the bass can be “prominent and boomy” and may overwhelm mids and treble, especially at higher settings.
The brand also touts 60 hours of battery life (ANC off) and 50 hours (ANC on). This claim is backed up by users across platforms. Reddit user zyor8r said: “I’m using these the whole day… they’ll alert for battery low after 3-4 days, unbelievable.” Best Buy customers frequently praise the longevity, with one noting: “Very long battery life while on high bass too, better than advertised by a couple hours.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The standout feature, without question, is the adjustable sensory bass. Amazon and Trustpilot reviewers consistently describe it in physical terms: “like subwoofers behind me” (Geo Castellano) and “your ears are shaking from the bass” (Big Daddy). For hip-hop, EDM, and bass-heavy movie soundtracks, users say it adds a visceral thrill unmatched by competitors. One Best Buy reviewer summed it up: “Face-melting, bass-thumping perfection!… Listen to your favorite Nine Inch Nails album and enjoy the feel of the bass while hearing every single tiny detail.”
Battery performance earns near-universal praise. Multipoint pairing also resonates with modern multi-device users; as Rendezvous put it: “Now I don’t have to make my phone forget these headphones just to connect to something else… seamless going from one to the other.”
Comfort gets high marks for most. Soft memory foam pads and moderate clamping force allow multi-hour listening without fatigue. Tom’s Guide noted they “stay firm on your head without feeling too tight,” and Trustpilot reviewers described them as “heavenly” for long sessions.
Common Complaints
Noise cancelation is the most consistent disappointment. While effective for low rumbles, it struggles with higher frequencies and offers minimal improvement over passive isolation. A Best Buy reviewer bluntly stated: “Noise cancelling seems to be non-existent… my Bose were great for trips, but these are not.” Transparency mode fares worse—multiple users, including A. Genesius in Germany, called it “a joke” for situational awareness.
Sound balance is another sticking point for those outside the basshead demographic. Consumer Reports described mids as “grainy, hazy, and congested,” and highs as “somewhat sizzly.” Gabriel Coigny noted that “the headphones cut out some of the mids and high-mids… muddies every sound except bass.”
Build quirks also frustrate owners. Zyor8r on Reddit discovered “these won’t turn off automatically” and occasionally fail to reconnect without a manual restart. Wired use can trigger a “loud popping sound” when unplugging. Some Best Buy buyers experienced charging inconsistencies.
Divisive Features
The Skull-iQ app gets mixed reactions. Many love the custom EQ, personal hearing profile, and button remapping. Expressed Reviews said, “There’s a multitude of settings… playing music is pure euphoria.” Others find the adjustments insufficient to fix inherent sound balance issues or note the lack of desktop app support.
The bass itself, while celebrated, divides opinion at extreme settings. Tom’s Guide found it can “drown out finer details” and become “head-massager territory” on certain tracks. A. Genesius reported that with some metal recordings, the effect was “much too strong.”
Trust & Reliability
There are no widespread scam concerns reported, but minor reliability quirks appear. A few users mention intermittent hissing or bass malfunctions after idle time—Gabriel Coigny experienced this when leaving the headphones off for 10 minutes, fixed by “somewhat shaking the headphones.” Build quality is generally praised as “high-quality” (A. Genesius), though the folding hinges are seen as a potential weak point for long-term wear.
On Reddit, multi-month owners report consistent battery performance and comfort, with no major component failures. The integrated Tile tracker offers some peace of mind for loss-prone users.
Alternatives
The most common comparison is to Sony WH-1000XM5. While Sony’s flagship offers far superior ANC and a more balanced sound, it lacks the Crusher’s haptic bass. Gian on Trustpilot acknowledged: “Noise cancellation doesn’t compare to the Sony XM5’s but it does the job.”
Some buyers also weigh these against Bose 700 or Beats. Big Daddy claimed they “blow away $400+ Bose and Sony headphones… only headphones that deliver the bass I want.” However, audiophiles or frequent flyers may still prefer Sony or Bose for clarity and ANC performance.
Price & Value
As of recent eBay and retail listings, new units range from $169 to $229 USD, with refurbished models dipping to ~$145. Given the niche appeal, resale value holds relatively well, especially among bass enthusiasts. Users recommend waiting for sales—Best Buy buyers have scored them for as low as $140.
For value, the consensus is conditional: unbeatable for bassheads, questionable for those prioritizing ANC or clarity. As Lukas Wiedenhoefer advises, “Be aware these are specifically for bass… not necessarily for everyone.”
FAQ
Q: How effective is the noise canceling compared to Sony or Bose?
A: Users say it’s good for low rumbles but poor for higher-pitched sounds. Several report little difference between ANC and transparency modes in daily use.
Q: Does the sensory bass work for all music genres?
A: It shines with hip-hop, EDM, and cinematic bass effects. Some genres, like metal, can sound overblown or distorted at high settings.
Q: Can I connect to multiple devices at once?
A: Yes. Multipoint pairing is praised for seamless switching between, for example, a phone and a work laptop.
Q: Is the Skull-iQ app necessary?
A: While the headphones work without it, the app unlocks full customization of EQ, button mapping, and personal hearing profiles.
Q: How comfortable are they for long sessions?
A: Most find them very comfortable thanks to soft padding and moderate clamping force. Some with larger ears wish the cups were bigger.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a bass enthusiast who values long battery life, customization, and good comfort. Avoid if you need class-leading ANC, pristine mid/high clarity, or minimal sound leakage. Pro tip from the community: spend time with the Skull-iQ app’s personal sound profile—it can noticeably improve detail without sacrificing the Crusher’s signature rumble.
