Skullcandy Crusher Evo Review – Best or Perfect in 2024?

After using Skullcandy Crusher Evo extensively, I’m excited to share my thoughts on their performance and features. Right from the unboxing, I was impressed by their sleek design and sturdy build quality. The plush ear cushions promised comfort for long listening sessions, and I was eager to put them to the test.

As I began listening to my favorite tracks, I quickly realized that the Crusher Evo lived up to its reputation for delivering powerful bass. With the unique Sensory Bass technology, I could feel the thump in my chest, adding a new dimension to my music. But it wasn’t just about the bass; I also appreciated the clarity of the mid-range and highs, making vocals sound crisp and instruments well-defined.

I also explored the customization options through the Skullcandy app. It was great to fine-tune the sound profile to my personal preference. With various EQ settings and the haptic bass slider, I found the perfect balance that suited my taste. Let’s dive deeper into the features and performance to see how they truly stack up.

Design & Aesthetics

There is no denying the good looks of Skullcandy Crusher Evo. With a modern, sleek construction, The Skullcandy Crusher Evo has a good balance between style and practicality. Can be found in colorways such as “True Black” and “Lava Red” and the more mundane “Chill Grey”, this wireless headphone is built to look good but practical at the same time. These headphones are mostly made of matte plastic with some textile on the headband and look like the more expensive Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless design. All of the physical controls and connectors are placed on the bottom rims of the ear cups in undisturbed alignment in order to give a simple uncluttered look to the design of the headphones.

In terms of management, this over ear wireless headphone is quite simple. Volume, playback and call controls are performed via simple physical buttons, which are ordinary but very effective. A few of these controls are provided on the left ear cup, and these include the volume control button, track skip button and voice assistant activation buttons. The biggest of these buttons are large and therefore say better than any words that you will not have to guess what action each one of them will perform.

The right ear cup features a haptic bass slider, which is a unique feature of the headphone that lets users change the sensory bass on the go. Sliding the control up raises the level of this intensity, and sliding it down lowers the bass. This level of customization attracts users who enjoy deep banging bass but want to scale down this feature for other content formats or listening environments.

On the downside, this Skullcandy wireless headphone hasn’t got the passive deep shake or more advanced options like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) but users still enjoy its use in the overall experience. There will be voice commands during pairing, switching on and off and connecting, to assist the user. The call/music controls work well, but there are some caveats, such as no microphone controls or talk-through support.

This smart headphones supports Bluetooth 5.0 technology which allows you a good wireless range of about 30 feet. You can have uninterrupted communication without having any transmitter connected. For users who like audio through a cable, there is a standard 3.5mm earphone socket, which means this headphone could be used either wirelessly or with a cable. This option means one is able to continue to use the device irrespective of how low the battery is which is a plus for the audiophiles.

The most prominent aspect is the ability to personalize the bass through the haptic slider. For bass lovers, this is what distinguishes the Crusher Evo from other wireless headphones. Coupled with its rechargeable battery that withstands long hours and its quick-charging abilities and an integrated Tile tracker, this makes the Crusher Evo a rich feature offering in its category.

These types of smart headphones forgo the noise canceling technology but do provide excellent sound reproduction, most especially for genres that are bass heavy such as EDM and hip hop. It enables good clear sound reproduction in the mid and high range so that vocals and instruments are not lost in the heavy bass.

Fashionable designs combined with featured wireless headphone customization of bass and extended battery life offer convincing value. They are the best option for the competition in offering great a bass and packable features. Even if they do not offer some high end features like ANC, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo is still a good reason for people who are into wireless over ear headphones with a good sound which is fun and engaging.

Build Quality

The Skullcandy Crusher Evo feels light on the head since it is made from durable plastic and has metallic details, Creating a well designed. The wadding on lustrous ear cups also enhances the comfort of use, however, in comparison the plastic parts may feel very basic as the competition offers more metallic built. The headphones confectioned the comfy ear cups using faux leather while the headband used soft silicone with fabric cover making it ear friendly even when used for extended periods.

These are wireless headphones with good build quality, however, the hinges may be one of the weakest points in the construction and may wear out. They fit very firmly and thus can be used for normal situations such as travelling or sitting at the office. Not very effective however in more vigorous activities such as going for a run in the park or going to the gym since the headphones may be pushed off by sudden turns of the head.

