Skullcandy’s headphones clearly stand out from the competition. Models like the Crusher Evo (test report) or the Crusher ANC (test report) deliver bass you can literally feel. The word “crusher” says it all here. With an independently adjustable bass shaker function, the earphones vibrate on your head like a subwoofer.
The second generation of Crusher ANC combines this special feature with a great design and detailed improvements when it comes to noise canceling or connecting with multiple devices at the same time. In this test we will clarify whether Bluetooth headphones sound good or cause headaches.
Key Features: Why should you buy the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2?
- physically noticeable bass
- Immersive action movie experience
- Individual adjustment via app
- Runs continuously for over 50 hours
- comfortable seat
- by price 170 euros
Design and Comfort: Is the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 waterproof?
Unfortunately, the Crusher ANC 2 is not waterproof. But this would be almost the only weakness of an otherwise attractive design with high-quality workmanship. Wearing comfort is very high due to the pleasant soft padding on the ear cups; The Crusher doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable even when worn for long periods of time. The headband is covered with cloth on top.
The second generation also seems quite huge. At 330 grams, the weight of the crusher has increased further. There’s a USB-C slot for a charging cable and an additional input for a 3.5mm jack. Like previous models, the Crusher ANC 2 can be folded and carried in the included case. The scope of delivery also includes a cable with a USB-C to USB-A plug and a mini jack cable.
The only thing that can sometimes be annoying on the couch is the bass knob on the left ear cup. If you lean your back against a pillow, you may accidentally use it.
Sound: How does the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 sound?
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 delivers warm, airy and full sound, although the volume can get quite loud. The focus is clearly on bass: at the highest levels, the headphones produce strong vibrations that intensify the listening experience. This is especially impressive when you listen to electronic music and feel like you have the whole disco on in your head. It becomes its best with dubstep or drum ‘n’ bass.
In addition to music, there is also another application scenario: in action movies, explosions and gunshots create strong vibrations and thus an intense experience. However, if you use the bass on a high setting for a long time, you will inevitably get a headache.
This feature is a double-edged sword. The bass control should only be used in dosage, as at maximum intensity the bass makes the entire sound sound unnatural, almost blurry. Overall, the sound sometimes sounds imprecise and lacks spatial depth compared to other top models. The mids and highs seem slightly pushed back. If you prefer clear and loud bass, you may not be happy with the Crusher ANC 2.
Operation: Which app for Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2?
The operation is completely successful, thanks to the practically selected buttons. A rotary knob on the left is used for bass – in the previous version it was still a slider. The power button is also located above it. On the right side of the earpiece are the volume buttons, which you can press and hold for a long time to skip to the next or previous song. There’s also a button for Bluetooth pairing and a slider to switch between ANC and transparent modes.
Users can make additional adjustments to the functions of individual buttons via the smartphone app skull intelligence One. Here you can assign additional functions by pressing the buttons two or three times. It is also possible to fine-tune the sound using different profiles and an equalizer.
Over-ear headphones Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 in test: They really have bass
It also has voice controls that you can call up with the command “Hey Skullcandy.” It can be activated in the app. You can also select alternative language assistants here. It works reasonably well, but in everyday life we mostly do without it.
Equipment: How good is the noise canceling?
Noise suppression (Active Noise Cancellation, ANC) mainly absorbs low background noise, but there are clearly audible gaps in mid and high tones. A person talking on the phone is still present in the same room. Many competing headphones with ANC fare better here. If you want to effectively differentiate yourself, you should use other models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 (test report) – or turn on the bass control. Transparency mode is hardly better.
We also miss an automatic pause when you take off the headphones. This feature should really be included for the price. But you’ll also get exciting extra features like an integrated Tile tracker. If you lose your headphones you can use Bluetooth to find them.
The Crusher ANC 2 also supports Bluetooth multipoint to connect multiple devices to the headphones. The author of this text has connected the crusher to television and smartphone. First for films, second for music. The over-ear can also handle Spotify Tabs.
Battery: How long does the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 last?
Larger over-ear headphones have larger batteries. This allows for very long battery life, meaning the earphones rarely need to be connected to a power supply. The manufacturer says up to 60 hours without ANC or 50 hours with it. However, in our experience, around 50 hours without ANC and 40 hours with it are more realistic – which is still an excellent value.
It seems as if we hardly have to charge the headphones. If you only use the crusher for less than 2 hours per day, you can get about a month’s time. If you are surprised by the empty battery, you can also use it wired. The Crusher ANC 2 can be fully charged up to 18 watts in just under 90 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quarter-hour charging time will give you about 10 hours of running time. Power supply is not included.
Price: How much does the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 cost?
The RRP of the Crusher ANC 2 is 230 Euros. However, you can currently get the model in black 170 euros On Amazon. Apart from black, there are limited models in a white version and attractive tiger look which are available only from the manufacturer.
Conclusion: Is it worth buying?
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is a clear recommendation for bass lovers. The sound is warm and full, with the bass producing a noticeable vibration at the maximum setting. The operation impresses with clear button controls with four buttons, a slider and a rotary wheel, all of which can be adjusted in the app. The app also offers features like voice control, bass and ANC settings, equalizer, multipoint pairing, and tile support.
The only weak point is ANC, which can’t keep up with the best models – if you can live with that, the Crusher ANC 2 is a pair of headphones that score mainly with rich sound and powerful bass.
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