Skullcandy Dime 3 Review: Best Budget Wireless Earbuds?

You know what? Finding quality wireless earbuds without breaking your bank account feels almost impossible these days. Most decent options start at $50 and climb up from there. But what if I told you there’s a pair that delivers solid performance for just around $20?

The Skullcandy Dime 3 has been turning heads in the budget earbud market. These tiny powerhouses pack features you’d expect from earbuds twice their price. I spent weeks testing them through workouts, commutes, and everyday use to bring you this honest review.

Budget earbuds usually mean compromise. You sacrifice sound quality for affordability, or you get decent audio but terrible battery life. The Dime 3 promises to change that equation. But does it actually deliver? Let’s find out if these earbuds deserve a spot in your ears.

Key Takeaways

• Small Size, Big Features: The Dime 3 earbuds are incredibly compact and lightweight. They come with an integrated lanyard on the charging case, making them perfect for active lifestyles and easy to carry anywhere.
• Impressive Battery Performance: You get up to 20 hours of total listening time with these earbuds. That breaks down to 8 hours in the buds themselves and an additional 12 hours from the charging case. The rapid charge feature gives you 2 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging.
• Built to Last: These earbuds feature an IPX4 water resistance rating. This means they can handle sweat, light rain, and accidental splashes without issues. Perfect for gym sessions and outdoor activities.
• Smart Connectivity: The Dime 3 uses Bluetooth 5.3 technology for stable connections. You also get Tile tracking integration built right in, so you can locate your earbuds if you misplace them through the Tile app.
• Affordable Excellence: At just $20-$25, these earbuds deliver remarkable value. You get features like three EQ presets, Clear Voice Smart Mic, and multipoint pairing that competitors charge $50 or more for.

Skullcandy Dime 3

The Skullcandy Dime 3 represents the third generation of Skullcandy’s ultra-budget earbud line. This product launched in late 2023, building upon the success of its predecessors. Skullcandy designed these earbuds for people who want reliable wireless audio without premium pricing.

What makes the Dime 3 stand out? First, the price point sits comfortably under $25 at most retailers. Second, Skullcandy didn’t just make cheap earbuds. They packed genuine features into this tiny package. You get modern Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, which means faster pairing and more stable connections than older versions.

The earbuds themselves weigh almost nothing. Each bud measures just a fraction of an inch, making them one of the smallest true wireless earbuds available today. The charging case fits easily in your pocket, purse, or even that tiny fifth pocket in your jeans. Skullcandy added an integrated lanyard loop on the case, which shows they understand how easily small things get lost.

These earbuds target a specific audience. Students on tight budgets, gym enthusiasts who don’t want to risk expensive gear, and anyone wanting a backup pair of earbuds. The Dime 3 fills that need perfectly. You’re not buying premium audiophile equipment here. You’re buying solid, dependable earbuds that won’t make your wallet cry.

Design and Build Quality

The Skullcandy Dime 3 earbuds feature a minimalist design approach. Each earbud has a smooth, rounded shape that sits flush with your ear. The plastic construction feels sturdy despite the lightweight nature. Skullcandy offers several color options, including True Black, Bone, and special edition patterns like Realtree APX.

The charging case deserves special mention. It’s incredibly small, roughly the size of a large coin. The case features a flip-top lid that opens smoothly and snaps shut securely. That integrated lanyard loop I mentioned? It’s a game changer. You can clip the case to your bag, keys, or gym gear without worrying about it falling out.

Build quality exceeds expectations for this price range. The earbuds feel solid in your hands, not flimsy or cheap. The case lid doesn’t feel like it will break after a few months of use. Everything clicks and closes with satisfying precision. The matte finish on most color options resists fingerprints and scratches well.

The LED indicators on the case provide clear charging status information. Small LED lights show you how much battery remains in the case and when the earbuds are charging. This simple feature helps you avoid the frustration of dead earbuds when you need them most.

