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The top Skullcandy headphones worth getting in 2023.
| Rating | Price | Type | Battery life | Noise Cancelling | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
Best overall
 |
Under $230
|
Over-ear
|
49 hours – USB-C
|
 
|
|
|
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless
Runner-up
 
|
Under $150
|
Over-ear
|
41 hours – USB-C
|
 
|
|
|
Skullcandy Indy ANC
Best true wireless
 
|
Under $80
|
True wireless
|
9 hours + 23h in the case (USB-C & Qi wireless charging)
|
|
|
|
Skullcandy Push Active
Best for sports
 
|
Under $80
|
True wireless
|
10 hours + 34h in the case (USB-C)
|
|
|
|
Under $100
|
Over-ear
|
22 hours (Micro-USB)
|
|
||
|
Skullcandy Riff Wireless
Best on-ear
 
|
Under $50
|
On-ear
|
12 hours (Micro-USB)
|
|
|
|
Under $80
|
Over-ear
|
24 hours (Micro-USB)
|
|
||
|
Under $30
|
True wireless
|
6 hours + 16h in case (micro-USB)
|
|
||
|
Skullcandy Dime True Wireless
Best cheap
 
|
Under $30
|
True wireless
|
3.5 hours + 8.5h in case (Micro-USB)
|
|
|
|
Under $50
|
On-ear
|
12 hours (Micro-USB)
|
|
What Makes Skullcandy Headphones Unique?
Skullcandy is a relatively young audio company founded in 2003. From the very beginning, their target audience was youngsters with their own style and who wanted to look different.
Because of that, Skullcandy is picking their ambassadors very wisely. Their headphones are often seen on the heads of professional skaters, snowboarders, and even NBA basketball players.
There is a lot of variety, offering everything from in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear headphones and classic earphones for everyday and sports activities. Lately, they released a mobile app that should add more functionalities in the future.
Their sleek design and flashy colors amplify the cool factor of Skullcandy headphones. There is also their distinct Skullcandy logo, which is instantaneously recognized, much like Apple or Beats.
When it comes to sound, Skullcandy offers a powerful and deep bass response. With a mission to please a broader user base, their headphones’ have always leaned towards heavy bass. Bass lovers like them primarily for that reason. For more bassy options, see the best bass headphones and bass earbuds.
Also, they’re quite affordable. You can find their headphones in any price range, from the budget $50 to premium $300 cans. Usually, you don’t have to spend more than $100 to get a good pair of Skullcandy headphones.
This is why many users swear by this brand. They’re innovative and deliver what most people want. And most importantly, they’re one of the few headphone brands that don’t take themselves too seriously and know how to make their products look cool and appealing.
The Best Skullcandy Headphones
1. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
Best Overall
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 are the best Skullcandy headphones we’ve tested. They have signature monster bass, haptic feedback, and effective active noise cancellation – Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 review.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.2
Driver size:
40mm dynamic
Frequency range:
n/a
- Great battery life of over 48h per charge
- Premium-feeling build with replaceable earpads
- Most features we've ever seen in a headphone
- Robust indoor Bluetooth connection range of 65 feet
- DSP is crushing dynamics for no reason
- Crusher Sensory Bass completely muddies the sound
- Heaviness makes for a bad on-head stability
- Ambient sound mode barely amplifies the ambient sound
Sound: The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones are designed for bass enthusiasts, offering an adjustable “Sensory Bass” effect that can be intensified to extreme levels. The bass is powerful, providing a subwoofer-like experience on your head.
The midrange is fairly well-tuned, but treble is underemphasized, leading to a lack of detail and texture in higher frequencies. A notable issue is the dynamic range compression, which reduces the volume during louder parts of a track, affecting the overall sound quality. These are suitable only for bassheads.
Comfort & Fit: These over-ear headphones are plush and comfortable, featuring memory foam earpads and a fabric-covered headband for breathability.
However, their weight (11.7 ounces) can affect stability, making them prone to shifting during sudden movements.
Durability: The build quality reflects their price point, with a mostly plastic construction but a premium feel. The only metal part is the headband extension.
They come with a hard-shell carrying case for protection and have replaceable earpads, which is a plus for longevity.
Battery: The Crusher ANC 2 boasts an impressive battery life of nearly 49 hours (48h 50min in our test) with ANC enabled, which is exceptional for noise-cancelling headphones. They also support quick charging when you forget to charge them.
Features: These headphones come with active noise cancellation, an ambient sound mode, a personalized sound profiles, a custom equalizer, voice control, Spotify integration, Bluetooth multipoint, and Tile support for tracking the headphones.
We tested all the features in our review. All in all, these are feature-rich with all the modern capabilities.