These smart headphones are sturdy, well-fitted and Lightweight, which is a good thing but possible Limits their application to light everyday usage as opposed to loud & vigorous activity. For such population aimed at soft, nice-looking style and bass performance, they still provide a satisfactory response, however, it’s recommended to seek out more secure ones if engaging in regular exercises at the gym.

Comfort and Fit

When we talk about headphones, especially during long hours of listening, one of the most important aspects is comfort. There, Skullcandy Crusher Evo performs well as the earpads are adequately plush and within an imparted structure. Considering the relatively large dimensions of the ear cups, the headphones surprisingly weigh very little which to the extent helps in avoiding unnecessary tiredness during the periods of listening for too long.

For example, the Crusher Evo’s foldable feature allows it to be stored compactly when on the go making it a good option for use when traveling. But the size of the headphones is still quite large that such models may be a little cumbersome to back pack or store in small bags or purses. Regardless, the foldable and lightweight nature makes them easier for portability than most other over ear types.

A point to be noted is the clamping force. With regard to the pressure, most users use it easy according to recoil, but sometimes one can experience it a little pressure after wearing it for a long time. Even so, this entails that there is an adjustable portion of the headband which allows for people of different sizes.

Sound Performance

For the Skullcandy Crusher Evo wireless headphones, the sound performance is exceptional. These headphones come with strong driver units as well as a hands-free sensory bass that can be personalized, making it ideal for bass heads. The best part about the headphones is the haptic bass slider which helps you sway the amount of bass according to your liking. Now, with the fully engaged bass slider, the ear cups will generate heavy chest thumping bass that ear was made to reside in. This is quite an optional feature for those who do not mind some extra weight on the headphones especially for hip hop and EDM or heavy rock beats. But for those people who would like to listen to the more smooth rounded typologies of music, the bass on higher altitudes can probably be exhausting for the ears.

As regards the bass, these headphones provide an additional thump, rumble, and boom, as well as a swift love of extra bass, and hence, headphones are good for such as tracks which ask for a bass elevation. Some other masterpieces like “Satisfaction” by Benny Benassi underline this ability when users can feel the music, not only hear it. However, in a number of such tracks, the bass is very often too present intimidating all the other atmospherics present in the song.

The mid and high frequencies are average in performance when it comes to the Skullcandy Crusher Evo’s audiometric scales. Vocals and instruments can be heard clearly even though tracks that are quite busy cluttered may tend to have their low midrange boosted. The mid-range is reasonably well maintained, which helps the lead vocals and instruments remain well in view but there is a slight reduction in high-mid which affects some of the vocals. In any case, the soundstage is quite adequate as well, and other than the bass of course, there is a sense of room that is generally missing in such headphones.

For a performance at this price point, the treble is acceptable although there are a couple of issues. For one, a lot of the low-treble seems to be missing which can cover certain finer details in vocals and some instruments, but on the other hand, excessive mid-treble makes soft sibilants such as cymbals more extreme than they should be. This is often the case especially while listening to orchestral music or heavy fast songs with a lot of high frequencies. Other factors like the stereo fullness (and lack thereof) in high-bass and mid-treble differ too far from each driver for rainbow testings whereby lower frequency lead vocals and instrumentation tend to be thin and their placement rudeliopathic.

For users who wish to adjust the sound, the headphones feature some EQs that are available through the companion app. Nevertheless, there is no appropriate individual equalizer, limiting the adjustment to be made; even the equalizer option does not offer much. Where the features suffice sound options, it is unlikely that they will be adequate for audiophiles who are particular about their sound needs.

Other than these minor areas of improvement, the Crusher Evo performs quite well in areas such as hip-hop, EDM, and rock, where bass fortifies the listening experience. Thanks to the slider, users can appreciate both the low end and the high end depending on their ability to appreciate bass in one extreme. The headphones definitely do not disappoint with providing low frequency but the higher frequencies, especially the mid and trebles could use some tuning.

This smart headphone should be in the hands of anyone who enjoys prominent bass and intends to use the headphones for various media. Haptic bass slider, not because they are the other features but because they define the other available features of this universal wireless headphone. The mid range and high range are still not perfect but quite fine, fit for use while listening to various types of genres.