The IPX4 rating means these earbuds can handle your sweatiest workouts. Light rain won’t damage them either. Just remember to dry them off before putting them back in the case. The water resistance applies to the earbuds only, not the charging case.

Comfort and Fit

Finding earbuds that actually stay in your ears can feel like searching for a unicorn. The Dime 3 nails this aspect. The ergonomic shape fits naturally into most ear shapes. I tested these during intense workout sessions, and they stayed put through burpees, sprints, and everything in between.

Skullcandy includes three sizes of ear tips in the box. Small, medium, and large options ensure you find the right fit. The ear tips create a good seal without feeling like they’re drilling into your ear canal. This seal helps with noise isolation too, blocking out external sounds without requiring active noise cancellation.

Long listening sessions proved comfortable. I wore these for four-hour stretches while working, and my ears never felt sore or fatigued. The lightweight design helps here. You almost forget you’re wearing earbuds after a few minutes.

The touch controls sit on the outer surface of each earbud. You don’t need to push the earbuds into your ear canal to activate controls. This design choice prevents that uncomfortable pressing sensation many touch control earbuds cause. A light tap does the job.

One consideration: people with very small ear canals might find even the smallest ear tips a bit large. Similarly, those with unusually large ears might need to experiment with positioning. But for most people, the fit works excellently right out of the box.

Sound Quality

Let’s talk about what really matters. The Skullcandy Dime 3 delivers sound quality that punches way above its weight class. You’re not getting audiophile-grade sound here, but you are getting enjoyable, balanced audio that works well across different music genres.

The earbuds use 6mm drivers to produce sound. These small drivers deliver surprisingly good bass response. Hip hop and electronic music sound punchy without becoming muddy. The bass doesn’t overwhelm the mids and highs, which often happens with budget earbuds trying to sound “premium.”

Mid-range frequencies come through clearly. Vocals sound natural and present in the mix. Podcasts and audiobooks are easy to understand. You won’t miss words or struggle to hear dialogue in videos. The clarity in the mid-range makes these earbuds versatile for different content types.

High frequencies sparkle without becoming harsh or piercing. Cymbals and guitar strings sound crisp. There’s no painful sibilance that makes you wince. The treble extends reasonably well for earbuds in this price category.

The Dime 3 includes three preset EQ modes: Music, Bass Boost, and Podcast. You cycle through these modes using the earbud controls. Music mode provides the most balanced sound. Bass Boost does exactly what it says, adding extra low-end punch. Podcast mode emphasizes vocal frequencies for clearer speech.

Soundstage feels somewhat limited, which is normal for closed-back earbuds at this price. You won’t get that wide, spacious sound of open-back headphones. But the imaging is decent. You can distinguish between different instruments and their positions in the mix.

Top 3 Alternatives for Skullcandy Dime 3

Looking for other options in the budget earbud category? Here are three solid alternatives worth considering.

The Soundcore P20i by Anker offers exceptional value with 30 hours of playtime and 10mm drivers. These earbuds come with 22 preset EQ settings accessible through the companion app, giving you far more sound customization than the Dime 3. The app support and longer battery life make these earbuds a strong competitor at a similar price point.

The JBL Vibe Beam delivers that famous JBL sound signature with deep bass performance. These earbuds feature 32 hours of total battery life, significantly more than the Dime 3. The VoiceAware feature lets you hear your own voice during calls, reducing the need to shout. Water and dust resistance make them durable for active use.

The Skullcandy Dime 2 is the previous generation model. If you want to save a few extra dollars, the Dime 2 still delivers solid performance. You sacrifice some battery life and the newer Bluetooth version, but you get the same compact design and Skullcandy sound signature. Often available for under $20, these make a great backup pair.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance can make or break wireless earbuds. The Skullcandy Dime 3 promises up to 20 hours of total listening time. That breaks down to 8 hours in each earbud and an additional 12 hours stored in the charging case.

Real-world testing showed slightly different results. I consistently got around 6 to 7 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds at moderate volume levels. This is still impressive for earbuds this size. If you listen at maximum volume constantly, expect that number to drop to around 5 hours.

