Skullcandy Dime 2 Wireless Review

Overview

The Skullcandy Dime 2 is a compact true wireless earbud that punches well above its weight class. Released in February 2022 as the successor to the original Dime, this second-generation model adds Tile tracking technology and a standby mode while keeping the pocketable form factor that made the first version popular. With an Amazon rating of 4 out of 5 stars across more than 9,000 reviews, the Dime 2 has clearly resonated with budget-conscious buyers.

Skullcandy positions the Dime 2 as “the little earbud with the big attitude,” and the branding fits. These buds deliver clear audio with a bass-rich sound profile, physical button controls, and an IPX4 sweat resistance rating that makes them suitable for workouts. They lack active noise cancellation and app-based EQ tuning, but they compensate with simplicity, portability, and a sound signature that multiple expert reviewers found surprisingly capable for the category.

The Dime 2 has since been replaced by the Dime 3, but it remains widely available and continues to attract buyers who want a no-frills, dependable wireless listening experience without premium features they may never use.

Design and Build Quality

The Dime 2’s defining characteristic is its size. The charging case measures just 14.5 x 8 x 2.69 cm and weighs 32 grams including the buds, making it one of the most pocketable true wireless options on the market. Skullcandy includes a built-in lanyard strap on the case, which multiple users praised as a clever touch that makes the earbuds easy to clip to a bag or carry without fear of misplacing them.

Build quality is plastic throughout, which is expected at this tier. The finish does not feel cheap, though, and the case has a solid feel when snapped shut. Several customer reviewers noted that the buds survived drops without issue, and one user who bought multiple pairs reported only one instance of a magnet not being properly glued. The general consensus is that the Dime 2 feels well-made for daily use, even if it lacks the metal hinges and premium materials of more expensive alternatives.

The case uses a micro-USB charging port, which is a notable drawback. Micro-USB was already being phased out in favor of USB-C when the Dime 2 launched, and finding the right cable can be an annoyance if your other devices have moved on. The included cable is also quite short, according to user feedback, though any standard micro-USB cable will work as a replacement.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the Dime 2 consistently exceeds expectations. Expert reviewers at SoundGuys noted that the earbuds “sound good at any price, with a generous amount of bass,” and RTINGS described the sound profile as “slightly bass-rich,” adding a touch of extra rumble and punch to audio. Consumer Reports rated the sound quality as “very good” in its lab testing.

The frequency response spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with a 6mm dynamic driver handling audio duties. The Dime 2 is tuned to a relatively flat EQ with the intent of accurate source reproduction, though one customer reviewer with audio experience noted a slight warmth in the presentation. Using Metallica’s “Black Album” as a reference, they observed that some of the recording’s crunch and texture was subtly converted to warmth rather than reproduced with razor precision. The mids came in for particular praise, with one user describing them as “very, very clear” and noting that the bass, while not earth-shattering, was adequate and complemented the midrange well.

Fit plays a critical role in sound quality, as it does with any in-ear design. One reviewer conducted systematic isolation tests in a tiled bathroom with a noisy exhaust fan and found that only one of the three included ear tip sizes created an ideal seal. With the right tips, sound isolation was very good and the audio opened up impressively. With the wrong tips, the sound became “totally lackluster.” This underscores the importance of experimenting with the included ear tips before judging the Dime 2’s audio capabilities.

The soundstage is narrow compared to mid-range earbuds, which is typical for in-ear designs at this tier. There is no app-based EQ for deep tuning, so what you hear is essentially what you get. For most casual listeners, the default tuning works well across genres, from podcasts to bass-heavy playlists.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is the Dime 2’s most commonly cited weakness. The earbuds deliver approximately 3.5 hours of playback per charge, and the charging case provides an additional 8.5 hours, for a total of up to 12 hours of combined use. SoundGuys rated battery life at just 4.2 out of 10, and multiple customer reviews echoed this concern.

In practice, the 3.5-hour bud battery means you will need to recharge frequently if you use them throughout the day. One user who wore them for long landscaping shifts reported using almost the entire charge during a single work session and needing to recharge nightly. Another noted that while the case holds enough for a few recharge sessions, the case battery itself depletes relatively quickly if you are not near a power source.

The case takes approximately 12 hours to fully charge, which is longer than many competitors. The micro-USB charging port adds further inconvenience, as mentioned, since USB-C has become the standard for most modern electronics. On the plus side, the Dime 2 includes a standby mode that helps conserve battery life when the earbuds are not in active use, an improvement over the original Dime.

For users who listen in shorter sessions, commuting, or working out, the battery life is generally adequate. One international reviewer noted that the battery never ran out despite heavy use, suggesting that for many real-world usage patterns, the 12-hour total is sufficient. But for all-day listeners, the Dime 2 will require midday top-ups.

