Discover the best Skullcandy headphones of 2025 for music, gaming, and travel. Explore top picks with rich bass, noise cancellation, and wireless convenience to match your lifestyle and budget.
Why Skullcandy Headphones Are a Top Choice in 2025
Choosing the right headphones in 2025 can feel overwhelming, but Skullcandy consistently stands out with options for every lifestyle. The brand’s lineup spans from sleek wireless earbuds to bass-heavy over-ear sets. Music lovers know Skullcandy for its signature bass boost sound especially in models like the Crusher series with adjustable sensory bass sliders.
At the same time, they offer cheap earbuds for those who want style, quality at a budget friendly price. For fitness lovers, Skullcandy makes workout headphones (e.g. the Crusher 540 Active) that are sweat-resistant and even include tactile “multi-sensory bass” for motivation.
On the travel front, models such as the Hesh ANC and Icon ANC bring active noise cancelling to busy commutes or flights, making them key items in many travelers’ gear.Meanwhile, Skullcandy isn’t just known for sound – style is part of the package. This means shoppers can find Skullcandy headphones to match any outfit or theme.
In terms of tech, most Skullcandy headphones use Bluetooth for wireless listening, and higher-end models often support things like multipoint pairing and app-based EQ. Overall, Skullcandy’s combination of over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear styles – wired and wireless – ensures there’s something for everyone.
1. Why Choose Skullcandy?
Wide variety:
Skullcandy offers a wide range of headphones and earbuds for every budget—from basic wired models to advanced wireless options. The Crusher series delivers bass-heavy over-ear headphones, while the Hesh line targets mainstream users, some with ANC. For true wireless, there are Push, Sesh, and Dime models suited for sports and everyday use.
Stylish, Durable Designs:
Skullcandy headphones stand out with bold, colorful designs, often available in various hues and patterns. Despite their mostly plastic build, they offer solid quality for the price and are more durable than many budget brands. Their eye-catching style is a big draw for casual and fashion-focused users.
Powerful Bass and Custom Sound:
A signature Skullcandy feature is its bass-forward sound quality. Many models, especially the Crusher family, include an adjustable sensory bass slider so users can dial in the thump. Most Skullcandy headphones include preset EQ modes or app controls to adjust sound if desired.
Feature-Rich for the Price:
Skullcandy often packs notable features into affordable headphones. For example, many models offer long battery life and quick charging: the on-ear Icon ANC provides up to 60 hours of use on a charge. Workout models have water-resistant designs and breathable pads to stay comfortable during exercise.
Active noise cancelling:
ANC is available on several over-ear sets (e.g. the Hesh ANC Wireless and Icon ANC), helping block ambient noise for travel or study. Even low-end wireless earbuds may support features like Bluetooth multipoint or auto-pairing. In short, Skullcandy often matches or beats competing brands (like Anker) in features at a similar price.
Value and Affordability:
One of Skullcandy’s biggest strength is value. Their products are Budget-Friendly, offering features like Bluetooth, long battery life, and solid sound at lower prices than premium brands. Even their cheapest true wireless buds, like the Dime series, deliver decent sound and water resistance for everyday use.
Key Factors We Considered in Our Picks
In reviewing Skullcandy headphones, key factors included audio quality, noise isolation, comfort, build, wireless features, battery life, and value. Special attention was given to bass and clarity—especially in Crusher models, which feature adjustable Sensory Bass for a deep, tactile low-end. We also considered how each model’s sound profile suits different music genres, from bass-heavy tracks to more balanced audio.
Noise cancellation was another key factor. Models like the Hesh ANC and Icon ANC offer active noise cancelling, so we tested how well they block background sounds. We also looked at passive isolation from the ear cushions and checked for ambient “aware” modes. The Hesh ANC, for instance, provides solid ANC at a budget price, trading some bass depth for features like 4-mic noise canceling and fast charging.
Comfort and fit a key for long listening. Over-ear models offer the best mix of comfort and immersive sound, with most top picks in this category. We checked headband padding, clamp pressure, and whether ear cushions stayed cool.
