Just when you thought wireless earbuds couldn’t get any smaller, a handful of audio manufacturers have figured out how to shrink their true wireless offerings without compromising quality or performance. I’m talking about models that not only measure at half the size of the best wireless earbuds but also have similar upscale features for a fraction of the price. Just look at the $40 JLab JBuds Mini and $30 Skullcandy Dime 3.
Ambient listening modes, Bluetooth multipoint (to pair to two media devices simultaneously), sound customization tools and unique security options make these two of the best budget earbuds available. However, only one can be considered the better investment. Which is it?
Our in-depth JLab JBuds Mini and Skullcandy Dime 3 comparison has the answer. Let’s dive in.
JLab JBuds Mini vs. Skullcandy Dime 3 at a glance
JLab’s tiny buds come with great sound, smart features and a cool keychain lanyard that keeps the micro charging case safeguarded and secure on the go.
This threequel in Skullcandy’s popular true wireless series blends refined call quality and sound into a durable, compact design.
Quick comparison
| Active noise cancellation | No |
No |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient noise | Yes (transparency mode) |
Yes (transparency mode) |
| Battery life (rated) | 5.5 hours (per charge), 20 hours (with case) |
8 hours (per charge), 20 hours (with case) |
| Fast charging | 15-min. charge = 1 hour |
10-min. charge = 2 hours |
| Wireless charging | No |
No |
| Sweat and water resistance | IP55 (buds) |
IPX4 (buds) |
| Ear tip sizes | S, M, L |
S, M, L |
| Software support | iOS, Android |
iOS, Android |
| Colors | Aqua, Black, Mint, Pink, Sage |
Bone, True Black |
| Weight | 0.11 oz. |
0.14 oz. |
Equally gratifying sound, though the Dime 3 have better voice calling
Both the JBuds Mini and Dime 3 surpassed our audio expectations. JLab’s bass-forward profile produces energetic sound right out of the box and can be customized via a 10-band equalizer or preprogrammed equalizers (EQs): Balanced, Bass Boost and Signature. Balanced complements all music genres and should be your go-to for all media. Instruments sounded vibrant, treble was lively and vocals were transparent. Music and Movie modes are also available, but any differences between the two were unnoticeable.
Skullcandy continues to tweak its audio for the better, giving the Dime 3 a robust soundstage, especially on the Music EQ. Lows sounded punchy and came on strong without compromising other elements. Mids were crisp for clean vocal presentation, while highs were given lots of breathing room. The Bass Boost and Podcast EQs served their respective purposes well.
JLab’s and Skullcandy’s ambient listening modes performed up to par. Each version is serviceable enough to increase awareness around the house and when walking outside. You’ll be able to hear people speaking next to you or loud noises (e.g., sirens or whistles) from afar.
The Dime 3 are better equipped for voice and video calls, thanks to a dual-clear voice smart mic array that demonstrates excellent voice capture and keeps external sounds to a minimum. Surprisingly, the JBuds Mini perform similarly in that they let you hear people loudly and clearly, but they suffer from poor noise reduction.
TL;DR: Expect satisfying sound from both pairs of buds and superior call quality from the Dime 3.
Both buds are chic, compact and well constructed
How both companies managed to stuff so much functionality into such tiny designs is remarkable. You get a full set of media controls that can be employed via touch gestures, along with strong digital assistance for seamless voice commands.
Protection is adequate; the JBuds Mini have an IP55 rating for dust- and waterproofing, while the Dime 3 are IPX4 certified for standard sweat and water resistance. The JBuds Mini’s size makes oval-designed rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE or Sony LinkBuds S look huge by comparison. Those who dislike long-stemmed buds might not be keen on the Dime 3’s appearance, but these buds don’t stick out awkwardly like most other AirPods clones.
The charging case for each model is even more attractive. Skullcandy’s key fob-inspired design with built-in Tile technology is awesome. There are cutouts that display the buds when docked, along with a flat woven lanyard for attaching keys. Much of the same can be said about the JBuds Mini’s case, only it doesn’t have cutouts on the front and is distinctly smaller. Both versions support USB-C charging, a first for JLab, which finally ditched its trademark built-in USB-A charging cable design.
The JBuds Mini come in more colors, but the Dime 3 offer longer battery life (28 hours total versus 25.5 hours).
TL;DR: You won’t find buds that are as small, stylish or sturdy as the Dime 3 and JBuds Mini. However, you can find sub-$50 alternatives with better battery life.
Notable feature sets with basic omissions
At less than $50, JLab and Skullcandy provide cooler and more practical features than several similarly priced competitors. Highlights include an ambient listening mode, built-in EQs, multipoint technology for pairing to multiple devices and digital assistance from the likes of Google Assistant and Siri. The only major difference is that the JBuds Mini come with a Safe Hearing mode to set volume limits for protective hearing, while the Dime 3 have built-in Tile technology and a sidetone feature to better pick up your voice for more natural-sounding calls.
While these are noteworthy perks, both pairs of buds lack a few basic yet popular functions found on most wireless earbuds. This includes wear detection to automatically pause music when removing the buds from your ears, as well as wireless charging, which we’ve seen on a handful of inexpensive buds. The Dime 3 suffer a bit more since they don’t support the Skullcandy IQ app, which boasts Audio Share, “Hey Skullcandy” voice controls, Spotify Tap and the Take a Photo function to use the buds as a remote for snapping pics on your smartphone camera. The JBuds Mini are compatible with the JLab Sound app and grant access to most of the previously mentioned features.
TL;DR: Features are well stocked, but some common, more preferable ones are MIA on both models. The JBuds Mini’s companion app gives it a slight edge here.
Bottom line
The JBuds Mini win by an incredibly slim margin. Their complete design is masterfully executed, allowing these mini buds to rest pleasantly on the ear and be stored safely in a charging case that’s as big as a half dollar. JLab’s audio quality won’t win over audiophiles, but its dynamic performance, combined with impressive noise isolation, creates full-bodied sound. Tile integration and USB-C charging add to the buds’ value. We only wish that JLab had fixed lingering issues like call quality and connectivity.
Skullcandy definitely showed out with the Dime 3, blending many of the series’ hallmarks with some nice updates. Several of the buds’ high-end features are on point. The design is as portable and sturdy as the previous versions. Strong call quality and sound stand out as well. Unfortunately, their awkward control scheme and lack of app support make them less favorable.
You can’t go wrong gifting either of these models as a stocking stuffer or last-minute gift. Just know that with the positives also come the negatives, though there is plenty to enjoy, no matter the option.
