Skullcandy offers decent value at the budget end of the wireless earbud market, but you're paying for convenience and brand recognition rather than premium audio quality. Their current range spans £27.99 to £149.99, making them accessible for casual listeners who prioritise ease of use over sound fidelity.
Why Skullcandy?
Skullcandy was founded in 2006 and specialises in consumer-grade audio gear aimed at younger, casual audiences. They're known for affordable wireless earbuds and headphones with straightforward feature sets—Bluetooth connectivity, basic noise cancelling on select models, and compact designs. The brand doesn't compete on sound quality with premium makers like Sony or Sennheiser; instead, they focus on accessibility and durability at low price points. Their products typically carry a 2-year warranty, which is longer than many budget competitors offer.
Top Picks
Skullcandy Push 720 Wireless Open-ear Earbuds — £149.99
Best for people who want to hear their surroundings while listening. Open-ear design sits outside your ear canal rather than inserting into it, so you stay aware of ambient noise. The £149.99 price makes these Skullcandy's premium offering—good if you commute or need to stay alert to your environment.
Skullcandy Rail True Wireless Active Noise Canceling Earbuds — £47.99
Best for commuters on a strict budget. These deliver active noise cancellation (ANC) at less than half the price of most competitors' entry-level ANC earbuds. At £47.99, they're the sweet spot between features and affordability—solid noise isolation without breaking the bank.
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds Wireless Earbuds — £27.99
Best for your first pair of wireless earbuds or a gym backup. At £27.99, these are genuinely cheap with no frills—just Bluetooth, a compact charging case, and basic audio. Ideal if you don't want to risk losing expensive gear at the gym or need a spare pair for travel.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Push 720 | £149.99 | Ambient awareness | Open-ear design | | Rail ANC | £47.99 | Budget commuters | Active noise cancelling | | Smokin' Buds | £27.99 | Casual use/gym | Ultra-affordable |
What to Look For
- Battery life matters more at this price point. Most Skullcandy earbuds deliver 5–8 hours per charge plus 15–20 hours from the case. Verify specs before buying; shorter life means constant recharging.
- Active noise cancellation quality varies widely. Skullcandy's ANC is adequate for trains and offices but won't match premium brands like Sony WF-C700N. Expect 10–15dB noise reduction, not 30dB+.
- Open-ear vs. in-ear comfort is personal. Open-ear designs avoid ear fatigue but leak sound to people nearby. In-ear models seal better but feel intrusive to some users—try both if possible.
- Check warranty coverage. Skullcandy includes 2-year international warranty on most models, which is above average for budget earbuds. Water resistance varies (IPX4–IPX7), so confirm your use case.
The Bottom Line
Skullcandy makes honest budget earbuds that work, not exceptional audio gear. The Skullcandy Rail True Wireless Active Noise Canceling Earbuds at £47.99 are the best all-rounder if you want ANC on a tight budget; the Smokin' Buds at £27.99 win for pure value if you just need basic wireless audio. Buy Skullcandy if affordability and warranty matter more than sound quality—otherwise, save for Sony or Soundcore models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skullcandy good value for money?
Yes, if you're shopping below £50. Skullcandy's budget range is genuinely cheap without being obviously defective. Beyond £100, you get better value elsewhere—their £149.99 Push 720 doesn't justify its price against open-ear competitors like Shokz.
Do Skullcandy earbuds have good battery life?
Most Skullcandy earbuds offer 5–8 hours per charge plus 15–20 hours from the case, which is standard for the price range. The exact spec varies by model, so check product documentation. They're not exceptional, but adequate for day-to-day use.
How good is Skullcandy's active noise cancellation?
Skullcandy's ANC is functional but basic—expect modest noise reduction on trains or in offices, not silence. Premium brands like Sony achieve 30dB+ isolation; Skullcandy typically manages 10–15dB. It's a nice bonus at £47.99, not a reason to choose them over Soundcore or Anker.
What's the difference between the Push 720 and Rail ANC earbuds?
The Push 720 (£149.99) uses open-ear design so you hear your surroundings; the Rail ANC (£47.99) seals in your ear canal and cancels external noise. Choose Push 720 if you cycle or need situational awareness; pick Rail ANC if you want isolation during commutes or work.