Noise Isolation & Cancelling: The passive noise isolation is average, effectively blocking higher frequencies but allowing lower frequencies to pass through.
The active noise cancellation is decent but not as effective as some competitors, reducing noise across a broad frequency range but not excelling in any particular area. For better ANC, check Edifier WH950NB and Sony WH-1000XM5.
Bluetooth: The Bluetooth connection is robust, with an impressive indoor range of about 65 feet. The headphones support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing them to be connected to two devices simultaneously.
Should You Get Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2? For those seeking a more balanced sound profile or who are sensitive to weight and stability issues, there might be better options available.
But the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 are the best choice for bass lovers who prioritize intense bass response and a wide array of features.
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 review
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2. Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless
Runner-up
These are a more stripped-down version of Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 without the noise cancellation . And they’re also more than $100 cheaper.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
40mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Adjustable bass slider
- Foldable, travel friendly design
- Rubbery headband can pull some hairs
Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones are extremely bassy when you turn the slider all the way up. However, you can make their high-quality audio performance surprisingly balanced if you slide the bass output to the minimum.
They come in a similar design as a more expensive brother that also eliminates background noise. Your ears will rest on thick memory foam earpads, while your head can enjoy the comfy headband.
There is also an adjustable bass slider underneath the left ear cup, which lets you add low frequencies when needed.
For a better experience, physical controls should prevent accidental touches that are common with other headphones.
With great battery life for long periods, these are great for commuting and travel since they come in a practical carrying pouch with a foldable design. Fast-charging can boost their battery up to 4 hours in just 10 minutes.
Check the best Bluetooth headphones under $100 for low-price alternatives.
3. Skullcandy Indy ANC
Best true wireless
Skullcandy Indy ANC are the best Skullcandy true wireless headphones we’ve tested. A true upgrade over the original Indy in every possible way – Skullcandy Indy ANC review.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
12mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Pretty good sound quality (after some tweaks)
- Very comfortable and suitable for sports
- Decent active noise cancellation performance
- Great passive noise isolation
- Tile integration
- Microphone quality could be better
- Mediocre ambient sound mode
- ANC heavily impacts battery duration
The Indy ANC output a relatively strong bass boost with clear vocals and balanced midrange and treble. The fairly dynamic sound never becomes harsh or sibilant and you can further fine-tune it by enabling Personal Sound and Movie mode.
Otherwise, earbuds share the same design language as the rest of the Indy series. They appear bulky with their big ear fins and elongated stems like Apple AirPods Pro, but they offer a very comfortable fit.
It’s worth noting that you have to use bigger tips to fully seal your ear canal. That will also ensure they stay in your ears during workout sessions.
The Skullcandy app is good and offers great features, but could be more customizable, at least with the sound. In conjunction with the Tile app, you can also track down your lost earbuds.
Active noise cancellation is also pretty good but not mind-blowing. The same goes for the ambient sound mode.
Nevertheless, they’re very compelling if you can get them for less than $100.
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Want more affordable options? Check the best headphones under $100.
4. Skullcandy Push Active
Best for Sports
The best Skullcandy headphones for sports, with a tough build quality and an ear hook design that grabs your ears.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.2
Driver size:
6mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Balanced sound
- Great stability due to ear hook design
- Excellent battery life
- Custom EQ inside the app
- No Qi wireless charging
- Mediocre mic quality
The new Push Active have a surprisingly balanced sound performance throughout the frequency response, with only a tiny boost in the upper bass. They’re suitable for any music genre.
A redesigned version of the Skullcandy Push Ultra now comes with different types of silicone ear tips for better comfort, great fit, passive noise isolation, and bass extension.
Mouldable ear hooks are a must-have feature for extra stability during movement, while an IP55 water-resistant rating keeps dust and water away from the internals.
The Push Active support the Skullcandy app with EQ presets and even custom EQ. Of course, they also support Tile technology.
