Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Review: Deep Bass and Noise Cancellation

Skullcandy has long been synonymous with powerful, bass-forward audio, and the Crusher ANC 2 represents the pinnacle of that philosophy. Combining adjustable haptic bass with active noise cancellation, these over-ear headphones aim to deliver an immersive listening experience that shakes you to your core. But does the Crusher ANC 2 live up to the hype? In this review, we put the Crusher ANC 2 through its paces, evaluating its design, comfort, sound signature, noise cancellation, battery life, and overall value.

Whether you are a bass enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or someone who simply wants a pair of headphones that can block out the world while delivering thumping lows, the Crusher ANC 2 promises a lot. We’ll break down every aspect to help you decide if these are the right headphones for you, and we’ll also compare them to other popular Skullcandy models like the Hesh® 540 ANC and the PLYR® Wireless gaming headset.

Design and Comfort: Built for Long Listening Sessions

The Crusher ANC 2 sports a sleek, modern design with a mostly matte black finish and subtle silver accents. The ear cups are generously padded with memory foam and wrapped in a soft leatherette, making them comfortable for extended wear. The headband is also well-cushioned and adjustable, ensuring a secure fit without excessive clamping force. At around 330 grams, they are not the lightest headphones, but the weight is distributed well enough that you can wear them for hours without discomfort.

The build quality feels robust, with a combination of plastic and metal components that inspire confidence. The ear cups fold flat for storage, and the included carrying case makes it easy to toss them in a bag. Controls are logically placed: the left ear cup houses the power button, ANC toggle, and charging port (USB-C), while the right ear cup features the Crusher slider, volume rocker, and playback controls. Overall, the design is both functional and stylish, suitable for both casual and professional settings.

• Memory foam ear cushions with leatherette covering
• Adjustable padded headband with minimal clamping force
• Folding design for easy portability
• USB-C charging port and 3.5mm auxiliary input

Sound Quality: The Bass You Can Feel

The defining feature of the Crusher ANC 2 is its adjustable haptic bass, which uses a dedicated driver to create physical vibrations that you can feel. The Crusher slider on the right ear cup lets you dial in the bass intensity from subtle to earth-shaking. At low levels, the bass is tight and punchy, adding weight to electronic, hip-hop, and rock tracks. Crank it up, and the bass becomes visceral, rattling your skull in a way that few headphones can match.

Beyond the bass, the Crusher ANC 2 delivers a surprisingly balanced sound signature. The mids are clear and present, though they can be slightly recessed at higher bass levels. Highs are crisp without being harsh, providing good detail for cymbals and vocals. For most genres, the Crusher ANC 2 performs admirably, but it truly shines with bass-heavy music. If you prefer a more neutral sound, you might want to consider the Hesh® 540 ANC, which offers a more balanced profile with excellent noise cancellation.

• Adjustable haptic bass via Crusher slider (0–100%)
• 40mm custom drivers for clear mids and highs
• Supports SBC, AAC, and aptX HD codecs for high-quality wireless audio

Noise Cancellation: Blocking Out the World

The Crusher ANC 2 features four microphones for active noise cancellation, which effectively reduces ambient noise like airplane engines, traffic, and office chatter. The ANC is not quite class-leading—it does not reach the level of Sony or Bose—but it is more than sufficient for most environments. You can toggle between ANC On, ANC Off, and Ambient Mode, which lets in outside sound for situational awareness.

In our tests, the ANC handled low-frequency hums very well, making it a great companion for flights or commutes. Mid and high-frequency noises are reduced but not completely eliminated. The Ambient Mode is useful for quick conversations without removing the headphones. For a more affordable ANC option, the Hesh® 540 ANC offers similar noise cancellation performance at a lower price point, though without the haptic bass.

• Four-microphone hybrid ANC system
• Ambient Mode for hearing your surroundings
• Good at reducing low-frequency noise (engines, fans)

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life on the Crusher ANC 2 is impressive, rated at up to 24 hours with ANC on and the Crusher slider at a moderate level. With ANC off, you can stretch that to around 30 hours. The headphones support fast charging via USB-C—a 10-minute charge gives you about 3 hours of playback, which is handy when you are in a rush.

Connectivity is solid, with Bluetooth 5.2 providing a stable connection and a range of about 30 feet. Multipoint pairing is not supported, so you cannot connect to two devices simultaneously. There is also a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired listening, which is useful if the battery dies. The PLYR® Wireless gaming headset, by contrast, offers a dedicated wireless dongle for low-latency gaming, but the Crusher ANC 2 is better suited for music and travel.

• 24 hours battery life with ANC and moderate Crusher use
• 30 hours with ANC off
• Fast charging: 10 minutes for 3 hours of playback
• Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC, aptX HD support

Features and App Support

The Skullcandy App (available for iOS and Android) adds a layer of customization to the Crusher ANC 2. You can adjust the EQ, toggle the Crusher slider remotely, and switch between ANC modes. The app also offers a “Personal Sound” feature that tailors the audio profile to your hearing using a short test. While the app is functional, it is not as feature-rich as some competitors’ apps, but it covers the basics well.

Other notable features include tile tracking support, so you can locate your headphones if they go missing, and built-in microphone for calls. Call quality is decent, with the microphones doing a good job of filtering out background noise. The Crusher ANC 2 also comes with a carrying case, USB-C cable, and 3.5mm audio cable in the box.

• Skullcandy App with EQ, Crusher control, and Personal Sound
• Tile tracking integration for finding lost headphones
• Built-in microphone with noise reduction for calls

Crusher ANC 2 vs. Other Skullcandy Headphones

If you are considering the Crusher ANC 2, you might also be looking at other Skullcandy models. The Hesh® 540 ANC is a more affordable option that offers excellent ANC and a balanced sound profile, but it lacks the haptic bass. The PLYR® Wireless is designed for gamers, with a boom microphone and low-latency wireless, but its sound signature is tuned for gaming rather than music. The Riff® Wireless 2 is a budget-friendly on-ear option that is lightweight and portable, but it does not have ANC or the Crusher’s bass capabilities.

For bass lovers, the Crusher ANC 2 is unmatched in the Skullcandy lineup. However, if you want a more versatile everyday headphone with great ANC and a neutral sound, the Hesh® 540 ANC is a strong contender. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize that physical bass sensation or a more traditional listening experience.

• Crusher ANC 2: best for bass enthusiasts, haptic feedback, good ANC
• Hesh® 540 ANC: balanced sound, excellent ANC, lower price
• PLYR® Wireless: gaming-focused, boom mic, low latency
• Riff® Wireless 2: budget on-ear, no ANC, lightweight

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is a unique headphone that delivers on its promise of deep, physical bass combined with effective noise cancellation. It is not perfect—the ANC could be stronger, and the app is basic—but for those who want to feel their music, it is a thrilling experience. If you are ready to take your listening to the next level, check out the Crusher ANC 2 and feel the difference for yourself.