Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Skullcandy Crusher Evo
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the flagship option here, and it crushes the Skullcandy Crusher Evo in noise cancellation. With industry-leading ANC and 30-hour battery life, it’s a no-brainer for frequent travelers or anyone who values immersive sound. The Skullcandy Crusher Evo offers a unique bass experience with its adjustable Sensory Bass slider and a whopping 40-hour battery life. In real-world use, if you're a bass lover who likes to enjoy music without the need for ANC, the Crusher Evo could be your perfect match. But if you're looking for superior audio clarity and call quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the one to beat.
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Skullcandy Crusher Evo
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Skullcandy Crusher Evo
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Skullcandy Crusher Evo
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Skullcandy Crusher Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.7(24,215)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | No (Not supported) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 40mm Dynamic Drivers + Dedicated Crusher Haptic Bass Drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | Built-in microphone for calls |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 40 hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C Rapid Charge; 10 min = 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | No (Single device connection only) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | No (App offers 'Movie Mode' to optimize audio sync, but no dedicated low-latency protocol) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 11.0 oz (312 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | Physical buttons (Volume, Power/Pairing, Track) + Sensory Bass Slider |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Skullcandy App (Personal Sound by Audiodo™, EQ Modes: Music, Movie, Podcast) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Built-in Tile™ finding technology; Foldable design; Travel bag included |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
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Skullcandy Crusher Evo
✓ Pros:
- • Adjustable Sensory Bass slider provides a unique, skull-rattling bass experience
- • Personal Sound feature by Audiodo™ effectively optimizes audio for individual hearing profiles
- • Excellent battery life (40 hours) with very fast Rapid Charge
- • Built-in Tile™ technology helps locate headphones if misplaced
- • Solid durability with a foldable, travel-friendly design
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes
- • No Bluetooth Multipoint support (cannot connect to phone and laptop simultaneously)
- • Heavy bass emphasis can muddy the mids and highs for purist listening
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Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better buy for most people - its 8 microphones for crystal-clear calls crushes the Skullcandy Crusher Evo. That said, grab the Crusher Evo if you want 40 hours of battery life and a bass-heavy sound experience, making it easier on your wallet.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you want exceptional noise cancellation for flights, need crystal-clear call quality, or prioritize sound clarity over bass. (8.82 oz weight)
Choose the Skullcandy Crusher Evo if: you crave powerful bass for music, want a longer battery for all-day use, or prefer a foldable design for travel. (11.01 oz weight)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels if you value market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Skullcandy Crusher Evo is better if you prioritize adjustable sensory bass slider provides a unique, skull-rattling bass experience. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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