The charging case provides those additional 12 hours as advertised. A full charge cycle takes about 1 hour using the included USB-C cable. Yes, USB-C! Skullcandy smartly included modern charging standards even on their budget model.

The rapid charge feature works brilliantly. Just 10 minutes of charging gives you approximately 2 hours of playback time. This feature saves you when you grab your earbuds and discover they’re dead. Pop them in the case while you get ready, and you’ve got enough charge for your commute.

Battery indicators on the case help you monitor remaining power. Four LED lights show the case’s charge level. Each light represents roughly 25% of the total capacity. The lights also indicate when the earbuds are charging inside the case.

One thing to note: the earbuds use different amounts of power depending on features. Using Stay Aware mode or having the volume cranked drains battery faster than casual listening. But overall, the Dime 3 delivers reliable battery performance for daily use.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Features

Modern wireless earbuds need rock-solid connectivity. The Skullcandy Dime 3 uses Bluetooth 5.3, the latest Bluetooth standard available in budget earbuds. This version offers improved stability and lower latency compared to older Bluetooth versions.

Pairing the earbuds is simple. Take them out of the case for the first time, and they automatically enter pairing mode. Find them in your device’s Bluetooth menu and connect. After the initial pairing, the earbuds automatically connect whenever you remove them from the case.

The connection range extends about 30 feet in open spaces. Walls and obstacles reduce this range, but you can move around your home or office without dropout issues. I could leave my phone on my desk and walk to another room without losing connection.

Multipoint pairing is a standout feature at this price. You can connect the Dime 3 to two devices simultaneously. Switch between your laptop and phone seamlessly without manual reconnecting. This feature usually appears only on earbuds costing $50 or more.

The Tile integration deserves praise. Download the Tile app, and you can make your earbuds play a sound if you misplace them. The app shows the last known location of your earbuds on a map. This feature has saved me multiple times when the earbuds slipped between couch cushions.

Latency is acceptable for most uses. You’ll notice a slight delay when watching videos, but it’s not terrible. Gaming might present more noticeable lag. For music and podcasts, latency isn’t an issue at all.

Call Quality and Microphone Performance

Voice calls on wireless earbuds often sound terrible. The Skullcandy Dime 3 does better than expected here. Each earbud contains a microphone, and Skullcandy uses Clear Voice Smart Mic technology to enhance call quality.

Your voice comes through clearly in quiet environments. The microphones pick up your voice well, and people on the other end can understand you easily. The mics do a decent job of separating your voice from background noise in moderately noisy settings.

Wind noise presents challenges, as with most earbuds. If you’re outside on a windy day, the person you’re calling will hear that wind. The microphones don’t have physical windscreens. Indoor calls work much better than outdoor ones.

The Stay Aware mode helps during calls too. This mode uses the external microphones to pipe in ambient sound. You can hear your surroundings while on a call, which feels more natural than being completely isolated. Some people find this feature helpful in preventing the need to remove an earbud during conversations.

Call quality certainly won’t match dedicated headsets or high-end earbuds with multiple microphone arrays. But for quick calls, video meetings, or chatting with friends, the Dime 3 handles the job. Just find a relatively quiet spot for important business calls.

Touch Controls and Usability

The Skullcandy Dime 3 uses touch controls on the outer surface of each earbud. These controls take some getting used to, but they work reliably once you learn the patterns.

Single tap on either earbud plays or pauses music. Double tap on the right earbud skips to the next track. Double tap on the left earbud goes back to the previous track. Triple tap on the right earbud cycles through the three EQ presets.

Volume control requires a bit more effort. Press and hold the right earbud to increase volume. Press and hold the left earbud to decrease volume. This system works, but it’s not as intuitive as having dedicated volume buttons.

Activating your voice assistant requires a different combination. Press and hold both earbuds simultaneously for two seconds. This gesture summons Siri, Google Assistant, or whatever voice assistant your phone uses.

