Wireless earbuds have become an essential tech accessory for many, allowing us to conveniently listen to music and take calls without dealing with annoying wires. Two popular brands known for their Bluetooth earbuds are JBL and Skullcandy, but which one reigns supreme?
Let’s dive in and compare the key features and performance of these wireless earbud heavyweights to help you decide which is better for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | JBL | Skullcandy |
| Sound Quality | Rich, clean and balanced sound | Bass-heavy with sculpted highs |
| Noise Cancellation | Active noise cancellation on many models | Lacks noise cancellation (except Crusher Evo) |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 rating on most models | IP55 rating on most models |
| Battery Life | Around 5-8 hrs per charge | Up to 9 hrs per charge |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.1 | Mainly Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Comfort | Secure and stable fit | Lightweight and comfortable fit |
| Voice Assistant Support | Google Assistant and Siri supported | Google Assistant and Siri supported |
| Price | $100 – $200 range | Under $100 for most models |
Sound Quality
JBL is well known for delivering rich, powerful audio in its speakers and headphones thanks to its audio engineering expertise. This excellent sound quality carries over to most of its wireless earbud models which produce clean and well-balanced audio with emphasis on the lows and highs. The sound profile is fun, energetic and ideal for pop, hip-hop, EDM and podcasts.
Skullcandy earbuds also excel at audio performance with a sound profile that is tuned towards amplified bass and sculpted highs. The result is dynamic and immersive audio that adds excitement and thump to your music. However, the bass can get muddy at times and overpower the mids. Overall, Skullcandy earbuds are great for bass lovers who enjoy genres like rap, reggae and rock.
When it comes to pure audio fidelity though, JBL wireless earbuds like the Tune 125TWS have a slight edge over Skullcandy with their richer and more balanced sound. However, Skullcandy still delivers very satisfying audio quality, especially for the price.
Design And Fit
JBL and Skullcandy both offer a variety of earbud designs to suit different preferences. JBL earbuds like the Reflect Flow Pro have an athletic-inspired shape and angled nozzles that securely fit in your ear. They stay put remarkably well even during intense workouts.
Skullcandy earbuds are slimmer and more discreet in design. Models like the Indy Evo are lightweight and fit very comfortably in the ear canal. You can wear them for hours without fatigue. An over-ear hook on some Skullcandy models offers added support and stability during activity.
Comfort andstability are excellent on both brands although JBL earbuds have a slight advantage for fitness activities thanks to their sweat-proof, sporty designs. For everyday casual use though, Skullcandy earbuds are tad more comfortable.
Features And Controls
When it comes to features, JBL packs in a ton of functionality into its wireless earbuds. Many models like the Live Free NC+ offer active noise cancellation to block out ambient sound. You also get useful features like ambient aware mode to let in outside sound when needed. Controls are seamlessly integrated with capacitive touch buttons to control calls, music, volume and voice assistants.
Skullcandy earbuds are not too far behind with great features of their own like Tile tracking which helps find lost earbuds, Spotify Tap playback controls and adjustable ambient listening modes. The controls are well implemented through the use of dedicated buttons on the earbud stem on most models. This avoids accidental touches that can happen with touch controls.
Overall, JBL edges out with more sophisticated features like noise cancellation and a headphones app with an EQ. But Skullcandy also nails the core features at an affordable price point.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial when choosing wireless earbuds so you don’t run out of juice mid-day. JBL earbuds typically offer around 5 to 8 hours battery per charge. Cases provide an additional 20+ hours. This falls in line with industry standards and is enough for a full day of listening. Quick charging gives you around an hour of playtime from a 10-minute charge.
Skullcandy also offers impressive battery life with up to 9 hours per charge on models like Indy Evo. Total battery including the case is around 30+ hours. Rapid charging gives 4 hours from 10 minutes of charging. Battery life is on par or slightly better compared to equivalent JBL models.
Also Read: Is Bose Earbuds Better Than Beats Earbuds?
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancelling tech uses tiny microphones to counter outside noise and let you enjoy your audio distraction-free. JBL takes the lead here with excellent active noise cancellation featured on models like the Reflect Flow Pro and Live Free NC+. It does a great job blocking out environmental noise whether you are commuting or in a busy cafe. There are also multipoint Bluetooth and transparency modes.
