8 Best Skullcandy Headphones and Earbuds

Since 2003, Skullcandy has been the go-to for casual listeners. The Skullcandy headphones and earbuds are trendy and fashion-forward enough to show off. On top of that, they also offer some great technology to make your music collection sound its best.

The brand name says it all: It’s candy for your ears! While sound quality is always a top priority for headphones, no one wants to wear ugly cans. Luckily, Skullcandy effortlessly combines style with performance!

Why Are Skullcandy Headphones So Popular?

Let’s face it: Skullcandy is not going to win any awards for providing audiophile-quality sound! The brand simply can’t compete with the likes of Bose or Sennheiser.

That said, Skullcandy isn’t really targeting that demographic! Instead, it targets the casual listener. That’s why, after less than a decade of being in business, it quickly grew to be the second-biggest headphone seller in the United States!

The headphone market has evolved quite a bit in recent years, with more players entering the arena. But even still, Skullcandy is a heavy hitter!

According to a national survey, about 17 percent of Americans own a Skullcandy device. To put that into perspective, the brand beats out JBL, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, and other premium brands.

Ultimately, Skullcandy’s success can come down to a few key elements: Sound quality, affordability, and design.

Is Sound Quality Any Good?

While Skullcandy isn’t a name you hear around audiophile circles, that doesn’t mean the technology it uses isn’t good. They may not be the best headphones for producing and mixing, but, for casual listening, people aren’t analyzing every specification or detail! The end goal is to just make the music sound good. Skullcandy headphones do just that.

Generally, Skullcandy headphones are bass-heavy. For Top 40 music, which consists of pop, hip-hop, and rock, booming bass is a must! Listeners want to feel the beat of the music, so thumping bass is an excellent feature.

Modern Skullcandy headphones also provide natural-sounding highs and mids. At the end of the day, finer details and true-to-life sound aren’t important for casual listening. As a result, Skullcandy headphones meet the mark and cover your bases!

What about Design and Affordability?

Do we really need to say anything about the look of Skullcandy headphones? The designs speak for themselves. Skullcandy has always been the epitome of youth and rebellion. The brand’s logo is a skull after all!

Cool designs are a dime a dozen with Skullcandy. The brand has a ton of fun and colorful prints. Skullcandy even works with designers to create limited-edition headphones and collector’s pieces!

Not only that, but you don’t need to break the bank to buy them! Skullcandy is one of the more affordable headphone brands on the market. The company caters to the masses, so prices are reasonable.

Plus, the best Skullcandy headphones are available at a wide range of retailers for easy accessibility!

The Best Skullcandy Headphones Reviewed

Looking to pick up the best Skullcandy headphones pair? We have you covered! Here are some of our favorites from this iconic audio brand.

1. Skullcandy Crusher ANC (Best Quality)

• Wireless
• Over-ear design
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz

You can’t go wrong with the Crusher ANC headphones! One of the most premium headphones in Skullcandy’s collection, this model has a ton of great features.

The thing we like most is its personalization. These headphones connect to the Skullcandy app. There, you can adjustments to get the sound quality you’re after.

The adjustable sensory bass, in particular, is a cool feature that you’ll want to take advantage of. Whether you like subtle bass or a booming thump you can feel, these headphones can make it happen!

The cans are also sporting active noise cancellation. Thanks to the over-ear design, they do a fine job of blocking out unwanted noise. With the ANC feature turned on, you can create a silent listening environment no matter where you are.

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Adjustable bass
• Fast charging
• Sleek design

Cons:

• Noise-cancellation can be spotty

2. Skullcandy Crusher Evo (Best Value)

• Wireless
• Over-ear design
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz

Here’s another model from the Crusher line! This one is like the previous unit. However, it’s lacking the active noise-cancellation feature. This might be a bummer for some. But, the absence of ANC does bring down the cost significantly. Meanwhile, you’re still retaining some of the more audio-focused features!

For example, the Crusher EVO headphones have an adjustable sensory bass. A small slider on the can lets you make adjustments on the fly. At the highest setting, these headphones can provide some skull-rattling sound!

For more precision, you can open up the app to personalize your sound.

These headphones are sporting a high-capacity battery. If you’re running low and need a bit of juice, just plug them in for 10 minutes to get up to four hours of playtime!

Pros:

• Good battery life
• Folding design
• Built-in tracker
• Adjustable bass response
• App connectivity

Cons:

• No noise-cancellation

3. Skullcandy Hesh 3 (Best Battery Life)

• Wireless
• Over-ear design
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz

Need as much battery life as you can get? The Hesh 3 headphones are for you. These wireless headphones are equipped with a high-capacity battery that can provide up to 22 hours on a single charge. But that’s not all. A rapid-charge feature gives you about four hours of additional power with only 10 minutes of charging.

