Every so often you come across a slice of tech that truly swings for the fences. The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones definitely do that, so much so they could be quite polarising but for a certain kind of user they'll be the perfect match.
You see the Crushers are less than just a pair of headphones and more a bass delivery system! They made me laugh out loud at some points as I found them tremendously fun but beware: they might not be for everyone.
From first glance they look very much like the usual over-the-ear affair, coming in a slick black with a nice matte finish (you can also get them in red, white or blue). Connecting to your phone or other Bluetooth device is quick and simple, while the controls are - thank the lord - physical buttons on either side.
Among those buttons is a wheel that controls the 'Crusher Bass' which, when turned up, is almost insane. By pulling up the low end to 11 and kicking in vibration motors to deliver an experience that few other headphones can match. It mimics going to a club and standing right next to a speaker. You can literally feel the music in your bones!
Now if you're a true audiophile you'll no doubt complain about how the mids and highs can find themselves drowned out, and this is true. But chances are you'll be having so much fun you won't much care. For bass enthusiasts, this feature is a game-changer.
In terms of features away from the bass, the Crusher 2 offers a straightforward experience. There’s a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, and the controls are easy to use, allowing you to adjust volume, skip tracks, and take calls without reaching for your phone. The headphones also come with a folding design for portability, making them easy to store in a bag or the supplied case when not in use.
Battery life is a real strong point, with the Crusher 2 offering up to 60 hours of playback on a single charge. This is more than enough for a few days of regular use, and they also have a quick-charge feature, providing four hours of playback from just ten minutes of charging.
ANC is OK, nothing more than that to be honest. But they are comfy and the nice fit means you're pretty well insulated from outside noise anyway. Another slight niggle was the multipoint feature sometimes switched devices when you wouldn't want to.
The Skullcandy app is well-designed and allows you to change levels for a more personalised sound. You can also activate the voice control feature which I found to be really useful and reliable. You can also track them down if you misplace them as they are Tile compatible.
The Skullcandy Crusher 2 headphones are must-haves if you prioritise bass above all else. The adjustable bass slider is a unique feature that sets these headphones apart from others in their price range. However, the sound quality, while good, may not satisfy those looking for a more balanced and detailed listening experience. If you’re a bass lover who values comfort, portability, and long battery life, the Crusher 2 are a no-brainer. For those who seek pristine audio quality across all frequencies, it might be worth exploring other options.
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones are available from the Skullcandy store for £199.99.
What users say
Sam Bundy: Use them for the gym and the active noise cancelling is perfect for helping me focus and keep me in the zone. Best pair of headphones I've had, tried other brands around the same price point (£150 - £200) and honestly nothing comparable for what I need them for. Have used at the gym every day for a week and battery is only at 80% too which is amazing.
Amazon Customer: Good well-made headphones with a great sound but the crusher is too much of a gimmick to be used all the time. App is good and ANC is adequate but could be better. I got these on an Amazon prime deal so definitely can’t complain but if I’d paid full price I might regret it a little.
Alternatives
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