The touch controls respond well to actual touches. Accidental activations are rare. The sensors don’t trigger when you adjust the earbuds in your ears. However, the multiple tap combinations might confuse you initially. You’ll probably pause your music accidentally while trying to skip tracks during the first few days.

Taking an earbud out automatically pauses playback. Put it back in your ear, and playback resumes. This wear detection feature works consistently and adds convenience to the user experience.

Water Resistance and Durability

The IPX4 rating on the Skullcandy Dime 3 makes them suitable for active use. This rating means the earbuds can handle splashes from any direction. Sweat, rain, and workout moisture won’t damage them.

I tested these earbuds during intense cardio sessions and outdoor runs in light rain. They kept working perfectly. The water resistance gives you peace of mind when exercising. You don’t need to baby these earbuds or worry about every drop of sweat.

However, IPX4 is not waterproof. You cannot submerge these earbuds in water. Don’t wear them swimming or in the shower. The rating protects against splashes and sweat, not full immersion. If they get wet, dry them thoroughly before placing them back in the charging case.

The charging case itself has no water resistance rating. Keep the case away from moisture. If the case gets wet inside, it could damage the charging contacts or electronics. Store the case in a dry place, especially if you’ve been using the earbuds in wet conditions.

Long-term durability looks promising. The build quality suggests these earbuds will survive daily use for months or years. The case lid hasn’t loosened after weeks of opening and closing. The earbuds themselves show no signs of wear from regular handling.

Who Should Buy the Skullcandy Dime 3?

The Skullcandy Dime 3 earbuds serve specific audiences particularly well. Let’s talk about who benefits most from these earbuds.

Budget-conscious buyers top the list. If you have $20 to $25 to spend on earbuds, the Dime 3 delivers exceptional value. You get modern features without premium pricing. Students, teenagers, or anyone watching their expenses will appreciate what these earbuds offer.

Gym enthusiasts and runners make up another perfect audience. The secure fit, water resistance, and compact case make these earbuds ideal for active lifestyles. You won’t cry if they get damaged or lost during workouts. The affordable price removes anxiety about expensive gear.

People wanting backup earbuds should consider the Dime 3. Maybe you own premium earbuds but want a spare pair for risky situations. Travel, yard work, or other scenarios where damage or loss might occur become less stressful with inexpensive backups ready.

Podcast listeners and audiobook fans will enjoy these earbuds. The clear vocal reproduction and comfortable fit make them suitable for hours of spoken content. The Podcast EQ preset enhances voice clarity even further.

These earbuds work well for casual music listeners who don’t obsess over perfect sound quality. If you enjoy music but don’t consider yourself an audiophile, the Dime 3 provides pleasing audio that doesn’t fatigue your ears.

Who Should Skip the Skullcandy Dime 3?

While the Dime 3 excels in many areas, some users should look elsewhere. Audiophiles and sound purists won’t find the audio quality satisfying. These earbuds can’t compete with premium models costing $100 or more. The soundstage is limited, and the detail retrieval doesn’t match higher-end options.

People who make frequent phone calls for work might need better microphone quality. The call performance is adequate but not exceptional. If clear voice communication is crucial, consider earbuds with advanced microphone arrays and noise cancellation.

Commuters on public transportation might struggle with the passive noise isolation. The Dime 3 lacks active noise cancellation. While the ear tip seal blocks some external sound, loud environments will still intrude. Dedicated ANC earbuds would serve better for noisy commutes.

Heavy mobile gamers should look for earbuds with lower latency. The slight audio delay during video content becomes more noticeable in gaming. Gaming-specific earbuds or wired options provide better synchronization between audio and video.

If you need maximum battery life, other options offer more. Some competitors provide 30+ hours of total playtime. The Dime 3’s 20 hours is decent but not class-leading. Users who travel frequently or go days between charges might want longer-lasting alternatives.

Pros and Cons Summary

Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages clearly.

