If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones and want quality audio without breaking the bank, skullcandy headphones Alternatives have likely caught your eye. However, you may want to consider some alternatives that offer better sound, comfort, and features. Luckily there are tons of Skullcandy headphone alternatives and competitors available on Amazon at various price points.
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This article covers the top 10 skullcandy headphones Alternatives you can find on Amazon in the US, Canada, and Australia. We’ll overview headphone specs, pricing, and pros and cons of each option to help you determine the best choice for your needs and budget.
Overview of Skullcandy Headphones
Founded in 2003, Skullcandy is one of the most recognizable names in headphones and earbuds. The company focuses on stylish, colorfully designed audio products tailored to younger consumers and those who enjoy action sports and an active lifestyle.
Many Skullcandy headphone models, like the Skullcandy Hesh line or their wireless Bluetooth offerings, are priced under $100. They emphasize bass sound with their Supreme Sound technology. Comfort and stability are also prioritized in their designs.
Common downsides to Skullcandy headphones cited by critics and consumers include cheaper build materials, lack of replaceable parts, and average sound quality – especially in higher frequency ranges. But those looking for affordable, eye-catching headphones with punchy bass often flock to Skullcandy.
Now let’s explore 10 top-rated skullcandy headphones Alternatives that may better suit your audio needs and budget.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $278.00 |
| Wireless: | Yes, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Noise Cancellation: | Yes, adaptive ANC |
| Battery Life: | 30 hours (NC on) |
| Rating: | 4.7/5 |
Overview: The Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones are consistently ranked among the best wireless noise-canceling headphones on the market. The adaptive noise cancellation automatically adjusts to your environment to block external sound. They also feature a comfortably padded design ideal for long listening sessions.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass response and clear mids/highs
- Leading noise-canceling technologyblocks even airplane cabin noise
- Lightweight, extremely comfortable on head and ears
- 30+ hour battery life
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to Skullcandy models
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- Potential audio sync issues when watching video
Best For: Frequent travelers, commuters, and anyone who wants premium, customizable sound and top-tier noise cancellation in wireless over-ear headphones.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $299 |
| Wireless: | Yes, Bluetooth and NFC pairing |
| Noise Cancellation: | Yes, adjustable ANC |
| Battery Life: | 20 hours (NC on) |
| Rating: | 4.5/5 |
Overview: With signature Bose noise cancellation built-in, the QuietComfort 35 II headphones offer wireless Bluetooth connectivity and work with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice services. The comfortable around-ear design provides immersive sound isolation.
Pros:
- Flagship-level noise cancellation blocks ambient sounds
- Balanced audio profile with clear details
- Support for digital assistants via built-in mic
- Long battery life at 20+ hours
Cons:
- Lacks support high-resolution audio codecs
- Bass response could be better
- Expensive compared to Skullcandy
Best For: Travelers, commuters, and anyone else needing noise reduction and smart assistant support from their wireless over-ear headphones.
3. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $249.98 |
| Wireless: | Yes, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Noise Cancellation: | Yes, adaptive ANC |
| Battery Life: | 17 hours (NC on) |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
Overview: Featuring genuine leather ear cups and headband, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 headphones provide exceptional sound powered by the German audio company’s proprietary transducer technology. The adaptive noise canceling and bass-rich sound make these a popular pick.
Pros:
- Luxurious materials offer premium feel
- Customizable sound via app EQ
- Clear and energetic sound across frequency ranges
- AptX and AptX Low Latency support
Cons:
- More expensive than average Skullcandy models
- Noise cancellation isn’t best-in-class
- Battery life slightly shorter than competitors
Best For: Buyers wanting stylish, great-sounding wireless over-ear headphones with noise cancellation and custom sound profiles.
4. Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $149.99 |
| Wireless: | Yes, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Noise Cancellation: | Yes, SmartScale ANC |
| Battery Life | 36 hours (ANC on) |
| Rating: | 4.4/5 |
Overview: Utilizing Jabra’s proprietary SmartSound audio technology, the Elite 85h headphones analyze your environment and auto-adjust sound to customize music, phone calls, and more. The sturdy design offers all-day comfort and call handling.
Pros:
- Class-leading 36 hour battery life
- Durable build quality
- Balanced sound across frequency curve
- Integrates with Amazon Alexa
Cons:
- Noise cancellation could be better
- Controls take getting used to
- Lacks higher resolution codec support
Best For: Buyers wanting extra long battery life and fully featured wireless headphones with customizable sound.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $149 |
| Wireless: | No, wired only |
| Noise Cancellation: | No |
| Rating: | 4.7/5 |
Overview: The ATH-M50x model continues Audio-Technica’s reputation for pro-grade studio monitor headphones. They feature large 45mm drivers and soft earpads designed for exceptional comfort during long mixing/listening sessions. Detachable cables add convenience.
Pros:
- Highly detailed, balanced audio tuning
- Very comfortable fit for extended wear
- Relatively affordable price
- Collapsible design great for traveling
Cons:
- Lacks wireless support
- Music leak can bother others nearby
- Not specifically tuned for mobile use
Best For: Studio professionals, music aficionados, and analytical listeners seeking accurate wired headphones for home/studio.
6. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $159 |
| Wireless: | No, wired only |
| Noise Cancellation: | No |
| Rating: | 4.8/5 |
Overview: Offering a closed-back design good for isolating sound, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones feature a rugged build with quality components. They reproduce audio with a slight bass emphasis great for modern music genres.
