Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Review (2026): The Bass King That Literally Shakes Your Head

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You’ve heard bass. But have you felt bass?

That’s the promise of the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2—headphones with built-in haptic drivers that physically vibrate low frequencies into your skull. It sounds like a gimmick. After researching 3,500+ owner reviews, we found it’s either the most fun you’ll have with headphones… or an overhyped party trick that gets old fast.

Our verdict: The Crusher ANC 2 is the best choice for bass enthusiasts who want something genuinely different—but audiophiles and ANC-seekers should look elsewhere.

Our Pick: Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

Quick take: No other headphone delivers bass like this. The “Crusher” haptic technology adds physical rumble that transforms EDM, hip-hop, and action movies into full-body experiences.

Best for:

• Bass lovers who listen to EDM, hip-hop, or electronic music
• Movie watchers who want cinematic rumble without a subwoofer
• Anyone bored with “normal” headphones
• Commuters (60-hour battery is insane)

Skip if:

• You want the best noise cancellation (Sony/Bose win here)
• You’re an audiophile who prioritizes detail and soundstage
• You’ll use these for competitive gaming (latency issues)
• Pressure sensitivity or headaches from bass vibration

Why the Crusher ANC 2 Stands Out

The “Crusher Bass” Is Unlike Anything Else

Let’s be clear: these headphones vibrate. Built-in haptic drivers pulse along with bass frequencies, creating a sensation somewhere between wearing headphones and strapping a subwoofer to your head.

Multiple reviewers on audio forums describe it as “feeling the kick drum in your chest” or “like standing next to a speaker at a concert.” SoundGuys measured approximately 20dB of additional bass output at 50Hz when the Crusher slider is maxed—that’s not subtle.

The intensity is adjustable via a slider on the left ear cup (0-100%). Most users settle around 20-40% for daily listening. At 50%+, multiple reviewers found it “downright unpleasant,” comparing it to someone “rhythmically slamming cupped hands over your ears.”

Bottom line: If you’ve ever wished you could feel your music more, these deliver. If that sounds exhausting, trust your instincts.

60-Hour Battery Life Is Class-Leading

The Crusher ANC 2 offers:

• 60 hours with ANC off
• 50 hours with ANC on
• 4 hours playback from 10 minutes of fast charging

For comparison, the Sony XM5 gets 30 hours. The Bose QuietComfort gets 24 hours. This is genuinely impressive, especially for travelers.

The Price Is Right (On Sale)

At MSRP ($239), these faced stiff competition. But Skullcandy regularly discounts them to $149 or less, putting them well below Sony and Bose flagships. At that price, the unique bass experience becomes much easier to justify.

The Honest Downsides

We dug through hundreds of critical reviews. Here’s what real owners complain about:

ANC Is “Just Okay”

Multiple audio sites tested the noise cancellation against Sony and Bose. The verdict? TechRadar called it “pretty weak sauce.” TechHive said it “pales in comparison to higher-priced competition.”

If blocking airplane noise or office chatter is your priority, these aren’t the answer. The ANC handles low rumbles decently (ironic, given the bass focus), but higher frequencies like voices bleed through.

Dynamic Range Compression

Audiophiles on forums report a DSP quirk: “The headphones continuously crush dynamics. Anytime a sound wants to get slightly louder—like a snare hit or bass drop—the DSP briefly lowers the volume.”

For casual listeners, this isn’t noticeable. For those who appreciate dynamic classical recordings or jazz, it’s a dealbreaker.

The “Hey Skullcandy” Voice Command

Yes, really. The wake word is “Hey Skullcandy,” and reviewers universally hate it. AppleInsider called it a “big nope” for public use. Most users disable voice controls entirely.

Not Water Resistant

Unlike many competitors, the Crusher ANC 2 has no IP rating. Sweaty workouts or light rain could damage them. One frustrated buyer on eBay reported issues after using them at the gym.

Random Power Issues

A minority of users report the headphones “randomly turning off and back on” during use. Skullcandy’s support page acknowledges Bluetooth interference can cause this. A factory reset usually fixes it, but it’s worth noting.

Who Should Buy the Crusher ANC 2

You’ll love these if:

• Bass-heavy genres (EDM, hip-hop, dubstep, trap) make up most of your listening
• You watch a lot of action movies and want immersive rumble
• You take long flights and need marathon battery life
• You’re bored with conventional headphones and want something fun

You’ll regret these if:

• You need best-in-class noise cancellation
• You listen to acoustic, classical, or vocal-focused music
• You’re sensitive to pressure/vibration on your head
• You want detailed, analytical sound reproduction

How It Compares to the Competition

Our take: The Sony XM5 and Bose QC Ultra are objectively “better” headphones for most people. But neither can replicate what the Crusher does. If that bass experience excites you, nothing else compares—especially at half the price.

The Bottom Line

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 isn’t trying to compete with Sony or Bose on technical merits. It’s doing something entirely different: turning music into a physical experience.

At $149 on sale, it’s an easy recommendation for bass enthusiasts. The 60-hour battery alone justifies the price. Add the unique haptic technology, and you’ve got headphones that deliver genuine fun—something the audiophile world often forgets about.

Just don’t expect premium noise cancellation or reference-quality sound. These are party headphones for bass addicts, and they’re the best at what they do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 worth it?

Yes, if you’re a bass lover who wants a unique listening experience. The haptic bass feature is unmatched. However, if you prioritize noise cancellation or balanced audio, the Sony XM5 or Bose QuietComfort are better choices.

How long does the Crusher ANC 2 battery last?

Up to 60 hours with ANC off, or 50 hours with ANC on. Fast charging provides 4 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging.

Is the Crusher ANC 2 good for gaming?

The bass rumble can enhance gaming immersion, but there’s noticeable latency in Bluetooth mode. For competitive gaming, wired headphones are better.

Can you turn off the Crusher bass effect?

Yes, the bass slider goes from 0% to 100%. At 0%, these function as regular headphones with a warm sound signature.