Skullcandy and Sony are the two major audio device manufacturing brands in the US. They have millions of customers and are dominating the market.
You will see fierce competition between these two brands i.e. Skullcandy vs Sony. As they launch their audio devices like headphones, earbuds, earphones, etc at regular intervals of time to outrank their competitors.
Skullcandy is a US brand and was founded in 2003 whereas Sony originated in Tokyo Japan in 1964. Looking at the establishment year, Sony is way older than Skullcandy and has wider experience in dealing with customers.
But still, Skullcandy gives tough competition to Sony and other brands like JBL, Audio Technical, Bose, etc. And thus they have a strong grip and a great customer base as well.
Now, here in this article, we are going to compare one of the top headphones models from both brands – Skullcandy and Sony to have a clear comparison. We have picked Skullcandy Crusher Evo vs Sony WH-1000XM5.
Let’s start with the build quality and design:
Build Quality & Design
| Criteria | Skullcandy | Sony Noise-Cancelling |
| Build Material | Mostly Plastic with Metal accents | Premium materials like Metal and Leather |
| Durability | Decent durability, but may not be as robust as premium brands | Known for high durability and long-lasting build |
| Weight | Generally lightweight designs | Can be lightweight but varies among models |
| Design Style | Bold and trendy designs, often featuring unique patterns | Sleek and modern designs, often with a minimalist approach |
| Comfort | Comfortable, but padding and ergonomics may vary | Ergonomically designed for long-term comfort with plush ear cushions |
| Foldable Design | Many models offer foldable or collapsible designs | Often features a foldable or swivel design for easy portability |
| Color Options | Wide range of vibrant colors and patterns | Typically available in classic colors, with some models offering variety |
| Controls and Buttons | Intuitive controls, but can vary by model | Responsive touch controls and customizable buttons for a seamless experience |
| Branding and Logos | Prominent Skullcandy branding on ear cups | Subtle branding with the iconic Sony logo |
| Water Resistance | Limited water resistance on select models | Varies by model, some offering water or sweat resistance |
| Cable Quality | Average cable quality, may be prone to tangling | High-quality cables with reinforced connections for durability |
Starting with the Skullcandy Crusher Evo is an over-the-ear headphone and looks similar to the Skullcandy crusher wireless. You will see a soft-touch plastic material on the outer coverings which are durable enough to survive a few accidental drops.
The headband is made up of thick padded material and earpads are cushioned to provide a higher level of comfort to the users. So, you won’t feel hectic while using it even for prolonged sessions. You can fold the headphones and with the rotating ear cups, you can make them extremely portable to store.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is one of the finest headphones from Sony. They are over-the-ear headphones with closed backs and look similar to their predecessor, Sony WH-1000XM4. You won’t get any hinges in XM5 and they look sleeker than the XM4.
They are comfortable to wear with the lightweight design and soft-fit leather, which exert less pressure on the ears. You can swivel the ear cups according to your needs like when looking for headphones for Studio monitoring.
So, in this category i.e. build quality & design, Sony WH-1000XM5 is the better choice as they are more durable and comfortable to wear.
Skullcandy vs Sony: Sound Quality
| Criteria | Skullcandy | Sony Noise-Cancelling |
| Sound Signature | Bass-forward, emphasizing low frequencies | Balanced sound profile with clear mids and highs |
| Bass Response | Deep and impactful bass, suitable for bass lovers | Well-defined bass without overpowering other frequencies |
| Treble Clarity | Clear treble but may be overshadowed by the strong bass | Crisp and detailed treble, offering a more balanced audio experience |
| Mids Presence | Mids may be recessed, affecting vocal clarity | Well-represented mids, providing clarity for vocals and instruments |
| Highs Performance | Highs can be a bit sharp, especially at higher volumes | Smooth and well-controlled highs for an enjoyable listening experience |
| Noise-Canceling | Varied noise-canceling performance across models | Advanced noise-canceling technology for an immersive audio experience |
| Audio Customization | Limited customization options for sound settings | Some models offer customizable EQ settings for personalized audio |
| Driver Technology | Often features dynamic drivers for powerful bass | Utilizes advanced driver technology for a more accurate and immersive sound |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth connectivity with varying range | Advanced Bluetooth technology with reliable and extended wireless range |
| Audio Codecs | Supports standard audio codecs (e.g., SBC, AAC) | Supports high-quality audio codecs (e.g., LDAC, aptX) for enhanced audio streaming |
Now we are going to figure out which one of these two sounds better. Which one sounds clear, has better frequency response headphone, noise cancellation, etc.?
