Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R954
Apple AirPods Pro 3
What Buyers Say
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R954
Users generally appreciate the sound quality, comfort, and features like touch controls and multiple audio modes for the price. However, there are significant concerns about durability, with one reviewer reporting that the right earbud consistently fails within the warranty period, and another missing a charging cable from the package. The touch sensitivity is also noted as overly sensitive, causing accidental shutdowns.
Pros
- Great sound quality for the price
- Comfortable fit
- Touch controls work well
- Multiple audio modes (bass, podcast, music)
- Sleek design
Cons
- Right earbud fails within warranty
- Missing charging cable in package
- Touch sensitivity too high
- Not true noise cancelling
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 receive high praise for their exceptional active noise cancellation, improved sound quality with deep bass and clear vocals, and comfortable secure fit. Users highlight the new heart-rate sensor, adaptive audio, and live translation as valuable upgrades. However, a few reviewers report discomfort due to the hard plastic shape or fit issues, and some note the case battery could be stronger. Overall, they are seen as a premium but worthwhile upgrade for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptional active noise cancellation
- Improved sound quality with deep bass
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Useful heart-rate sensor
- Adaptive audio and transparency mode
Cons
- Uncomfortable hard plastic shape for some
- Fit issues causing earbuds to fall out
- Case battery could be stronger
- High price point
- Different fit compared to previous generations
Scores
Specifications
| Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R954 | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Small, Medium, Large | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.04 kg | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 6 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 140 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB★ | — |
| Max SPL | 104 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Noise Isolating Fit, Up to 20 Hours Battery, IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant, Microphone for iPhone Android - Matcha | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | Adaptive Audio |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3★ |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 1 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10 Minutes for 2 Hours | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 10 hrs | 24 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | No | Android & iOS |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP57 |
Pros & Cons
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R954
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong build (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong connectivity (75th percentile)
- Strong comfort (74th percentile)
- Below average sound (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average battery (23rd percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R954
No current pricing available
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 39 specs.