Most Skullcandy earbuds currently lack active noise cancellation. The ambient listening mode lets in some environmental sound but doesn’t actively cancel noise. If you want true noise cancelling from Skullcandy, the Crusher Evo model is the only option currently. Otherwise, JBL is the way to go if noise cancellation is a priority.
Water And Sweat Resistance
With both brands positioning themselves as exercise earbuds, water and sweat resistance is essential. Nearly all JBL wireless earbud models have an IPX7 waterproof rating making them able to withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. You can safely workout hard in any weather without worrying about damage from sweat or rain.
Skullcandy also makes exercise a priority with IP55 water and sweat resistance rating on its wireless earbuds. They can easily handle sweaty workouts and runs in the rain. However, the JBL models edge out with their higher IPX7 rating that covers full water submersion.
Also Read: Choose Between Status Audio And AirPods Pro.
Voice Assistant Support
Having quick access to Google Assistant or Siri can be very convenient to get information, hear messages and control your smart home devices. JBL earbuds work great for this with integrated support for triggering your phone’s default voice assistant. The built-in mics allow you to make hands-free calls too.
Skullcandy also offers full support for activating voice assistants like Google Assistant with some models having dedicated assistant buttons. This allows you to quickly get help from your phone’s AI without grabbing your phone. Both brands are evenly matched when it comes to quick access to voice commands.
Connectivity And Bluetooth
Rock solid Bluetooth wireless connectivity is crucial for a seamless listening experience. JBL earbuds support the latest Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.1 standards for the best possible connectivity. Pairing is quick and easy with compatible devices. The signal remains strong and stable allowing you to roam freely up to 10 meters away. Multipoint connectivity allows pairing to two devices simultaneously.
Skullcandy also utilizes the latest Bluetooth technology for easy pairing and strong connections. Most models offer Bluetooth 5.0 but some budget options still use the older 4.2 standard. Connection stability is excellent although range may be a bit less compared to JBL at around 8 meters. Overall, both brands excel at wireless connectivity but JBL pulls ahead slightly.
Price And Value
When it comes to price, Skullcandy wireless earbuds are generally more affordable than JBL. Most Skullcandy models are priced under $100 which offers great value. Even the higher end models rarely exceed $150. This makes them very budget friendly and appealing to younger buyers.
JBL earbuds range from around $100 to $200 putting them at a slight premium over Skullcandy. You do get more advanced features and design for the extra cost. But dollar for dollar, Skullcandy edges out JBL when it comes to pure value and bang for your buck. Also watch this video!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
JBL wireless earbuds are slightly better overall thanks to their superior sound quality, waterproofing and noise cancellation features. However, Skullcandy earbuds also offer great audio and value at more budget-friendly prices.
Skullcandy earbuds edge out JLab when it comes to sound quality with their lively, bass-forward audio. JLab has good value but their cheaper models can sound tinny. However, JLab often wins on battery life. Overall Skullcandy is the better option unless you prioritize long battery life.
Yes, JBL is one of the best and most popular brands for wireless earbuds. They stand out with their excellent, rich sound, stylish and durable designs, great noise cancelling, and waterproofing. JBL earbuds are ideal for those wanting premium features and audio.
Absolutely, Skullcandy makes excellent Bluetooth earbuds focused on dynamic, bass-heavy sound. While they lack some premium features of pricier brands, Skullcandy models deliver impressive audio and battery life at very affordable prices under $100. They offer great value for budget-minded music lovers.
Also Read: Differences Between JBL 130 And 230 Wireless Earbuds.
The Verdict
For those seeking the best possible audio, features and noise cancellation, JBL is the clear winner. Models like the JBL Reflect Flow Pro deliver sensational, balanced sound with advanced functionality like noise cancelling and ambient aware modes. JBL also edges out in terms of waterproofing and connectivity making their earbuds great for active lifestyles.
However, Skullcandy puts up a strong fight with excellent audio quality tailored for bass lovers. The value is unbeatable with most Skullcandy models under $100 offering a rich feature set.
While they lack noise cancellation, comfort and stability are still great for workouts. For shoppers on a tight budget, Skullcandy earbuds offer an excellent affordable option.
Ultimately, your choice comes down to your budget and needs:
- If you want the best sound and features, choose JBL.
- If you want great value without breaking the bank, go for Skullcandy.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with these brands for awesome wireless audio on the go. Be sure to also consider warranty, style preferences and controls when picking your perfect set.
