Prior to reviewing the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid a few months ago, my understanding of the True Wireless (TWS) market was limited. I’ve since come to appreciate the convenience of the compact charging case and the impressive audio quality often delivered by these devices. I have previously reviewed several Skullcandy TWS earbuds, and recently had the opportunity to evaluate their latest, and most compact offering: the Dime.
Upon opening the box, the remarkably small and lightweight charging case immediately stood out. Its size is comparable to a standard car key, making it easily portable as a keychain accessory. After fully charging the case, I removed the earbuds and inserted them. Unlike some other TWS earbuds, these require manual power-on to be discoverable by a mobile device. Once paired, connectivity functions as expected. Note that the earbuds draw a small amount of power in standby, so manual power-off is recommended for extended battery life.
As a standard audio test, I played The Other Side from The Greatest Showman. I was pleased with the clarity and purity of the audio reproduction. The sound profile avoids harsh treble, resulting in a generally pleasant listening experience. While the bass response is less pronounced compared to larger models, the overall sonic performance is impressive, particularly considering the price point.
The Dime offers a comfortable in-ear fit. In contrast to the larger Jib True Wireless, I found the Dime to be secure and stable during use. I experienced no discomfort or soreness, even after several hours of continuous wear, indicating a well-designed ergonomic form factor.
During phone calls, the audio of the other party was clear and easily intelligible. The microphone accurately captured my voice with good volume and proximity. I encountered no issues with call quality. The Bluetooth range proved to be robust. On one occasion, I unintentionally left my phone at home and only noticed the absence of the device after moving approximately 20 meters away and through two closed doors, at which point the audio began to exhibit some interference.
A notable limitation of the Skullcandy Dime is its battery life, which is a consequence of its compact design. The earbuds provide approximately three and a half hours of playback time, with the charging case offering an additional eight and a half hours. This results in a total of approximately twelve hours of use on a full charge. This is a shorter duration than many other TWS earbuds, which often provide up to twice the playtime. Another design compromise resulting from the small size of the case is the presence of openings in the lid to accommodate the earbuds. While this poses no issue when the lid is closed, the interior of the case can collect lint and debris when stored in a pocket with the earbuds in use.
The Dime incorporates a control system similar to other Skullcandy models, allowing users to adjust volume and manage playback via button presses on the earbuds. However, as with the Jib True Wireless, the button actuation requires significant pressure, which can be uncomfortable when the earbud is inserted. While the button placement on the Dime may mitigate this issue slightly, the force required for activation remains a concern.
In conclusion, the Skullcandy Dime offers a compelling combination of comfort, relatively good audio quality, and a very pleasant price point. As such, a strong recommendation, bordering on a must-have, is warranted.
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