Skullcandy Crusher Evo sounds balanced and when it comes to the bass, Evo with the help of adjustable sensory bass adds heavy bass. They are bass-emphasized but still not at that level that masks other musical instruments. Evo is suitable for genres like EDM, hip-hop, etc.
Crusher Evo offers strong noise isolation that isolates outdoor noise from disturbing you but they lack Active Noise Cancellation technology. You can customize your listening experience with the help of Audio do customization. You just have to slide up or down to change the bass.
Now let’s have a look at its competitor, Sony WH-1000XM5, they are the successor to the XM4. They are bass-emphasized and boost the bass a little extra. The XM5 supports LDAC codec, which adds better sound quality with minimal dropouts. They don’t sound balanced as it has extra thump, boom, and rumble which suits EDM and hip-hop genre.
Talking about the noise cancellation of Sony WH-1000XM5, they come with industry-leading noise cancellation powered by Sony HD NC processor QN1. This processor is effective enough to cancel airplane noise and day-to-day crowdie noise on the streets.
So, it is quite clear that Sony headphones sound better and have better noise cancellation than the Skullcandy Crusher Evo. Also, the Crusher Evo lacks the ANC feature.
Skullcandy vs Sony: Battery Life
| Criteria | Skullcandy | Sony Noise-Cancelling |
| Battery Life | Varies by model, typically ranges from 10 to 24 hours | Generally longer battery life, ranging from 20 to 30+ hours |
| Quick Charge Feature | Some models may offer quick charging capabilities | Many models feature quick charge, providing several hours of playback with a short charging time |
| Battery Type | Built-in rechargeable batteries | Built-in rechargeable batteries |
| Charging Method | USB-C or Micro USB, depending on the model | USB-C for newer models, Micro USB for some older ones |
| Charging Time | Typically 2-3 hours for a full charge | Varies, but often around 2-3 hours for a full charge |
| Battery Indicator | LED indicators or app notifications | LED indicators and sometimes app notifications |
| Energy Saving Modes | Some models may have power-saving features | Often includes power-saving modes to extend battery life during idle periods |
Since these headphones use Bluetooth technology to connect wireless, having a long battery life is a must. Though some headphones use NFC technology to connect, still the majority of them rely on Bluetooth.
If we compare these two headphones, Skullcandy Crusher Evo features a 40-hour-long battery life and with rapid charging of 10 minutes, you can extend the battery life for an extra 4 hours.
Sony WH-1000XM5 comes with a 30-hour-long battery life on ANC and with quick charging support, you can extend the battery life up to 3 hours with just 3 minutes of charging. So, in this segment again the Sony XM5 laps ahead of the Skullcandy Crusher.
Connectivity & Microphone Quality
| Criteria | Skullcandy | Sony Noise-Cancelling |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth, with varying versions (e.g., 4.0, 5.0) | Advanced Bluetooth technology, often supporting the latest versions |
| Wired Connectivity | 3.5mm audio jack or USB-C, depending on the model | 3.5mm audio jack and USB-C options for wired connections |
| Bluetooth Range | Typically around 30 feet (10 meters) | Enhanced Bluetooth range, often exceeding 30 feet |
| Multi-Device Pairing | Some models support multi-device pairing | Advanced multi-device pairing for seamless connectivity across devices |
| Latency | Can vary, but some models may have noticeable latency | Generally low-latency performance, suitable for video streaming and gaming |
| Microphone Quality | Clear for calls, but may vary by model | High-quality microphones with noise-canceling for clear and crisp calls |
| Mic Position | Built-in microphones, usually on the ear cups | Integrated microphones strategically placed for optimal voice capture |
| Voice Assistant Support | Limited voice assistant integration | Often includes support for popular voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant |
| Call Controls | On-device buttons or touch controls for call management | Intuitive controls for answering calls, adjusting volume, and more |
Both Skullcandy Crusher Evo and Sony WH-1000XM5 use Bluetooth technology to connect wireless. Crusher Evo uses Bluetooth 5.0 whereas Sony WH-1000XM5 uses Bluetooth 5.2 technology.
