Skullcandy Set® vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red - Outstanding overall at around $65.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red leads on 3 of 5 measures.

Skullcandy Set®
Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red

HearWiki score

Sound

5.8

8.1

Calls

6.5

Value

6.4

8.8

Price (USD)

$34

$65

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Set®2019
x Crinacle Zero Red20234 yr newer

Specifications

Set®x Crinacle Zero Red

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $34; $65
HearWiki score: 51; 82
Released: 2019; 2023
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 9 mm dynamic; 2DD
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: -; 2DD
Driver size: 9 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: 16 Ω; 17.5 Ω
Sensitivity: 94 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Controls: buttons; -
Weight: 15 g; -
USB-C: Yes; -
Connector: USB-C; -
Microphones: 1; -

Specification comparison of Skullcandy Set® vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Spec	Skullcandy Set®	Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$34	$65
HearWiki score	51 / 100 Average	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2019	2023
Audio
Driver	9 mm dynamic	2DD
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	-	2DD
Driver size	9 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	16 Ω	17.5 Ω
Sensitivity	94 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Controls	buttons	-
Design
Weight	15 g	-
USB-C	Yes	-
Connector	USB-C	-
Calls
Microphones	1	-

What reviewers said

Skullcandy Set®

The Skullcandy Set offers a lightweight, wired USB-C listening option with a sleek design and clear microphone for calls. It delivers acceptable sound quality for its budget price and remains comfortable during extended use, though the audio profile may come across as slightly lean and its inline remote is limited to basic controls.

Pro:Comfortable for long listening sessions
Pro:Sleek and lightweight design
Pro:Clear microphone performance

Con:Sound can feel a bit thin
Con:Inline controls lack volume adjustment

Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red

This wired in-ear monitor pairs a 10 mm and a 7.8 mm dynamic driver in a dual-driver setup, tuned for a warm, natural sound signature. It’s designed to be comfortable for extended listening, making it a solid pick for those who prefer a relaxed, non-fatiguing presentation. With no ANC, it relies on passive isolation from its fit.

Pro:Warm, natural tuning for long sessions
Pro:Dual dynamic drivers for rich bass and detail
Pro:Comfortable fit for extended wear

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a source with enough power (17.5 ohm impedance)
Con:Bulky shell may not suit small ears

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison Skullcandy Set®Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red