The headphones offer good sound quality, too. While they don’t have noise cancellation, they do offer impressive sound isolation. The cups are thick and plush. They create a tight seal around the ears to cut out any unwanted noise.

Overall, these are a great universal pair of headphones. Use them to take calls with the built-in microphone. Or, pop them on for some competitive online play. Either way, they’ll serve you well!

Pros:

• Nearly all-day battery life
• Isolating cups
• Physical controls
• Convenience rapid-charging

Cons:

• The frame isn’t the strongest

4. Skullcandy Hesh 2 (Best Wireless)

• Wireless
• Over-ear design
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz

Like the Hesh 3 headphones, the Hesh 2 model is a good option for most. It’s very affordable and comes with a slew of must-have features.

From an audio quality standpoint, these headphones don’t disappoint. The bass is powerful and punchy. Meanwhile, the mids are warm and the highs are crisp. Pair those capabilities up with comfortable over-ear cups and you’re ready to enjoy your music in peace!

The design of the headphones is on the simpler side. But, you’re still getting the basic physical controls. Use the buttons on the side of the cup to adjust the volume or take calls. The microphone works well, providing clear audio for your recipient even if you’re connected to your phone wirelessly.

Pros:

• Integrated microphone
• Minimalist design
• Good audio quality
• Cozy synthetic leather earcups

Cons:

• Lower battery life

5. Skullcandy Stripe (Most Stylish)

• Wired
• Over-ear design
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz

If you don’t mind being tethered down by a wire, these headphones are worth your consideration! The standout feature of this model is the design.

Rather than basic black, these headphones are covered in slick white. Blue horizontal stripes accent the cans while pops of bright red provide some cool aesthetics!

The headphones feel nice on your ears, too. The cups utilize thick padding. Three-panel synthetic leather feels smooth on the skin while also creating the tight seal you need to isolate sound.

Speaking of sound, the headphones don’t disappoint. You’re getting some good bass for the money! Not only that, but the high-quality drivers ensure that the mids and highs of your music are up to par.

Pros:

• Colorful design
• Punchy Sensation 55 bass driver
• Comfortable cup cushioning
• Wired in-line controls
• Detachable cord for storage

Cons:

• No wireless capabilities

6. Skullcandy Indy (Most Popular)

• Wireless
• Includes charging case
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz

Here are some earbuds you can take with you anywhere! The Indy wireless earbuds are incredibly small. Yet, they are jam-packed with all the features you need!

The stem of the buds has built-in touch controls and a microphone. Use your finger to adjust the volume, answer calls, and more. The touch gestures are pretty easy to pick up, so you’ll be swiping and tapping in no time!

The earbuds have a generous battery life of about 4 hours of non-stop play. But, the storage case doubles as a charging device. They provide an additional 12 hours of battery life, bringing the total capacity up to 16 hours of playback!

Pros:

• Good sweat and weather protection
• Easy touch controls
• Includes multiple tip sizes
• Available in many colors
• Decent battery life

Cons:

• Wireless connection can be spotty

7. Skullcandy Strum (Best Wired In-Ear)

• Wired
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz

The Strum earbuds are a good option if you’re on a budget! Despite the low price tag, this model still offers the good sound quality and punchy bass that Skullcandy is known for.

Plus, the two tips allow you to get the perfect fit for your ear. This ensures that the earbuds can deliver good sound isolation.

The wire features simple in-line controls, which is a nice perk! With a couple of button presses, you can take control of your music and volume. Not only that, but a hidden microphone allows you to take calls without having to worry about popping the buds out of your ears.

These earbuds aren’t the most premium Skullcandy models out there. But they certainly deliver on style and sound quality.

Pros:

• In-line controls
• Good sound isolation
• Two tip sizes
• Affordably priced

Cons:

• Delicate build

8. Skullcandy Ink’d Plus Active (Best Budget)

• Wireless
• Secure neckband
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz

Want some affordable earbuds to work out with? Check out the Ink’d Plus Active buds! This is a unique model that’s tailor-made for active individuals. It has all the hallmarks of a traditional earbud device. But, you’re getting an ultra-secure design that stays put!

The brains of the operation are the Flex Sports collar. The lightweight neckband houses all of the in-line controls as well as the microphone. Because all of the components are built into the band, the earbuds themselves are very small and lightweight!