Their long battery life should last for around 10 hours on a single charge and have another 34 hours inside the charging case. No Qi wireless charging, though.
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5. Skullcandy Hesh 3
Hesh 3 are clean-looking Bluetooth wireless over-ear headphones with monstrous bass.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
40mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Great passive isolation
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Fragile plastic around headband
- Bass bleed
The mids and highs on Hesh 3 are somewhat balanced, which is excellent. However, the bass is noticeably boosted and can affect the overall clarity. The sound signature leans towards very warm, which some might find fun and pleasing.
Similar to Skullcandy Hesh 2, the Hesh 3 use primarily plastic for its construction, which keeps the weight down to a minimum.
With only 200 grams, you barely feel these Skullcandy headphones on your head. And thanks to massive, plush ear pads, comfort is outstanding, so you can wear them for hours.
Thick ear cushions on Hehs 3 also carry excellent ambient noise isolation properties. Ear cups rotate in all directions and can even fold upward to save space, making them very portable.
For extra features and versatility, you do get an option to plug these via a 3.5mm audio jack.
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6. Skullcandy Riff Wireless
Best On-Ears
Top Skullcandy headphones with unique ear pads and super lightweight construction.
Connection:
Bluetooth 4.1
Driver size:
40mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Fun, V-shaped sound
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Foldable and travel friendly
- No option for wired listening
These are overall V-shaped with a clear emphasis on bass and sparkly treble, while the mids remain slightly recessed. This sound signature works perfectly with popular music genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music (EDM).
Durability-wise, these are pretty solid, even though they’re made entirely from plastic. However, because Riff’s are so lightweight, you practically don’t feel them on your head, despite their on-ear design.
Ear cups are foldable for better portability and nicely padded. Earpads come in different colors with tiny speckles, which makes them look unique. There are also small holes in the pads, resembling older telephone speakers.
You can control essential functions like changing volume output, answering phone calls, and summoning smart assistants right from the Skullcandy headphones themselves.
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7. Skullcandy Venue
Skullcandy headphones with clear sound and active noise cancellation technology.
Connection:
n/a
Driver size:
40mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Lightweight with aluminum frame
- Enjoyable, fun sound
- Mediocre microphones
The wireless over-ear headphones have a distinctly V-shaped signature with crystal clear audio performance, despite the powerful bass. Anything you throw at them sounds very exciting and engaging, which many users enjoy.
As with many Skullcandy headphones, these also have an incredibly lightweight plastic and aluminum body. There is a generous amount of padding on the synthetic leather earcups.
Venue were the first Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones from this brand, and they implemented it really well. With a simple press of the ANC button, you can activate Monitor mode that amplifies your surroundings.
Find other headphones that block loud environments in the best budget noise cancelling headphones guide.
You can easily find them if they ever get lost, thanks to integrated Tile support. Their battery measures around 24 hours and also supports rapid charging. There’s an included AUX cord if the battery dies.
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8. Skullcandy Jib True Wireless
Top Budget TWS Earbuds
Skullcandy Jib True Wireless are the best budget Skullcandy earbuds we’ve tested. These are a good fit for bass fans with an enjoyable audio quality – Skullcandy Jib True Wireless review.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
6mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Decent sound
- Good battery life
- Use each buds in mono mode
- Colorful designs
- Subpar microphones
- Ancient micro-USB port
Otherwise nicely balanced sound is slightly ruined by an overly bass-heavy sound that overwhelms the frequency spectrum. They’re great for casual listening and bass lovers, whereas audio purists should stay away.
Skullcandy earphones have a simple design and are made of mostly plastic. They’re decently well-built and carry an IPX4 rating, meaning they’re fully sweat-resistant.
Check the best workout headphones or waterproof Bluetooth headphones for more great options.
The battery life of more than 6 hours on a full charge is great for their affordable price, and you get another 16 hours inside the charging case. It sadly uses a micro-USB port instead of the USB-C.
They have a comfortable design for long listening sessions thanks to their lightweight and ergonomic design.
Skullcandy Jib True Wireless review
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9. Skullcandy Dime True Wireless