Connectivity and Controls

The Dime 2 uses Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a stable connection with a range of approximately 10 meters. Pairing is straightforward: open the case, and the earbuds enter pairing mode. Auto-reconnect works reliably once initially paired, and multiple users reported that the earbuds stayed connected without dropouts during typical use.

One of the Dime 2’s strengths is its use of physical buttons rather than touch controls. Several users preferred this approach, noting that touch controls require pressing the earbud into the ear to register a tap, which can be uncomfortable. The Dime 2’s buttons handle track skipping, volume adjustment, call management, and voice assistant activation. They support Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa when connected to compatible devices.

However, connectivity is not without issues. Customer feedback includes reports of pairing inconsistency, with one user experiencing glitching when trying to connect to their phone. The issue was eventually resolved by draining both the earbuds and phone completely before recharging, but it suggests that the Bluetooth implementation can occasionally be finicky. Electronics Ranker’s analysis noted that repeated complaints mention pairing inconsistency and charge problems, suggesting these are not isolated incidents.

The Dime 2 supports mono mode, meaning either earbud can be used independently for one-ear monitoring of calls or audio. This is a practical feature for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings or take calls without wearing both buds. On iOS devices, the battery level displays when connected via Bluetooth.

Features: Tile Tracking and Water Resistance

Two features distinguish the Dime 2 from many competitors in its category: built-in Tile tracking and IPX4 water resistance.

The Tile integration is genuinely useful for anyone prone to misplacing small electronics. After registering the earbuds in the Tile app, users can view the last known location of the buds on a map and trigger an audio chime to help locate them nearby. One customer reviewer who described themselves as “very, very prone to misplacing things” specifically chose the Dime 2 partly because of this feature and reported that the map function had saved them from buying replacement earbuds on multiple occasions.

The audio chime, however, has limitations. The same reviewer noted that the chime is “not that loud,” making it difficult to hear if the earbuds are buried under cushions or in another room. The map-based location tracking is the more practical half of the Tile feature, particularly for users who are out and about.

The IPX4 rating means the Dime 2 can withstand sweat and light water splashes from any direction. This makes them suitable for workouts, running, and other physical activities. Multiple users confirmed that the earbuds stayed secure during exercise and handled sweat without issue. However, the IPX4 rating does not mean the earbuds are waterproof, and one reviewer explicitly warned against running them through the washing machine, which they will not survive.

Call Quality and Microphone

Call quality is one of the Dime 2’s weaker areas. SoundGuys noted “inconsistent performance for calls” as a key drawback, citing issues with mic connection and noise rejection. The built-in microphone handles calls adequately in quiet environments, but it struggles to isolate the user’s voice from background noise.

In practical use, the mic works well enough for casual phone calls and voice assistant activation. One reviewer noted that the mic allowed them to keep their phone in their pocket while on calls, which is convenient. However, for users who take calls in noisy environments like coffee shops or busy streets, the Dime 2’s mic will likely frustrate both the user and the person on the other end.

The lack of active noise cancellation means there is no digital processing to reduce ambient noise during calls. The ear plug-like design of the ear tips does provide passive noise reduction, which helps the user hear the call, but it does not help the microphone distinguish the user’s voice from surrounding noise. SoundGuys identified mic noise rejection as a specific area where the Dime 2 falters.

Fit and Comfort

Comfort is one of the Dime 2’s standout qualities. Multiple customer reviewers praised the earbuds for their lightweight feel and secure fit, with one stating they were “the most comfortable earbuds I have ever worn” despite typically hating earbuds for extended periods. That reviewer rated overall comfort at 8 out of 10 and earbud-specific comfort at 10 out of 10.

SoundGuys awarded the Dime 2 a comfort rating of 8.5 out of 10, the highest individual score in their assessment. The earbuds come with three pairs of ear tips in different sizes (11mm, 12mm, and 14mm diameters), and finding the right fit is essential for both comfort and sound quality. One reviewer noted that two of the three sizes felt comfortable, but only one created the ideal seal for sound isolation.

For physical activity, the Dime 2 performs well. A reviewer who struggled to find earbuds that stayed in place during exercise reported that the Dime 2 adapted to their ears perfectly and did not fall out during workouts. The lightweight design and in-ear placement contribute to stability, and the IPX4 rating means sweat is not a concern.

What Customers Are Saying

The Dime 2 has accumulated over 9,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4 out of 5 stars, and the collected customer reviews paint a consistent picture of a product that delivers strong value with some known limitations.