You can easily pair the Crusher Evo up to the range of 88.4 meters and the XM5 up to 100 meters, which is significantly wider. Both of these headphones don’t support NFC pairing. Crusher Evo doesn’t support Multi-device pairing but XM5 can connect two devices at the same time.
Now talking about the microphone quality, both of them come with an integrated microphone. Sony XM5 comes with 4 beam forming microphones for precise voice pickup and crystal clear hands-free calling.
You will get satisfactory recording quality while using Crusher Evo and your voice might get muffled and thin. Whereas you can clear recording quality in the XM5 as it features 4 beamforming microphones.
Durability and Build Longevity
| Criteria | Skullcandy | Sony Noise-Cancelling |
|---|---|---|
| Build Materials | Predominantly plastic construction with metal accents | High-quality materials, often featuring metal and leather components |
| Durability Features | Some models may have reinforced hinges and durable ear cushions | Designed for long-lasting use with reinforced structural elements |
| Foldable Design | Many models offer a foldable or collapsible design for easy storage | Often features a foldable or swivel design, enhancing portability and minimizing stress on joints |
| Hinge Construction | Hinges may vary in sturdiness, and some models are more prone to breakage | Sturdy hinge construction designed for extended use without issues |
| Cable Durability | Cable quality may vary, with some models prone to tangling | High-quality cables with reinforced connections for enhanced durability |
| Water/Sweat Resistance | Limited water resistance on select models | Varies by model, with some offering water or sweat resistance |
| Replacement Parts | Replacement parts may be available for certain models | Availability of replacement parts, contributing to extended product lifespan |
| User Reviews | Mixed reviews regarding durability, with some praising and others reporting issues | Generally positive reviews for durability and build quality, with occasional exceptions |
When it comes to durability and build longevity, both Skullcandy and Sony Noise-Cancelling Headphones offer distinct characteristics. Skullcandy headphones, often crafted with a blend of plastic and metal accents, present a range of options with varying durability. Some models may feature reinforced hinges and durable ear cushions, contributing to a longer lifespan, while others may be more susceptible to wear and tear.
On the other hand, Sony Noise-Cancelling Headphones are known for their robust build quality, incorporating high-quality materials like metal and leather. Designed with sturdier hinges and structural elements, Sony headphones generally provide a reliable and long-lasting listening experience. While both brands have their strengths, it’s advisable for consumers to consider user reviews, specific model features, and their personal usage patterns to ensure they choose headphones that align with their durability expectations and preferences.
Side by Side Key Differences: Skullcandy vs Sony
Here are the side-by-side key differences between these two headphone brands – Skullcandy vs Sony. Use the table below to find which brand performs better.
| Features | Skullcandy | Sony |
| Build Quality | Less robust & durable | More robust and durable |
| Sound Quality | Balanced | High bass |
| ANC | Not present | Present |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Battery life | 40 hours | 30 hours with ANC |
| NFC | Not present | Not present |
| Multi-Device pairing | Not supported | 2 devices |
Conclusion
By conducting testing for over two weeks, we listed the specifications, their ups and downs, and in the last side-by-side key differences. We found Sony headphones, a better choice than the Skullcandy. Sony headphones performed better in the build quality, design, and sound quality segment and thus overall a perfect choice for you.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ques 1. Are Skullcandy headphones durable?
Ans: Skullcandy headphones are generally durable, but individual experiences may vary.
Ques 2.How is the customer service?
Ans: Customer service quality can differ, but Skullcandy is known for responsive support.
Ques 3. Do Sony headphones work well for gaming?
Ans: Sony headphones can work well for gaming, especially with their precision audio.
Ques 4. How effective is the noise cancellation?
Ans: Sony’s noise cancellation is highly effective, providing an immersive experience.
Ques 5. Are Skullcandy headphones as durable as Sony’s Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
Ans: While Skullcandy headphones are known for their durability, Sony’s Noise-Cancelling Headphones often use premium materials. The actual durability can vary based on the specific model and usage patterns.
Ques 6. Which brand offers better noise cancellation, Skullcandy, or Sony?
Ans: Sony is generally renowned for its superior noise-cancelling technology. However, the effectiveness of noise cancellation can vary between specific models from both Skullcandy and Sony.
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