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Choose the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) if a lighter fit, comfort and noise cancellation for commuting or travel matter most. Choose the Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC if you want adjustable bass you can feel and are willing to wear a substantially heavier pair. They offer different listening experiences, so there is no universal winner.
How the two headphones differ
| Decision | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 230g, reported by Stuff and Tom’s Guide | 374.2g, listed by Skullcandy and reported by Stuff |
| Signature feature | QuietControl noise cancellation and TrueSpatial / Immersive Audio | Adjustable Crusher Bass; Skullcandy also lists QuietControl ANC, TrueSpatial and SpeechClarity under Sound by Bose |
| Manufacturer battery claim | Up to 24 hours, or 18 hours with Immersive Audio | Up to 60 hours with ANC off, or up to 50 hours with ANC on |
| Connectivity listed | Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint; Tom’s Guide reports USB-C lossless input up to 24-bit/48kHz | Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and LE Audio with Auracast |
| Price snapshots | Stuff reported $359 / £300 on 2 October 2026; Tom’s Guide reported a US MSRP of $359 | Stuff reported $280 / £200 on 2 October 2026. On 3 October 2026, Skullcandy’s US page displayed $199.99 against a struck-through $279.99 and marked the sale item out of stock |
Battery figures are manufacturer claims with different stated conditions, not results from a controlled head-to-head test. Likewise, the listed connectivity features do not establish that the two models implement them identically.
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Which is better for commuting and travel?
Bose: the more comfortable everyday choice
The Bose is the safer pick if you wear headphones for long stretches or want a travel-friendly combination of comfort and noise cancellation. Tom’s Guide’s review praises its comfort and ANC, and reports a weight of 230g. Its plush padding and physical buttons are among the review’s noted design details. Stuff’s 2 October 2026 comparison names Bose its overall winner, while recognizing that listeners focused on bass may prefer Skullcandy. Read Stuff’s comparison and Tom’s Guide’s Bose review.
Tom’s Guide also notes that the Bose has no wear detection and no IP weather-resistance rating. Those are that review’s observations, not a direct comparison with Skullcandy’s performance.
#1 Best Overall
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Skullcandy: more weight, more bass control
The Crusher 1080 ANC’s defining feature is its dedicated control for adjustable Crusher Bass. That makes it the more distinctive option if you want to tune the bass sensation to your taste rather than simply choose a conventional noise-cancelling headphone. Its listed weight is 374.2g, compared with 230g for Bose; the difference is worth considering if you are sensitive to weight. Headband and earcup fit are personal, so try them on if you can.
Battery life and features: what the claims mean
Bose claims up to 24 hours of battery life, falling to 18 hours with Immersive Audio. Skullcandy claims up to 60 hours with ANC off and up to 50 hours with ANC on. These are not directly comparable endurance-test results: the conditions differ, and actual runtime can vary with use. Bose’s product page and Skullcandy’s product page list the respective manufacturer features and claims.
Rank #2
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
For wired listening, Tom’s Guide reports that Bose supports USB-C lossless input up to 24-bit/48kHz. The review says the box includes 3.5mm-to-USB-C and USB-C-to-USB-C cables. Skullcandy lists Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, LE Audio with Auracast, app EQ, wear detection and a low-latency mode; its listed box contents include an AUX cable, USB-C-to-USB-C cable, roll-top bag and user guide. These listed features may matter if you have a particular connection or use case in mind, but the defining choice remains Bose’s lighter travel emphasis versus Skullcandy’s adjustable bass.
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Prices and availability depend on market and timing
Price snapshots do not line up: Stuff’s comparison, published 2 October 2026, gave Bose as $359 / £300 and Skullcandy as $280 / £200. On 3 October 2026, Skullcandy’s US product page showed a $199.99 sale price against a struck-through $279.99, but marked the sale item out of stock. These are different market and timing snapshots, not a single current price comparison. Check the listing for your region before buying. Stuff’s comparison and Skullcandy’s US product page show the cited figures.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Rank #4
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLATION: Effortlessly combines noise cancelling headphones technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- PREMIUM COMFORT: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Who should buy each pair?
- Buy Bose if lower weight, comfort and noise cancellation for travel or everyday listening are your priorities.
- Buy Skullcandy if the appeal of a dedicated, adjustable bass control outweighs its higher listed weight for you.
- Compare fit in person if possible; weight and cup or headband shape affect comfort differently from one listener to another.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