Isolation

The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones don’t offer great noise isolation. Since they don’t have active noise cancelling, they struggle to block out low-pitched sounds like the hum of a bus engine or the drone of an airplane cabin. You’ll still be able to hear voices around you, though they might sound a bit muffled. High-pitched noises, like the screech of subway brakes, are where these headphones perform best when it comes to isolating sound, but it’s limited to passive isolation only.

If you’re working in an office or commuting, you’ll likely still hear people around you or other background noises. So, these headphones aren’t the best option if you’re looking for something that completely cuts out surrounding sounds.

In terms of sound leakage, they perform decently. The sound that escapes isn’t too disruptive, though it can be noticeable, especially with higher-pitched sounds like cymbals in songs. If you’re listening at a louder volume, people nearby might catch parts of the music, but the bass stays contained and doesn’t leak much. It’s mainly the mid-range and trebly sounds that might be heard in quiet spaces.

MicroPhone Style and Quality 

The integrated microphone on the Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones has an average performance overall. When you use the mic, your voice will come through, but it may sound a little muffled. It won’t capture the sharpness or clarity of your speech as well as higher-quality mics do. However, you’ll still sound mostly like yourself, so people can recognize your voice. If you tend to speak loudly, the microphone can get overwhelmed, and this could affect how clearly you’re heard. When the mic gets overloaded, it could make your voice harder to understand.

In terms of its design, the mic is built into the headphones, so there’s no detachable boom or inline option. It’s just the integrated mic, which is always there, ready to use when you need it.

The microphone also struggles when it comes to handling background noise. If you’re in a noisy environment, like a busy street or a loud café, the mic may have trouble distinguishing your voice from the background sounds. This could make it harder for the person on the other end of the call to hear you clearly. On the other hand, if the noise around you is steady and not too disruptive, like a fan or air conditioner, your voice will still be understandable, though the background noise might still be a little distracting.

The microphone’s performance is decent for casual use but may not be the best option if you’re looking for something that offers high clarity in loud or noisy environments.

Batter Quality and Life 

The Skullcandy Crusher Evo has a rechargeable battery, which means you can use them repeatedly without needing to replace the batteries like the Beats Studio Pro and Beats Solo3. When fully charged, they offer a continuous battery life of about 34.1 hours, which is impressive for extended listening sessions. However, it’s important to note that the manufacturer originally advertised a battery life of 40 hours. The actual time we measured was slightly lower, but still substantial. Keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on how you use the headphones, such as the volume level or whether noise-canceling features are active.

These headphones don’t have any additional charges beyond their initial capacity, so their total battery life remains at 34.1 hours. If you find yourself in need of a quick charge, they do offer a convenient quick-charge feature. According to the manufacturer, just 10 minutes of charging via the USB-C port can provide around four hours of playback. This is especially useful if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for a full charge, which takes about 3.3 hours.

One downside is that these headphones don’t come with any power-saving features. That means they won’t automatically turn off to conserve battery when not in use, which could reduce battery life if you forget to turn them off manually. However, you can still listen to audio while they’re charging, which is a handy feature if you don’t want to pause your listening experience while waiting for the battery to recharge.

Additionally, these headphones support passive playback, meaning you can continue using them even when the battery is completely drained. You’ll just need to plug them in using the included 1/8″ TRRS audio cable to keep the music going. The charging port is USB-C, which is common and widely used, making it easy to find a replacement cable if needed. Overall, the battery performance of these headphones is quite good, with some convenient features to keep your listening uninterrupted.

Connectivity

Bluetooth Connectivity & Performance

The Bluetooth performance of the Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones is generally satisfactory, though it does have some limitations. These headphones use Bluetooth version 5.0, which offers a reliable and strong connection. However, they do not support multi-device pairing, meaning you can only connect to one device at a time. This can be a bit inconvenient if you frequently switch between your phone, tablet, or computer, as you’ll need to manually disconnect and reconnect each time.

There is no NFC pairing available either, so you won’t be able to quickly pair these headphones by tapping them against a compatible device. Instead, you’ll have to connect them through the standard Bluetooth settings on your device.

In terms of Bluetooth range, these headphones perform quite well. They have a line-of-sight range of about 290 feet, or 88.39 meters, which is impressive and allows for a lot of mobility while staying connected to your device. However, things like walls or other interference can shorten this range.