Durability and use-case features also mattered—like the Crusher 540 Active, built for workouts with sweat-resistant materials and breathable pads.
Foldable designs and carrying cases, such as those with the Crusher ANC 2, added extra value for portability.
Wireless connectivity and battery life were top priorities. All selected models feature Bluetooth, and we preferred those with newer versions and strong performance.
Long battery life and fast-charging were key—like the Icon ANC, which offers up to 60 hours of playtime. We also noted features like multipoint pairing, available on some models. Overall, we prioritized headphones with reliable wireless performance and modern Bluetooth 5.x support.
Finally, price and value guided our decisions. We aimed to include both premium and affordable picks. Skullcandy even has cheap wireless earbuds for budget shoppers. In general, we balanced feature sets against cost, choosing models that deliver the most audio and feature bang for the buck.
2. Best Skullcandy Headphones for Music Lovers
Skullcandy shines with bass-forward sound, so our music-oriented picks focus on models that deliver rich audio and deep low end. We prioritized wireless over-ear headphones with strong performance.
1. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
Headphone Type & Design:
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is a foldable over-ear headphone designed for comfort and portability. It comes with memory-foam ear cups and includes a carry case, making it easy to travel with.
Noise cancelling:
It features active noise cancellation (ANC) that helps isolate outside sounds, offering a more immersive listening experience.
Signature Crusher Bass Dial:
A rotating dial on the earcup lets you adjust the Crusher sensory bass in real time. This unique feature delivers “head-rattlingly loud low-end” bass that can be tuned for extra rumble—perfect for EDM and hip-hop lovers.
Battery Life:
The Crusher ANC 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to ~60 hours (with ANC off), making it ideal for long sessions without needing frequent charging
2. Skullcandy Crusher Evo
Affordable Bass-Heavy Alternative:
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo offers a similar bass-rich experience to the ANC 2 but at a slightly lower price point. It doesn’t include active noise cancellation, making it more budget-friendly.Crusher Bass SliderIt retains the trademark Crusher bass slider, a haptic dial that adds intense thump, rumble, and body—a feature especially appealing for EDM and hip-hop fans.
Balanced Sound Quality:
Even with the bass turned up, the Crusher Evo preserves warm mids and clear vocals. Users can also dial the bass down for a more neutral sound profile.
Battery Life:
Expect around 34–40 hours of playback on a full charge, giving you long listening sessions without frequent recharging.
Build & Comfort:
The large earcups can feel warm during extended use, but the overall build is solid and comfortable for daily wear.
3. Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Hesh Evo
The Skullcandy Hesh series—including the Hesh ANC and Hesh Evo—offers a solid listening experience for users who want wireless over-ear headphones with a clean design, comfortable fit, and Skullcandy’s signature sound.
Active Noise Cancelling vs. Non-ANC:
The Hesh ANC comes with 4-mic active noise cancellation, ideal for listeners who want to block out background noise. On the other hand, the Hesh Evo skips ANC to provide the same design and sound quality at a lower price point.
Sound Profile:
Both models feature bass-forward tuning—you’ll notice boomy kicks and deep basslines that give music a fun, energetic feel. While not perfectly neutral, the sound remains crisp and rich, especially in the Hesh Evo, which uses 40mm drivers to deliver solid clarity.
Battery Life:
Battery performance is solid across the board. The Hesh ANC delivers about 24–36 hours, while the Hesh Evo pushes that up slightly to around 36–38 hours, both depending on volume and usage.
Build & Design:
Made mostly of plastic, both models have a Skullcandy Icon ANC foldable, travel-friendly design. They’re built to be lightweight yet decently sturdy, and the Hesh ANC includes a wired cable for optional analog use
3. Best Skullcandy Headphones for Gaming
Gaming demands immersive sound and comfort for long sessions. Skullcandy has entered this space with headphones designed to feel the action as much as hear it.
1. Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 Wireless:
The Crusher PLYR 720 is Skullcandy’s premium flagship gaming headset, built for players who crave full-body audio immersion. This over-ear wireless model features open-back acoustics and a sleek, gamer-focused design.
Multi-Sensory Bass & 3D Audio:
What sets the PLYR 720 apart is its Multi-Sensory Bass Technology, an advanced evolution of the Crusher bass system that lets you physically feel in-game explosions, gunfire, and engine rumble.Paired with THX Spatial Audio and real-time head tracking, the headset delivers a wide, immersive 3D soundstage—perfect for FPS and open-world games.
Communication & Control Features:
It includes a uni-directional boom mic for crystal-clear voice chat and custom RGB lighting for personalized gaming aesthetics. Using the Skull-HQ desktop app, users can fine-tune EQ settings, adjust the game/chat mix, and fully customize their sound profile.
Battery Life & Connectivity:
Up to 48 hours on 2.4GHz wireless, and around 38 hours when using Bluetooth + wireless together.
Sensitivity:
An impressive 116 dB, offering loud, clear, and detailed audio for music and gaming.
4. Best Skullcandy Headphones for Travel
Travel headphones need long battery life, portability, and often noise-cancellation. Skullcandy offers several wireless over-ear and earbud options that fit the bill.
1. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 vs. Crusher Evo
Both the Crusher ANC 2 and Crusher Evo Wireless deliver powerful sensory bass and foldable designs, making them excellent for travel and commuting.
Adjustable Sensory Bass
Crusher ANC 2: Features a rotating dial on the earcup to control Skullcandy’s Crusher sensory bass, allowing for extreme low-end response when turned up. Ideal for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or EDM.
Crusher Evo: Includes the brand’s haptic bass slider on the left cup. On the lowest setting, sound is balanced; on max, it delivers intense rumble and physical bass impact.
Noise Cancellation:
Crusher ANC 2: Equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce external noise like cabin chatter.
Crusher Evo: No ANC included, meaning it won’t block engine or ambient noise as effectively.
Battery Life:
Crusher ANC 2: Offers an impressive ~45 hours of battery life with ANC on, tested under real conditions.
Crusher Evo: Provides ~34 hours of playback per charge—still excellent for long travel days.
Portability & Build:
Crusher ANC 2: Foldable design with decent comfort and portability. However, passive noise isolation is only fair, so engine rumble might still be heard even with ANC.
Crusher Evo: Also foldable, includes a carry pouch, and is built sturdy and comfortable. It’s travel-friendly, though less noise-isolating than ANC models.
Overall, Skullcandy’s travel-friendly headphones tend to emphasize long life and comfort, the Crusher series (Evo/ANC 2) offers Multi‑Sensory Bass Technology for listeners who crave thumping low end on the road.
5. Best Budget Skullcandy Headphones
1. Skullcandy Dime True Wireless
Skullcandy is known for value-priced audio gear, and even its budget models often impress. For cheap wireless earbuds, the Skullcandy Dime (True Wireless) is a standout.
Battery life: About 3.5 hours per charge, 12 hours with the case
Durability: IPX4 sweat-proof rating
Design: Tiny, lightweight, comes with multiple ear-tip sizes for a snug fit
Use case: Great for casual use or as a backup pair you can toss in a bag without worry
Noise handling: No ANC, only passive noise reduction through fit
2. Skullcandy Riff Wireless
The Skullcandy Riff Wireless is a budget on-ear option priced around $50.
Comfort: Plush ear cushions and a light, foldable design
Battery life: About 12 hours with quick charging support (10 minutes = ~2 hours)
Portability: Foldable and lightweight for daily use
Noise isolation: Only passive, not true noise cancelling
Best for: Simple everyday listening at a low price
3.Skullcandy Sesh True Wireless
The Sesh True Wireless earbuds are an inexpensive and compact option.
Battery life: Up to 5 hours
Design: Low-profile and lightweight
Connectivity: Stable Bluetooth, inline mic, and controls for calls
Noise control: Minimal cancellation, passive only
Ideal for: Commuting, podcasts, and casual use on a tight budget
4. Skullcandy Hesh Evo
The Skullcandy Hesh Evo is a basic wireless over-ear headphone with impressive endurance.