The pros include exceptional value for money. You get a lot of features for under $25. The compact, portable design makes these earbuds easy to carry anywhere. The integrated lanyard on the case is genuinely useful.

Sound quality exceeds expectations for budget earbuds. The three EQ presets let you customize the sound to your preferences. The secure, comfortable fit works well for active use. IPX4 water resistance protects against sweat and rain.

Bluetooth 5.3 provides stable connectivity. The multipoint pairing feature is rare at this price point. Tile integration helps locate misplaced earbuds. The rapid charge feature gets you back to listening quickly.

The cons start with call quality. While adequate, it’s not exceptional. Wind and background noise affect microphone performance. The touch controls take time to learn and aren’t the most intuitive.

Battery life is good but not great. Real-world listening time falls slightly short of advertised numbers. The earbuds lack active noise cancellation, which limits their usefulness in very noisy environments.

The charging case, while compact, has no water resistance. You must be careful not to get it wet. The sound quality, though good for the price, can’t compete with premium earbuds.

Comparing Dime 3 to Previous Generations

How does the Dime 3 stack up against its predecessors? The improvements are significant. The original Dime earbuds offered basic functionality at a low price. They worked but felt limited.

The Dime 2 improved upon the original with better battery life and more reliable connectivity. The case design changed slightly, and sound quality saw minor enhancements. But the Dime 2 still had room for improvement.

Enter the Dime 3. This generation added Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity. Battery life increased to 20 hours total, up from the Dime 2’s 12 hours. The Tile integration is completely new, addressing one of the biggest complaints about losing tiny earbuds.

Sound quality took a leap forward. The Dime 3 sounds noticeably better than previous versions, with improved clarity and better bass response. The addition of three EQ presets gives users control that earlier versions lacked.

The multipoint pairing feature represents a major upgrade. Neither the original Dime nor the Dime 2 could connect to two devices simultaneously. This feature alone makes the Dime 3 worth the upgrade.

Comfort improved too. The ergonomic shape fits better and stays secure during active use. Previous versions had more reports of fit issues and earbuds falling out during exercise.

Tips for Getting the Best Experience

You can maximize your experience with the Skullcandy Dime 3 by following some simple tips. Start by trying all three ear tip sizes. Don’t assume the medium tips are right for you. The proper seal dramatically affects sound quality and battery life.

Experiment with the three EQ presets for different content types. Use Music mode for general listening, Bass Boost for hip hop and electronic music, and Podcast mode for spoken content. Switching between modes only takes a few taps.

Keep the earbuds and case clean. Earwax and debris can affect sound quality and charging performance. Wipe the earbuds gently with a dry cloth after sweaty workouts. Use a cotton swab carefully around the charging contacts.

Update your device’s Bluetooth settings if you experience connection issues. Sometimes removing and re-pairing the earbuds solves connectivity problems. Make sure your phone or tablet runs the latest software updates.

Take advantage of the Tile integration. Download the Tile app and set it up properly. This small step can save you significant frustration if you misplace your earbuds. Mark the location of your home in the app for more accurate tracking.

Don’t charge the earbuds to 100% before storing them long-term. If you won’t use them for weeks, charge them to about 50-60% to preserve battery health. Batteries degrade faster when stored fully charged or completely empty.

Use the rapid charge feature strategically. Ten minutes of charging gives you two hours of use. This is perfect for quick top-ups between uses. You don’t always need to wait for a full charge.

Where to Buy and Pricing

The Skullcandy Dime 3 is widely available across multiple retailers. You can find them at major electronics stores, online marketplaces, and directly from Skullcandy’s website.

Amazon frequently offers the best prices, with the Dime 3 often available for $20.99. Prime members get fast, free shipping. Customer reviews on Amazon provide additional perspectives from real users. The platform’s return policy offers peace of mind if the earbuds don’t meet your expectations.

Best Buy stocks the Dime 3 both online and in physical stores. Store availability lets you see the earbuds in person before buying. Best Buy’s Geek Squad protection is available if you want extended warranty coverage.