Pros:
- Very durable construction
- Great noise isolation
- Fun, bass-rich sound
- Detachable coiled cable
Cons:
- Non-detachable padsf
- Tight clamping pressure on head
- Lacks in-line playback controls
Best For: Music listeners wanting a wired, closed-back headphone that can withstand regular use and travel while delivering driving bass and lively sound.
7. AKG K371 Over-Ear Closed-Back Studio Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $111.45 |
| Wireless: | No, wired only |
| Noise Cancellation: | No |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
Overview: Providing excellent sound quality for professional studio applications, the AKG K371 headphones have 50mm drivers for spacious, well-balanced audio reproduction. Though wired-only, their closed-back design aids sound isolation.
Pros:
- Wide yet accurate frequency response
- Durable build with metal reinforcement
- Comfortable for long sessions
- High sensitivity picks up detail
Cons:
- Ear cups may feel small to some
- Non-detachable cable
- Lacks stylish design accents
Best For: Sound engineers, podcasters, musicians, and discerning listeners wanting pro-grade studio headphones without breaking the bank.
8. Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $149 |
| Wireless: | No, wired only |
| Noise Cancellation: | No |
| Rating: | 4.7/5 |
Overview: Pursuing accuracy above all else, the Shure SRH840 headphones utilize 40mm drivers to deliver detailed, balanced sound across the full frequency spectrum. The collapsible, padded circumaural design maximizes long-term comfort.
Pros:
- Very linear, uncolored sound reproduction
- Adjustable headband and fit
- Good passive noise isolation
- Durable construction to withstand regular use
Cons:
- Bulky, less-stylish aesthetics
- Lacks noise cancellation and wireless options
- Ear pads could offer more padding
Best For: Musicians, recording engineers, podcasters, and detail-focused listeners wanting a durable wired headphone prioritizing balanced, fatigue-free sound.
9. Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $59.99 |
| Wireless: | No, wired only |
| Noise Cancellation: | No |
| Rating: | 4.4/5 |
Overview: Standing as an affordable open-back audiophile headphones option, the Philips SHP9500 feature 50mm neodymium drivers and a lightweight suspended headband design. They lack noise cancellation and wireless support but offer impressive sound.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive price
- Comfortable for 3-4 hour listening sessions
- Detailed soundstage and tonal balance
- Excellent price-to-performance value
Cons:
- Flimsy and fragile physical build
- Ear pads wear out over time
- Open-back allows sound leakage
Best For: Budget-focused buyers wanting audiophile-level home listening from an open-back wired headphone costing a fraction of competitors.
10. Grado SR80e Prestige Series Headphones
| Specs | Details |
| Price | $99 |
| Wireless: | No, wired only |
| Noise Cancellation: | No |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
Overview: Utilizing proprietary drivers and a specially tuned acoustic design, the Grado SR80e deliver exceptionally detailed and tonally accurate audio reproduction. Their durable yet lightweight build features retro aesthetics.
Pros:
- Very open, detailed midrange and treble
- Intimate acoustic soundstage
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Handmade in Brooklyn, NY
Cons:
- Lacks wireless and noise cancellation
- Less bass impact than competitors
- Sound leakage from open-back design
Best For: Traditionally-styled open-back headphones from an acclaimed U.S. audio company, perfect for vocal-focused music or acoustic genres.
What Should You Consider When Buying skullcandy headphones Alternatives?
There are a few key factors to weigh when comparing Skullcandy alternatives:
Budget – Skullcandy headphones skew affordable, with most under $150.Third-party options range from $60 to almost $300. Set price expectations before shopping.
Sound Quality – Assess sound profiles when researching reviews. Seek pairs with clear mids/highs if Skullcandy bass emphasis is too much.
Noise Cancellation – Skullcandy doesn’t offer active noise cancellation. Competitors like Sony and Bose have excellent noise reducing technologies to isolate sound.
Wireless – Modern Bluetooth headphone alternatives offer better connectivity than Skullcandy’s older models, some even supporting higher fidelity codecs.
Comfort – Over-ear alternatives with ample padding like Sony and Sennheiser may better suit longer listening sessions.
Battery Life – Wireless alternative models often last upwards of 20 to 30 hours for travelers and commuters needing extended use between charges.
Skullcandy Headphones Alternatives FAQ
Q: Are there on-ear alternatives to Skullcandy?
A: Yes, consider options like the Grado SR80e or Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones for on-ear models with better sound quality.
Q: Do Skullcandy competitors offer better bass?
A: Alternatives like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO reproduce very powerful bass if Skullcandy’s bass emphasis is lacking for you.
Q: What are the most affordable Skullcandy competitors?
A: Quality budget-friendly alternatives include the Philips SHP9500 open-back headphones and Jabra Elite 45h on-ear wireless headphones.
Q: Which headphones have the best noise cancellation?
A: The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones feature industry-leading adaptive noise cancelling technologies to block external distractions.
Conclusion
While Skullcandy headphones emphasize unique style and signature bass-forward sound, their audio and build quality has room for improvement. Luckily there are lots of skullcandy headphones Alternatives available that offer superior comfort, battery life, connectivity, noise isolation, and customization for similar or lesser price points.
Top Skullcandy competitors on Amazon include premium brands like Sony and Bose for travelers wanting luxury features. More affordable yet high performing alternatives from Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, AKG and Grado also exist for great home listening. Evaluate sound profiles and features against your preferences to determine the best Skullcandy alternative headphone for your personal needs and budget.