When it comes to latency, or the delay between audio and video, it varies depending on the device you’re using. For PC users, the latency over SBC (Subband Codec) is about 228 milliseconds, which can result in a noticeable lag when watching videos or playing games. Unfortunately, they don’t support aptX or any of its variants like aptX HD or aptX Low Latency (aptX-LL), which are codecs designed to reduce delay in Bluetooth connections.

If you’re using these headphones with an iOS device, the latency is slightly lower, at around 136 milliseconds. On Android devices, it’s about 139 milliseconds. This latency is enough to create a slight lip-sync mismatch when watching videos or movies. While it doesn’t make the content unwatchable, it might be annoying if you’re sensitive to this kind of lag. If you primarily use the headphones for listening to music or podcasts, this latency won’t be much of an issue since audio playback doesn’t require perfect synchronization.

Connectivity for Games

If you want to use the Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones with your PlayStation console, you’ll need to connect them using their analog cable. This cable plugs directly into your PS4 or PS5 controller’s AUX port, allowing you to enjoy both audio and microphone functionality. So, you’ll be able to hear in-game sounds and chat with friends through the mic without any problems.

However, it’s important to note that these headphones don’t support wired USB or wireless connections with either the PS4 or PS5. That means there’s no option to use them via USB or any non-Bluetooth wireless connection. You’ll have to stick with the analog connection for PlayStation use.

One key thing to keep in mind is that you should disable the haptic bass feature when using these headphones with your PlayStation. The haptic bass, which adds extra vibration for deeper bass, can interfere with the microphone when the headphones are plugged into the controller. Turning this feature off will help avoid any potential issues with the mic during gameplay.

Connectivity for Computer or Laptop

The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones can easily connect to your computer or laptop, whether it’s Bluetooth-enabled or not. If your PC or laptop supports Bluetooth, you can pair the headphones wirelessly and enjoy both audio and microphone functionality without any additional cables.

If your device doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can still use the headphones by connecting them with their analog cable. This also provides full audio and microphone compatibility, so you’ll be able to listen to audio and use the mic for calls or gaming.

One important thing to note is the haptic bass function. While it’s a fun feature that enhances bass for a deeper sound experience, it can cause problems with the microphone if you’re using the headphones in wired mode. The mic quality may become inconsistent if the bass slider is turned on. To avoid this, make sure to turn off the haptic bass when you need to use the mic over a wired connection.

These headphones don’t support wired USB or non-Bluetooth wireless connections, so you’ll need to rely on Bluetooth or the analog cable. Overall, they offer solid connectivity options for computers and laptops, but turning off the haptic bass during mic use is key for the best performance.

Final Verdict

The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones offer a solid sound experience, especially for those who appreciate a balanced audio profile. They are designed with bass enthusiasts in mind, but they also cater to those who prefer a more neutral sound. If you want to enjoy your music without the bass overwhelming the rest of the mix, you can easily adjust the haptic bass setting. Setting it to the lowest level allows you to hear the music clearly without too much thump, rumble, or boom getting in the way.

However, even at higher settings, these headphones maintain a strong bass presence, which can enhance your listening experience if you enjoy deep, resonant sounds. The balanced mid-range ensures that vocals and other important elements in the mix remain clear and prominent. This is especially beneficial for music that is vocal-centric, such as pop or acoustic tracks, where clarity is crucial.

If you find that the default sound isn’t quite right for you, the Skullcandy app provides options to customize your audio further. With three additional EQ presets, you can tailor the sound to fit your preferences. Whether you want more treble, mid-range, or bass, these presets make it easy to adjust. The haptic bass slider is another fantastic feature, allowing you to control the bass intensity according to your liking.

Overall, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones offer versatility and quality in sound. They are suitable for a variety of listening preferences, making them a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or enjoying podcasts, these headphones can provide an enjoyable and personalized sound experience.

FAQs

Is this best for sports? 

The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones can enhance your workout experience with their powerful sound and comfort. However, if you’re heavily into sports or need something specifically designed for high-intensity activities, you might want to explore other options with better durability and sweat resistance. For casual workouts or gym sessions, they perform well and offer a motivating audio experience.