You’ve probably heard it before. Spend more and you’ll hear more. But when it comes to headphones, the relationship between price and sound quality isn’t always that simple. 

Some expensive headphones deliver incredible clarity and features. Others mainly add premium materials or extra tech that not everyone actually needs. The real question is whether paying more gets you better sound for how you listen. 

Here’s how Skullcandy breaks it down, and which headphones make sense depending on what you value most. 

WHEN PREMIUM HEADPHONES DELIVER A TRUE SOUND UPGRADE 

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2  

Best for: Bass lovers, immersive listening, customizable sound, premium features 

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 proves that higher price can mean a bigger, more powerful listening experience. These headphones are built around one thing Skullcandy does better than anyone else, bass you can feel.  

Crusher ANC 2 combines adjustable Crusher Bass with active noise canceling and personalized sound tuning. That means you can dial your sound exactly how you want it, from clean and controlled to full-on chest-rattling. 

For listeners who want sound that feels physical and immersive, paying more absolutely delivers more. 

Why the sound stands out 

• Adjustable Crusher Bass adds depth you won’t find in entry-level headphones 
• Active Noise Canceling helps details come through, even in loud environments
• Personal Sound by Mimi adapts audio to your hearing profile
• Wide, powerful soundstage that makes music feel bigger and more intense 

Things to consider 

Bass-forward tuning is not for minimalists 
More features than casual listeners may need 

Bottom line: 
If you want maximum impact, customization, and immersion, spending more on Crusher ANC 2 delivers a sound upgrade you can hear and feel. 

WHEN YOU DON’T NEED TO SPEND BIG TO GET GREAT SOUND 

Skullcandy Hesh 540 ANC 

Best for: Everyday listening, commuters, balanced sound, value-focused buyers 

Great sound doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. Skullcandy Hesh 540 ANC delivers clean audio, strong bass, and active noise canceling without pushing into high-end pricing. 

The tuning is balanced enough for music, podcasts, and calls, with just enough low-end punch to keep things fun. For many listeners, this level of sound quality already checks all the boxes. 

If you are upgrading from basic earbuds or older headphones, Hesh 540 ANC will feel like a major step up, without asking you to overpay for features you may not use. 

Why the sound holds up: 

• Clear, balanced tuning that works across genres 
  Active Noise Canceling improves focus and clarity
• 65 hours battery + rapid charge
• THX Spatial Audio immersive sound 
• Wear Detection + Motion
• Consistent performance for daily listening 

Things to consider 

Less customization than premium models 
Not as immersive as Crusher-level bass 

Bottom line: 
If you want better sound without stretching your budget, Hesh 540 ANC proves you don’t need to spend more to enjoy high-quality audio. 

WHAT ACTUALLY CHANGES AS HEADPHONES GET MORE EXPENSIVE? 

When you move up in price, sound quality improves, but not always in the way people expect. 

Here’s what you usually get when you pay more. 

• Better noise canceling that reveals more detail 
• More powerful drivers that deliver deeper bass and wider sound 
• Sound customization features like EQ and personal tuning 
• Premium materials and long-wear comfort 

What you don’t always get is a dramatic jump in clarity if you already like a balanced sound. 

PREMIUM VS AFFORDABLE SKULLCANDY SOUND AT A GLANCE 

FINAL TAKE 

Paying more for headphones can get you better sound, but only if you want what the upgrade offers. 

Choose Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 if you want deeper bass, immersive sound, and full control over how your music hits. 

Choose Skullcandy Hesh 540 ANC if you want clean, powerful audio that already sounds great without paying for extras. 

The best sound isn’t about price. It’s about finding the headphones that match how you listen.