Is Skullcandy Worth Buying? Here's What Their Best Wireless Earbuds and Headphones Deliver
Skullcandy delivers genuine value across its wireless audio range—the Aviator ANC Wireless Headphones (£234.99) compete with premium-priced rivals on sound quality and noise cancellation, while the Push Active and Push ANC earbuds offer entry-level wireless performance without unnecessary markup. For most users, Skullcandy products punch above their price point, though they're best suited to active listeners who prioritise durability and bass over studio-grade accuracy.
Why Skullcandy?
Skullcandy was founded in 2003 and built its reputation on making durable, bass-forward audio gear for action sports and streetwear audiences. The brand specialises in wireless earbuds and headphones designed to survive drops, sweat, and heavy use—most models feature impact-resistant materials and water-resistance ratings (typically IP54 or higher). Unlike boutique audio brands, Skullcandy doesn't chase neutrality; their house sound emphasises punchy lows and clear vocals, which suits hip-hop, pop, and electronic music but feels less natural for classical or jazz. The real differentiator is price-to-durability ratio: Skullcandy's products retail 20-30% lower than comparable models from Sony or Bose while retaining similar build quality and battery life.
Top Picks
Aviator ANC Wireless Headphones — £234.99
Best for over-ear comfort during long listening sessions and commutes with active noise cancellation that rivals £350+ competitors. The Aviator ANC delivers 32-hour battery life, genuine ANC that suppresses low-frequency rumble (trains, planes, traffic), and a 40mm driver that reproduces Skullcandy's signature warm, bass-heavy sound profile. The cushioned ear cups fit larger heads comfortably, and the foldable design packs into a bag without much fuss. Verdict: Best all-rounder — this is the model to buy if you want headphones that handle commuting, work calls, and music equally well.
Push ANC Active Noise Canceling True Wireless Earbuds — £104.99
Best for gym-goers and commuters who want ANC in a smaller form factor without the £150+ price tag of premium earbuds. The Push ANC features active noise cancellation (rare below £100), a 6-hour battery per charge plus 24 hours with the case, and a secure fit with three ear-tip sizes. The buds are lightweight at 4.3g each and carry an IP54 rating for sweat and light rain resistance. Verdict: Best value ANC — solid noise cancellation and surprising versatility for the price, though battery life per charge is modest.
Push Active True Wireless Sport Earbuds — £89.99
Best for runners and gym-only users who don't need noise cancellation and prioritise lowest possible entry cost. The Push Active skips ANC but retains the IP54 water-resistance, secure fit, and 8-hour battery per charge (32 hours total with case). These are the most affordable option here and genuinely competent for active use—the secure-fit design doesn't shift during running or cross-training. Verdict: Best budget pick — if ANC isn't essential, this saves £15 and adds 2 extra hours of battery per charge.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Aviator ANC | £234.99 | Long listening sessions, commutes | 32-hour battery, over-ear ANC | | Push ANC | £104.99 | Gym and commute combo use | ANC under £110, compact design | | Push Active | £89.99 | Exercise-focused users | IP54 rating, 8hr battery per bud |
What to Look For
- Water and sweat resistance: All three models carry IP54 ratings, meaning they survive splashes and moisture but aren't fully submersible. If you swim, look elsewhere; for gym and rain, these are adequate.
- Battery expectations: The Aviator ANC reaches 32 hours per session; the Push earbuds max out at 8 hours per charge. If you forget to charge earbuds daily, the Aviator is significantly more forgiving.
- Noise cancellation quality: The Aviator ANC and Push ANC both use hybrid ANC (microphones + algorithms) that work well on steady, low-frequency noise (traffic, engine hum) but less effectively on voices or unpredictable sounds. They're not Bose-level, but they'll reduce ambient chatter by roughly 15-20dB.
- Fit and ear tip selection: Both earbud models include three ear-tip sizes. Test before buying if possible—a poor fit voids the water resistance and comfort. The Aviator has adjustable headband padding, which matters if you wear glasses or have a larger head.
The Bottom Line
The Aviator ANC Wireless Headphones (£234.99) is the standout product here—it delivers over-ear comfort, genuine ANC, and 32-hour battery life at a price point 30% below equivalent Sony or JBL models. If you're choosing between the Push earbuds, go for the Push ANC (£104.99) unless you're exclusively exercising, as active noise cancellation justifies the £15 premium for daily commuting or office use. Skullcandy products suit active listeners and commuters who value durability and bass over neutral sound; they're worth buying if you'll actually use water resistance and drop protection, but less essential if you need studio-grade audio fidelity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skullcandy good value for money?
Yes, particularly for wireless audio. Skullcandy's prices sit 20-30% below comparable Sony, JBL, and Bose models while matching or exceeding them on battery life, water resistance, and build durability. The trade-off is sound character—Skullcandy emphasises bass and warm mids over neutral frequency response, which suits most listeners but may disappoint those chasing audiophile-grade accuracy.
How long does the battery actually last?
The Aviator ANC delivers genuine 32-hour battery per charge with ANC on; the Push ANC gets 6 hours per earbud charge (24 total with case), and the Push Active reaches 8 hours per earbud (32 total with case). Real-world battery is typically 5-10% lower than claimed, especially if you use maximum ANC and volume.
Are Skullcandy headphones waterproof?
No, but they're water-resistant. All three models carry IP54 ratings, which means they survive splashes, sweat, and light rain but aren't designed for submersion or swimming. Don't intentionally submerge them, and rinse them with fresh water after salt-water exposure.
Can I use these for phone calls?
Yes, all three models include microphones and work with phone calls, video meetings, and voice assistants. The Aviator ANC has a dual-mic setup that reduces background noise during calls—noticeably better than the single mics on the Push earbuds. If calls are a primary use case, the Aviator is worth the extra cost.
Do these work with both iPhone and Android?
Yes, all three use standard Bluetooth 5.0 and pair with any smartphone, tablet, or computer with Bluetooth. There's no proprietary app required, though Skullcandy does offer an optional app for firmware updates and EQ customisation (available on iOS and Android).