Battery life: ~44 hours of continuous play
Comfort: Memory-foam ear cups, stable and snug fit
Sound: Bass-boosted signature, some sound leakage at high volume
Noise isolation: No ANC, weak passive isolation
Value: Reliable long-listening comfort at an affordable price
Each of these budget Skullcandy models forgoes some of the high-end features (like ANC or high-res codecs) to keep costs down, but they still offer the brand’s core bassy sound and robust battery life. As one source notes, the Dime and Riff deliver “solid” audio given their simplicity. Overall, Skullcandy’s “cheap earbuds” and headphones combine colorful style and decent performance, making them attractive budget wireless earbuds or headphones for fans who want value
FAQ:
Do Skullcandy headphones have good quality?
Skullcandy delivers bass-heavy, fun sound at affordable prices, but it’s not aimed at audiophiles. Reviews highlight its bold, colorful designs and strong battery life (often 20–40 hours), but also note inconsistent build quality and a focus on bass over balance. Great for casual use or workouts, but not ideal if you want premium sound or durability.
What headphones are better than Skullcandy?
Skullcandy’s value depends on your needs. Brands like Sony and Bose offer better sound, ANC, and build—at higher prices. Even budget rivals like Anker and JBL often provide more features, like LDAC, multipoint pairing, and EQ controls. Skullcandy shines with bold style and bass, but if you want advanced features, Soundcore or JBL may be better picks.
Is the Crusher Evo better than the Crusher?
Yes, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo is a clear upgrade over the original Crusher Wireless. Both have the signature haptic Sensory Bass, but the Evo improves comfort, battery life (up to 40 hours), and adds app support with EQ presets. While the older model fits a bit more securely, it lacks these features. For ANC, the Crusher ANC 2 builds on the Evo with added noise cancellation.
7. Final Verdict & Buying Tips
In summary, Skullcandy offers a wide range of headphones—from bass-heavy over-ears like the Crusher Evo and ANC 2, to sporty earbuds and budget true wireless models like the Dime and Sesh. Their focus is on bold design, strong bass, and wireless ease.
Models like the Crusher Evo offer haptic bass and 40-hour battery life, while the Hesh ANC adds comfort and noise cancelling. Overall, Skullcandy delivers fun, affordable options, though sound balance and build quality may not match premium brands.
When shopping, keep these points in mind:
Match to Your Needs:Over-ear models like Crusher Evo/ANC are ideal for home or travel, especially with ANC. In-ear buds like Sesh or Push work well for workouts and commuting. For budget-friendly portability, go with Dime or Sesh series earbuds.
Sound Profile: Skullcandy models skew bass-heavy. If you love thump and rumble, go for models with the Crusher Adjustable Sensory Bass. If you prefer flat, balanced sound, consider alternatives.
Noise Cancelling:Skullcandy’s noise cancelling headphones are limited to Hesh ANC and Crusher ANC 2. If ANC is a must-have, Skullcandy’s models can do the job, but other brands generally lead in raw performance.
Wireless Features: Check connectivity. All Skullcandy picks are Bluetooth headphones, but codec support is basic. On the plus side, many support multipoint pairing, and battery lives are strong.
Fit & Comfort:Try them on if possible. Some Skullcandy headphones are good for workouts and some fit loose. Earbuds like the Sesh Evo or Dime can be more stable with ear hooks or fins for sports.
Budget Considerations: One of Skullcandy’s strengths is value. Their cheap earbuds (like the Dime 3) and over‑ears (Hesh, Hesh Evo) give solid performance for a low price.
In the end, Skullcandy is great for bold sound and style on a budget. If you love bass or need workout-friendly options, models like the Crusher Evo, Hesh ANC, or Push are solid picks. But if you want more refined sound or features, brands like Sony, Bose, JBL, or Anker might be worth the extra spend.
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