Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740
Anker Space A40
What Buyers Say
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740
Users generally appreciate the sound quality, comfort, and features like touch controls and multiple audio modes for the price. However, there are significant reliability concerns, with one reviewer reporting that the right earbud consistently fails within the warranty period, and another noting missing accessories like the charging cable. The touch sensitivity is also a common complaint, as it can cause accidental shutdowns.
Pros
- Great sound quality for the price
- Comfortable fit
- Touch controls
- Multiple audio modes (bass, podcast, music)
- Sleek design
Cons
- Right earbud fails within warranty
- Missing charging cable in package
- Touch sensitivity too high causing accidental shutdowns
- Not true noise cancelling
Anker Space A40
The Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are widely praised for their excellent sound quality, customizable EQ via the app, and strong noise cancellation. Users appreciate the long battery life, fast charging, and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes. Some note that the ANC is not as powerful as premium competitors and that Bluetooth connection can occasionally drop in bumpy vehicles or certain environments. Overall, they are considered great value for the price.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Customizable EQ via app
- Good noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Fast charging
Cons
- ANC not as strong as premium competitors
- Occasional Bluetooth connection drops
- Touch controls limited to certain options at once
- Battery life slightly less than advertised
- Left ear discomfort for some users
Scores
Specifications
| Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740 | Anker Space A40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | S, M, L | 5 sizes of silicone ear tips |
| Weight | 0.04 kg★ | 0.06 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 6 mm | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 2★ |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB★ | — |
| Max SPL | 104 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Auto-Adjustable Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%, 50H Playtime, Hi-Res Sound, App Customization, Wireless Charge (Renewed) Blue (Refresh |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 10 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 1 hrs★ | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 10 min = 2 hrs | 10 min for 4 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 20 hrs | 50 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Other | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Skullcandy app | soundcore |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong connectivity (78th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Anker Space A40
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
Pricing
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740 offers 2.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 38 specs.