Best Cheap
The Dime True Wireless are the best we’ve tested if you want cheap true wireless earbuds for $30 – Skullcandy Dime True Wireless review.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
6mm dynamic
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Excellent sound quality for the price
- Comfortable fit
- Good Bluetooth range and stability
- Decent call quality
- Annoying physical controls
- Poor battery life
- Plasticky build
One of the best Skullcandy wireless earbuds with supreme sound quality. V-shaped yet smooth audio experience carries a good amount of detail. For the current price of $25, these are great earbuds and an absolute steal.
They’re overall made of light plastic, with stable wireless connection throughout the house. With an IPX4 rating, they even repeal sweat.
Thankfully, they provide good comfort and stability, but you have to adjust them properly. The built-in microphone is good for phone calls, albeit it picks up background noises.
Bluetooth connectivity is stable, and pairing is instantaneous. The charging case comes in a relatively small size. It comes with a string so that you can attach it to your backpack.
The 3.5 hours of battery life in the buds and the build quality aren’t particularly great. Still, there are a great pair that you won’t regret owning. For more cheap earbuds, go here.
Skullcandy Dime True Wireless review
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10. Skullcandy Grind Wireless
Classy on-ear headphones from Skullcandy with a wireless connection and a leathery headband.
Connection:
Bluetooth
Driver size:
40mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Minimal noise leakage
- No features worth mentioning
Pleasantly surprised by the sound performance, it’s surprisingly rich and balanced, especially in the mid-tones and treble.
Of course, the low-end is still punchy and deep but tamed enough to not interfere with the rest of the frequency response.
An on-ear version of the Grind with Bluetooth wireless technology is also quite similar to the Skullcandy Uproar model.
They come in different colors, with an eye-catching pleather finish on top of the headband and sturdy build quality. No additional features then.
Skullcandy Grind Wireless are very comfortable to wear. You get comfy on-ear foam earpads and additional foam inside the headband.
The headphone’s battery life lasts around 12 hours. That isn’t ground-breaking, but it should give you enough juice for a day or two of use. Also, you should worry much about sound leakage. For similar, see cheap headphones.
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Are Skullcandy Headphones Any Good?
Skullcandy headphones belong in the affordable but cool category with a bassy sound.
In terms of sound quality, don’t expect neutral sound. Skullcandy headphones are meant for enjoying music and looking cool. This means an emphasis on heavy bass, which makes modern music pop.
It makes you dance and gives you a rush. That comes in handy when you’re studying or have a workout session.
While they’re usually made from plastic, they are robust enough to withstand daily abuse. You’re not getting premium build quality, but more sports-oriented with a focus on comfort. Skullcandy’s usually have thick, cushy earpads on their full-sized headphones.
And they’re cool. Their logo is well-recognized and makes a fashion statement, especially their colorful models.
What Do Specific Names in the Lineup Mean?
Skullcandy uses different names to distinguish between the lineup. Here are the most popular ones:
- Crusher: Over-ear headphones that fall in the premium category. They’re bass-heavy and also come with a sensory bass slider to adjust the vibration.
- Hesh: A compact, easy-to-use headphones with an over-ear design focused on sound. Slightly cheaper than Crushers.
- SLYR: Gaming headsets with colorful options and boom microphone for clear calls.
- Riff: On-ear headphones, more affordable prices, focus on portability.
- Push: True wireless earbuds geared toward sports activities, offering higher IP ratings and stability enhancers like ear fins or hooks.
- Rail, Grind, Dime: Models of true wireless earbuds for an affordable price. These offer the latest features in a value-for-money package.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How Much are Skullcandy Headphones?
Skullcandy headphones are sold at different price points, from super cheap models to premium ones. Budget options usually cost around 10-20 dollars, whereas more expensive headphones can reach up to $300.
Where to Buy Skullcandy Headphones?
You can buy Skullcandy headphones either on Amazon or Skullcandy’s official website. You can choose from a variety of models that come with an official warranty. The good thing is that you get at least a 2-year warranty on all Skullcandy products. Headphones usually arrive in a day or two after the order.
From a childhood fascination with sound, Peter’s passion has evolved into a relentless pursuit of the finest headphones. He’s an audio expert with over 5 years of experience in testing both audiophile and consumer-grade headphones. Quote: “After many years, I can confidently tell which headphones are good and which are terrible.” Find his honest opinion in his reviews.