The Skullcandy official website guarantees genuine products and sometimes offers exclusive colors or bundles. You might find promotional discounts or bundle deals that aren’t available elsewhere. Direct purchases from the manufacturer often come with better customer service.

Walmart and Target also carry the Dime 3 at competitive prices. These stores frequently run sales and promotions that can drop the price below $20. Check their websites for current availability and pricing.

Watch for holiday sales and special promotional periods. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school seasons often bring significant discounts. You might snag these earbuds for $15 or less during major sales events.

The Verdict

The Skullcandy Dime 3 earbuds deliver remarkable value at their price point. For under $25, you get features and performance that compete with earbuds costing twice as much. These are not perfect earbuds, but they’re impressively capable for what you pay.

The sound quality is the biggest surprise. You expect mediocre audio at this price, but the Dime 3 sounds genuinely good. The balance across frequencies, the punchy bass, and the three EQ presets create an enjoyable listening experience. You won’t mistake these for premium audiophile earbuds, but they’ll satisfy most casual listeners.

The practical design elements shine. The compact case fits anywhere. The integrated lanyard prevents loss. The IPX4 rating protects against sweat and water. The Tile integration adds modern tracking features. These details show that Skullcandy thought about how people actually use budget earbuds.

Battery life is solid if not spectacular. Twenty hours total is enough for several days of use for most people. The rapid charging feature compensates for the decent but not amazing battery capacity. You’re never more than ten minutes away from enough charge for your immediate needs.

The trade-offs are acceptable given the price. Yes, call quality could be better. The touch controls could be more intuitive. Battery life could be longer. Active noise cancellation would be nice. But adding these features would push the price up significantly.

For the target audience of budget-conscious buyers, students, gym enthusiasts, and anyone wanting backup earbuds, the Dime 3 hits the sweet spot. They’re good enough to use daily but cheap enough to replace without stress if something goes wrong.

These earbuds punch well above their weight class and earn a strong recommendation for anyone shopping in the budget earbud category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use just one earbud at a time?

Yes, the Skullcandy Dime 3 supports solo bud mode. You can use either the left or right earbud independently while keeping the other one in the case. This feature is useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings or want to save battery life. The audio switches to mono mode automatically when using a single earbud.

Do these earbuds have active noise cancellation?

No, the Dime 3 does not feature active noise cancellation. However, they do provide passive noise isolation through the ear tip seal. When you get a proper fit with the right ear tip size, external noise reduces noticeably. The Stay Aware mode works in the opposite direction, allowing ambient sounds in when you need to hear your surroundings.

How do I reset the Skullcandy Dime 3 earbuds?

To reset your Dime 3 earbuds, place them in the charging case and close the lid. Wait for about 10 seconds, then open the case. Press and hold the button on both earbuds simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds until the LED lights flash. This factory reset clears all pairing information and returns the earbuds to their original settings. You’ll need to pair them again with your devices after resetting.

Are these earbuds compatible with iPhone and Android?

Yes, the Skullcandy Dime 3 works with both iPhone and Android devices. They use standard Bluetooth connectivity, which works universally across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Tile finding feature works on both iOS and Android through the Tile app. Voice assistant activation works with Siri on iPhones and Google Assistant on Android phones.

How long do the earbuds take to fully charge?

The earbuds themselves take about 1 hour to charge fully inside the case. The charging case takes approximately 1 hour to charge from empty to full using the included USB-C cable. The rapid charge feature provides about 2 hours of playback time from just 10 minutes of charging. LED indicators on the case show the current charge level of both the earbuds and the case.

Can I shower or swim with the Skullcandy Dime 3?

No, you should not shower or swim with these earbuds. The IPX4 rating protects against sweat and splashes but not full water immersion. The rating means the earbuds can handle rain, sweat from workouts, and accidental splashes. Submerging them in water will likely cause damage. If the earbuds get wet, dry them thoroughly before placing them back in the charging case.

Last update on 2026-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API