They feature a secure tip and a wing to prevent accidental slipping. Best of all, the buds are attached to the neckband with cords. It’s like getting the best of both worlds. You have the security of wired earbuds with the wireless technology you need to stay untethered!

Pros:

• Good for workouts
• Sweat and weather protection
• Decent battery life
• Unique neckband design

Cons:

• Doesn’t get loud enough for some

How to Choose the Best Skullcandy Headphones and Earbuds

Skullcandy’s collection of audio gear is quite vast. There’s something for everyone! So, how do you narrow down your choices and choose the right pair of headphones or buds for you? Here are some of the most important considerations to make while you shop.

Sound Quality and Frequency Response

Tons of variables affect the type of sound you’ll get from a pair of cans. Everything from the types of drivers to the quality of the circuitry has an impact!

That said, there’s one easy way to get a better idea of what headphones have to offer. The frequency response refers to the spectrum of sounds that the devices can replicate. Humans can hear between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. The most sensitive frequencies are between 2 kHz and 5 kHz!

Look for headphones that cover as much of the spectrum as possible to ensure that your music sounds good!

Overall Design and Style

Anyone who says aesthetics isn’t important is lying to you! Your headphones are on full display whenever you use them. So, why not choose a model that fits your style and personality?

As mentioned earlier, Skullcandy doesn’t disappoint in the style department. Pick a pair that’s distinct! You won’t regret it!

Sound Containment

These days, noise-cancellation features are all the rage. The best Skullcandy headphones have this active technology built right in! The headphones will actively listen to your surroundings and create opposing sound waves to create a quiet listening environment.

This feature is great to have. But, it’s not always necessary to have a great listening experience. At the very least, we recommend choosing headphones or earbuds with passive noise isolation. Most Skullcandy models have thick padding to block outside noise from coming in.

Versatile Features

Next up, look for additional features that can enhance the functionality of your headphones! You can easily find Skullcandy headphones with built-in microphones, smartphone controls, and more. With these features, you can pick up phone calls or use your new headphones for gaming.

Different Types of Skullcandy Headphones

Another thing to consider is the type of headphones you want. Take one look through your options and you’ll see that there are a few core designs. These designs affect your comfort levels and impact the overall listening experience!

On-Ear Headphones

Also known as supra-aural headphones, these are the smaller cans that sit on top of your ears. They strike a happy balance between portability and comfort. While they don’t cover your ear entirely, they do have larger drivers that are capable of creating a more booming sound.

Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear, or circumaural, headphones are best if you want good sound isolation! These headphones create a tight seal around your ears to keep unwanted noise out and music in!

You may also see sound-canceling technology built into the cans. Regardless, these types of headphones are considered by many to be the most comfortable and enjoyable.

Earbuds

If portability is a priority, earbuds are the way to go. The smallest of the bunch, these devices slip right into your ear canal. They, too, can provide a good seal to prevent noise from creeping in.

However, they don’t encompass the ear as circumaural headphones do. They are great for active individuals, as earbuds don’t weigh you down!

Wired vs Wireless Headphones and Earbuds

The last thing you need to consider is whether you want to go wired or wireless. In the past, wired headphones were your only option. But these days, wireless technology reigns supreme!

In the headphone and earbud market alone, wireless technology has seen a massive boost in popularity. The wireless market is expected to grow even more in the next five years, too.

This is all a matter of personal preference. Generally, wired units provide better sound fidelity. But if you’re listening to MP3s, you probably won’t notice the difference at all!

Wireless headphones and earbuds, however, have the advantage of portability. Thanks to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, you’re not tied down to a source. Depending on the technology used, you can have up to 300 feet of range!

But, you will need to pay attention to things like battery life! Luckily, the best Skullcandy headphones and buds offer impressive battery capacities to help you listen for hours on end.

Conclusion

Skullcandy is no stranger to creating some top-notch headphones and earbuds! As you can see, the brand offers something for everyone!

Regardless of your budget and music preferences, you won’t have a hard time finding a model you love. The best Skullcandy headphones and earbuds sound great and are dripping in style. What more could you want?

While all of our top picks have a lot to offer, we have to give a special shout-out to the Crusher ANC headphones. From a technology standpoint, these headphones have a lot to offer. You’re getting customized sound, adjustable bass, wireless technology, and premium auto. However, the price tag is still relatively affordable. With all the features you’re getting, it’s a steal!

Plus, the headphones produce superb sound and use modern active noise cancellation. They check off all the boxes, making it a great option for anyone. Don’t take our word for it. Try the headphones out yourself and see what you think! You won’t regret it!