Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 vs Beats Studio Pro: Bass Monster or Balanced Champion?

Based on expert reviews from SoundGuys, Tom's Guide, TechRadar, and hundreds of real user experiences

The short answer: The Beats Studio Pro wins for most listeners. It delivers balanced, versatile sound that works across all music genres, lossless audio via USB-C, and often sells for under $180—making it exceptional value. But if you crave bass you can literally feel, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2's haptic technology is unlike anything else on the market. Get the Beats Studio Pro on Amazon for ~$170 →

The Fighters

	Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2	Beats Studio Pro
Price	$229 on Amazon	$170-180 on Amazon
Best For	Bass lovers, EDM/hip-hop fans	Versatile listening, Apple users
Battery (ANC on)	50 hours	24 hours
Driver Size	40mm + haptic bass drivers	40mm custom drivers
Weight	332g	260g
Special Feature	Crusher Sensory Bass (haptic vibration)	Lossless audio via USB-C

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones in black with memory foam earcups and foldable design

The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner

We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!

Round 1: Sound Quality

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is unashamedly bass-forward. Even with the Crusher effect at 0%, these are some of the most bass-heavy headphones you'll find. The patented Crusher Sensory Bass technology uses dedicated haptic drivers that literally vibrate against your head—TechRadar's reviewer said "wow" out loud on first listen. But this comes at a cost: the sound is compressed with limited stereo separation, and Headphones Addict noted that loud transients like snare hits briefly dip in volume due to DSP compression.

The Beats Studio Pro takes the opposite approach. With up to 80% less distortion than previous Beats models, these deliver genuinely balanced sound that handles everything from classical to hip-hop with equal competence. Connect via USB-C and you get lossless audio with three sound profiles (Signature, Entertainment, Conversation). The downside? Bluetooth is limited to AAC/SBC codecs—no aptX or LDAC for Android users.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2	Beats Studio Pro
6/10	8/10

Round 1 Winner: Beats Studio Pro — Balanced, detailed sound wins over one-note bass emphasis.

Score after Round 1: Skullcandy 6 | Beats 8

Round 2: Bass Performance

Here's where things get interesting. The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 doesn't just play bass—it makes you feel it. The dual-driver system pairs standard 40mm drivers with dedicated haptic motors that operate from 10-150Hz. SoundGuys explains there are 10 adjustable Crusher levels, and at 100%, these headphones shake on your head like standing next to a concert subwoofer. It's a visceral, physical experience no other headphone brand offers.

However, the bass quality itself has issues. The sub-bass below 60Hz is nearly non-existent—what you're feeling is primarily the 60-150Hz range. Some users on Best Buy Q&A noted the bass feels "muddy" compared to even older Crusher models.

The Beats Studio Pro has punchy, controlled bass that integrates naturally with mids and highs. It won't rattle your skull, but it won't muddy your music either.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2	Beats Studio Pro
9/10	7/10

Round 2 Winner: Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 — Nothing else delivers bass you can physically feel.

Score after Round 2: Skullcandy 15 | Beats 15

Round 3: Noise Cancellation

Neither headphone will win ANC awards, but the Beats Studio Pro edges ahead. Its fully adaptive ANC technology is effective at blocking ambient noise, though What Hi-Fi? notes it's "not class-leading." The Transparency mode works well for staying aware of surroundings.

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2's 4-mic digital ANC is serviceable but underwhelming. Headphones Addict found it "decent but not even close to much cheaper alternatives like the Edifier WH950NB." It handles low-frequency rumbles adequately, but higher-pitched sounds are "barely muffled."

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2	Beats Studio Pro
6/10	7/10

Round 3 Winner: Beats Studio Pro — More consistent noise blocking across frequencies.

Score after Round 3: Skullcandy 21 | Beats 22

Beats Studio Pro headphones showing premium design with brushed metal headband

Round 4: Battery Life

This isn't even close. The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 dominates with 60 hours of playback (ANC off) or 50 hours with ANC enabled. In Techaeris's real-world testing—with ANC on, Sensory Bass at 75%, and 50% volume—they still got nearly 45 hours. One reviewer mentioned using them for "a couple of weeks on and off" and only draining to 70%.

The Beats Studio Pro offers 40 hours with ANC off, dropping to 24 hours with ANC enabled. SoundGuys measured about 31 hours in their testing, which is solid—but it's still nearly half what Skullcandy delivers.

Both offer quick charging: 10 minutes for 4 hours of playback.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2	Beats Studio Pro
10/10	7/10

Round 4 Winner: Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 — Nearly double the battery life with ANC.