On the positive side, customers repeatedly praise the sound quality relative to expectations. Reviewers were surprised by the clarity of audio, particularly in the midrange, and noted that the bass response was solid if not exceptional. The comfort of the earbuds was another frequently mentioned strength, with several users noting that they could wear the Dime 2 for hours without the discomfort they typically experience with in-ear designs. The compact case size, integrated lanyard, and Tile tracking were also highlighted as practical features that enhance daily usability.

Battery life emerged as the most common complaint. Users acknowledged that the 3.5-hour bud battery is workable but requires frequent charging, particularly for those who use the earbuds throughout the workday. The short included charging cable and micro-USB port were also noted as inconveniences. Some users reported that the case battery depletes faster than expected, requiring regular recharging to keep the total battery available.

A few reviewers experienced reliability issues, including pairing glitches and one instance of a magnet not being properly secured. Electronics Ranker’s broader analysis of customer feedback confirmed these patterns, noting that repeated complaints mention pairing inconsistency, charging problems, and one earbud failing over time. These issues suggest that while many units perform reliably, there is some quality control variability that buyers should be aware of.

International reviewers echoed similar sentiments, praising the battery life, bass quality, and suitability for sports use, while noting that the earbuds are easy to carry and function reliably for daily use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Surprisingly capable sound quality with clear mids and solid bass
Excellent comfort for extended wear, even for users who typically dislike earbuds
Ultra-compact, pocketable case with integrated lanyard
Built-in Tile tracking for locating misplaced earbuds
IPX4 sweat and water resistance suitable for workouts
Physical button controls preferred over touch by many users
Mono mode allows either bud to be used independently
Quick, reliable Bluetooth 5.2 pairing and auto-reconnect

Cons:

Short battery life at 3.5 hours per charge
Micro-USB charging port is outdated and inconvenient
No active noise cancellation, relying solely on passive isolation
Inconsistent call quality with weak noise rejection
No app support or EQ customization
Occasional pairing glitches and reported reliability issues over time
Tile chime is too quiet to be practically useful
Case takes approximately 12 hours to fully charge

Verdict

The Skullcandy Dime 2 is a budget true wireless earbud that succeeds by focusing on the fundamentals. It delivers sound quality that multiple expert reviewers described as good at any price, exceptional comfort that rivals more expensive options, and practical features like Tile tracking and IPX4 water resistance that add genuine everyday value. The compact, lanyard-equipped case is among the most portable designs available.

The trade-offs are clear and well-documented. Battery life is the most significant limitation, with 3.5 hours per charge falling below the standard set by many competitors. The micro-USB port is an anachronism. Call quality is inconsistent, and there is no active noise cancellation or app-based customization. Some users have experienced pairing and reliability issues that suggest quality control is not uniform across all units.

For the right buyer, these limitations are acceptable trade-offs. Commuters, students, gym-goers, and anyone prone to losing earbuds will find the Dime 2 to be a dependable, great-sounding companion that is easy to carry and simple to use. It is best suited as an everyday or backup pair rather than a long-term primary set, and buyers who prioritize all-day battery life or premium features should look elsewhere. But for those who want solid wireless audio without unnecessary complexity, the Dime 2 remains a compelling choice even as its successor reaches the market.

Specifications

Brand: Skullcandy
Model: Dime 2 True Wireless (S2DBW-P740)
Type: In-ear, truly wireless
Enclosure: Closed-back
Transducer: Dynamic driver, 6mm
Bluetooth Version: 5.2
Bluetooth Range: 10 meters
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Sensitivity: 95 dB
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours total (3.5 hours earbuds + 8.5 hours case)
Case Charging Time: Approximately 12 hours
Charging Port: Micro-USB
Water Resistance: IPX4
Noise Control: Passive sound isolation (no ANC)
Weight: 32 grams (case and buds)
Case Dimensions: 14.5 x 8 x 2.69 cm
Ear Tip Sizes: 3 pairs (11mm, 12mm, 14mm diameter)
Controls: Physical buttons for media, volume, calls, voice assistant
Voice Assistant Support: Apple Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Mono Mode: Either earbud can be used independently
Tracking: Built-in Tile technology
Warranty: 1-Year USA Limited Warranty
Release Date: February 3, 2022
Color: True Black

Sale

Skullcandy Dime 2 Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds - True Black | Bluetooth, Noise Isolating Fit, 12 Hours Battery, Microphone for iPhone Android, Easy Carry with Integrated Lanyard

UP TO 12 HOURS BATTERY. Stay connected with up to 12 hours of battery life (3.5 hours in the earbuds plus an additional 8.5 hours in charging case)
SWEAT AND WATER RESISTANT. Rated IPX4 with sweat and water resistance, these buds are made to withstand any adventure while blocking out unwanted noise
POCKET-FRIENDLY DESIGN. Compact and lightweight, Dime 2’s pocket-able size and built-in strap makes it easy to take anywhere