Skullcandy, a renowned name in the audio industry, has recently unveiled two new products in its lineup, offering customers a choice between affordable noise-cancelling earbuds and a battery life champion. In this comprehensive review, we will dive deep into the world of Skullcandy’s noise-cancelling headphones, examining their features, performance, design, and value for money. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what sets Skullcandy apart from its competitors and whether their noise-cancelling headphones are the right choice for you.
Also read: Can I use bose cube speakers with any receiver.
1. Introduction to Skullcandy
1.1 Company Overview
Skullcandy is a leading headphone and earphone brand known for its stylish designs, innovative features, and affordable pricing. Established in 2003, the company has grown rapidly and now offers a wide range of audio products that cater to different tastes and preferences.
1.2 Product Range
Skullcandy’s product range includes a variety of headphones and earbuds, such as in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear options, as well as wired and wireless models. With a focus on delivering high-quality audio performance, the brand has garnered a loyal fan base around the world.
Also read: The 18 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
2. Skullcandy’s Noise-Cancelling Headphones
2.1 The New $100 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Rail ANC
Skullcandy’s Rail ANC earbuds are the brand’s latest offering, boasting active noise cancellation (ANC) technology and a sleek, semi-transparent design. Available in a single “True Black” colorway, these earbuds are designed to provide a universally ergonomic fit, ensuring comfort and stability during use.
2.2 The Battery Life Champ: Rail
The more affordable sibling of the Rail ANC, the standard Rail earbuds do not feature active noise cancellation. However, they compensate for this with an impressive 42 hours of total battery life, including the charging case, making them an attractive option for those who prioritize long-lasting battery performance.
3. Key Features of Skullcandy’s Noise-Cancelling Headphones
3.1 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Rail ANC earbuds use digital active noise cancellation technology to effectively reduce ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without distractions.
3.2 Personal Sound via Skullcandy App
Both the Rail ANC and Rail earbuds are compatible with the Skullcandy app, which allows users to customize their audio experience by adjusting the equalizer settings and creating a personal sound profile based on their unique hearing.
3.3 Battery Life and Charging
The Rail ANC earbuds offer up to 10 hours of playback time with ANC switched off and up to 38 hours of total battery life when factoring in the charging case. The standard Rail earbuds provide up to 8 hours of playback time and an impressive 42 hours of total battery life with the charging case. The Rail ANC model also supports wireless charging for added convenience.
3.4 IP55 Water and Dust Resistance
Both the Rail ANC and Rail earbuds are designed to withstand the elements, with an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. This makes them suitable for use during workouts and outdoor activities.
3.5 Hands-Free Voice Commands and Multipoint Pairing
Skullcandy’s proprietary Skull-IQ technology enables users to control their earbuds using hands-free voice commands. Additionally, multipoint pairing allows you to connect your earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between them as needed.
4. Design and Build Quality
4.1 Aesthetics
Skullcandy’s noise-cancelling headphones feature a semi-transparent design that showcases the brand’s unmistakable logo. The “True Black” colorway adds a touch of elegance, making the earbuds suitable for both casual and professional settings.
4.2 Ergonomics and Comfort
The Rail ANC and Rail earbuds are designed with a universally ergonomic fit, ensuring that they stay securely in place during use. The earbuds come with various ear tip sizes and stability ear gels to provide a customized fit for maximum comfort.
5. Audio Performance
5.1 Sound Quality
Skullcandy’s noise-cancelling headphones are tuned to deliver a balanced and immersive audio experience. The personal sound feature in the Skullcandy app allows users to fine-tune the audio according to their preferences, ensuring optimal sound quality across different genres of music.
5.2 Noise Cancellation
The Rail ANC earbuds use digital active noise cancellation technology to effectively block out ambient noise. This allows you to focus on your music without distractions, making them ideal for use in noisy environments such as public transport or busy streets.
6. Connectivity and Compatibility
6.1 Bluetooth 5.0
Both the Rail ANC and Rail earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, ensuring stable and seamless wireless connections with your devices.
6.2 Multipoint Pairing
The multipoint pairing feature allows you to connect your earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between them as needed.
7. Pricing and Value for Money
7.1 Rail ANC Pricing
Currently priced at $99.99, the Rail ANC earbuds offer an affordable alternative to premium noise-cancelling headphones without compromising on features and performance.
7.2 Rail Pricing
The standard Rail earbuds, which prioritize battery life over noise cancellation, are available at an even lower price point, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
8. Customer Reviews and Feedback
Overall, customers have praised Skullcandy’s noise-cancelling headphones for their impressive audio performance, comfortable fit, and affordable pricing. However, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues and limited resizing options for the earbuds. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of users are satisfied with their purchase and would recommend Skullcandy’s noise-cancelling headphones to others.
9. Alternatives to Skullcandy’s Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you’re considering other options in the noise-cancelling headphone market, some popular alternatives include the Apple AirPods Pro, Sony LinkBuds S, and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. These models may differ in terms of price, features, and design, so it’s essential to compare them based on your specific needs and preferences.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, Skullcandy’s noise-cancelling headphones offer an appealing combination of features, performance, and affordability. With a sleek design, comfortable fit, and customizable audio settings, these earbuds are a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience without breaking the bank.