Score after Round 4: Skullcandy 31 | Beats 29

Round 5: Comfort

The Beats Studio Pro looks premium with its brushed metal headband and UltraPlush leather cushions, but comfort is divisive. TechGearLab found users averaged only 4 hours of comfortable wear. The small ear cups (59 x 40mm) are problematic for anyone with average-to-large ears—the cushions touch your pinnae, creating a claustrophobic feel. Glasses wearers report additional pressure issues, and hair frequently catches in the metal folding hinges.

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is heavier at 332g but handles weight distribution well. SoundGuys praised the plush headband padding and noted they're "comfortable out of the box with no awkward clamping pressure." The earcups pivot 90+ degrees for adjustment. The main complaints: pleather pads get warm in summer, and the weight is noticeable during extended sessions.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2	Beats Studio Pro
7/10	5/10

Round 5 Winner: Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 — Better fit for more head shapes despite the weight.

Score after Round 5: Skullcandy 38 | Beats 34

Round 6: Value for Money

The Beats Studio Pro has an MSRP of $349.99, but you'll rarely pay that. Sales frequently drop it to $169-$180, making it one of the cheapest headphones in its class at that price point. You get lossless audio, Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio, and Find My integration. For Apple users especially, this is tremendous value.

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 sits at $229.99 MSRP and rarely sees significant discounts. If you want the Crusher bass experience, that's fair—no competitor offers it. But if haptic bass isn't your priority, there are better-sounding ANC headphones for less money.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2	Beats Studio Pro
7/10	9/10

Round 6 Winner: Beats Studio Pro — Premium features at mid-range pricing.

Person wearing headphones while commuting on a train, enjoying music during their daily travel

Final Score

Product	Total Score	Verdict
Beats Studio Pro	43/60	WINNER
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2	45/60

Wait—the Skullcandy has a higher score? Let me explain.

The Winner: Beats Studio Pro

The raw numbers favor Skullcandy, but context matters. The Crusher ANC 2 excels in two specific categories: bass (which only matters if you want haptic bass) and battery life (which most people don't fully utilize). For the majority of listeners, the Beats Studio Pro is the better purchase.

Here's why: The Beats delivers genuinely good sound across all genres. Jazz, rock, classical, hip-hop—it handles everything competently. The Skullcandy is a one-trick pony: incredible for bass-heavy music, mediocre for anything else. Factor in that Beats often costs $50+ less on sale, and the decision becomes clear.

The Beats also has better ecosystem integration for Apple users, lossless audio support, and a more versatile sound signature. Its ANC is stronger. Its build, despite plastic complaints, is more refined.

Tom's Guide summarized it well: the Studio Pro represents Beats' most balanced, mature headphone yet.

Ready to buy the winner? Get the Beats Studio Pro on Amazon →

When the Loser Actually Wins

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 isn't for everyone, but it's the better choice if:

You live for bass. Hip-hop, EDM, dubstep, trap—if your playlist is all about the low end, nothing else feels like this. The haptic vibration is genuinely unique.
You need marathon battery life. 50 hours with ANC means charging once a week even with heavy use. If you travel constantly or hate managing battery, Skullcandy wins.
You want a physical listening experience. The Crusher effect at high levels is like having a subwoofer strapped to your head. It's not for audiophiles, but it's undeniably fun.
You have a larger head. The bigger ear cups and more forgiving fit work better for people who struggle with the Beats' tight clamp.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 might be right for you: Check price on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Headphones on a desk with laptop and phone, representing daily audio gear usage

Which headphones are better for working out?

Neither is ideal for intense exercise. Both are heavy, over-ear designs that will get sweaty. The Skullcandy at 332g is particularly cumbersome during movement. For gym use, consider true wireless earbuds instead.

Do the Beats Studio Pro work well with Android?

Yes, but you lose some features. Android users don't get Spatial Audio, Find My integration, or the full suite of Apple-optimized features. You also won't have access to lossless codecs over Bluetooth since Beats only supports AAC/SBC.

Is the Crusher bass effect gimmicky?

It depends on your preferences. Some reviewers found it unpleasant above 20%, while others love cranking it to feel every beat. It's definitely a novelty for some, but dedicated bass lovers genuinely appreciate it.

Why don't either of these have wear detection?

Great question—both lack auto-pause when you remove them. This means music keeps playing when you take them off, draining battery unnecessarily. It's a notable omission at these price points when competitors like Sony and Bose include this feature standard.

Can I use these headphones wired?

Yes, both support wired connections. The Beats Studio Pro sounds particularly good via USB-C, which enables lossless audio. The Skullcandy actually sounds slightly better wired too, with reviewers noting reduced DSP compression artifacts.