Skullcandy Crusher Evo
Skullcandy
First Impressions: A Headphone Built Around a Gimmick That Actually Works
Skullcandy built its reputation on being the loud, unapologetic alternative to the polished, minimalist audio brands that dominate store shelves. The Crusher Evo doesn't try to hide that heritage — it leans into it. This is a pair of over-ear wireless headphones engineered around one central idea: bass isn't something you should just hear, it's something you should feel. Whether that idea sounds like a gimmick or a genuine upgrade to your listening experience depends entirely on what you're looking for, and that's exactly what this review is here to sort out.
Before getting into the details, it's worth setting expectations correctly. This isn't a noise-cancelling headphone competing with premium travel companions, and it isn't a minimalist audiophile product either. It's a mid-range, bass-obsessed pair of cans with a genuinely clever party trick, backed by battery life that punches well above its price point.
Design, Build Quality, and the Physical Experience
The Crusher Evo doesn't scream for attention the way older Skullcandy models did with oversized branding and neon colourways. In black, the design is restrained — a soft-touch matte finish across the earcups and headband, with subtle grey detailing on the skull logos rather than the loud graphics the brand used to be known for. It's a look that could pass for a considerably pricier headphone on a shop shelf.
Build quality follows the same theme of "better than you'd expect at this price." The earcups fold flat for storage, a genuinely useful feature if you're travelling or just don't want a headphone taking up desk space when it's not in use. The included travel bag reinforces that this is a product designed to be carried around, not just used at home.
Comfort During Long Sessions
Comfort comes down to three things on this headphone: the leather-wrapped ear pieces, the adjustable headband, and how evenly the clamping force is distributed. The ear pads are soft enough to wear for extended stretches — think a long-haul flight or a full work shift — without the pressure points that cheaper synthetic leather pads tend to cause. The headband adjustment mechanism is simple and tactile, so getting a secure, level fit doesn't take fiddling.
The one trade-off worth flagging: headphones built around haptic bass drivers and full-size 40mm speakers tend to run heavier than typical over-ears, and the Crusher Evo is no exception. It sits toward the heavier end of the over-ear category. Most people won't notice this during normal listening, but if you're sensitive to headphone weight during multi-hour sessions, it's a factor worth testing in person if possible.
The Crusher Bass Experience: Sound You Can Actually Feel
This is the headline feature, and it's genuinely different from what most competitors offer. Rather than simply tuning the frequency response to emphasise low end — which is how most "bass-heavy" headphones work — Skullcandy has built in a separate haptic bass system, distinct from the main audio drivers, that physically vibrates against your ears in sync with the low frequencies in your music. It's less "louder bass" and more "bass you feel through your skull," which is exactly the sensation the product name promises.
Critically, this isn't an all-or-nothing feature. A manual slider on the earcup lets you dial the intensity up or down in real time, all the way down to off. That adjustability is what elevates this from novelty to genuinely useful design — you can crank it for a bass-driven playlist and dial it back to near-zero for a podcast or a work call, without needing to dig into an app or settings menu.
Underneath the bass gimmick sits a competent, full-range sound signature. Independent hands-on testing has found that with the bass slider turned down, the Crusher Evo actually produces a fairly balanced, accurate frequency response — cymbals and vocal detail come through clearly rather than being buried under low-end. In other words, the haptic bass system is additive rather than a crutch covering for a poorly tuned headphone underneath.
Personal Sound: Tuning Audio to Your Own Hearing
Beyond the bass slider, the Crusher Evo includes a feature that's genuinely uncommon at this price: a personalised hearing profile, built through a short in-app hearing test. Rather than applying a generic equalizer curve, the system analyses how you individually perceive different frequencies and adjusts the output to compensate — the goal being clearer detail and less listening fatigue without needing to push the volume higher than necessary. Alongside this, the companion app offers simpler preset EQ modes tuned for music, movies, and podcasts, so you're not locked into building a custom profile if you'd rather just pick a preset and go.
Everyday Usability: Controls, Calls, and Flexibility
One of the more practical strengths of this headphone is that it doesn't force you into a single way of listening. You get:
- Full wireless Bluetooth connectivity, with a usable range of around 10 metres before the connection starts to degrade — enough to walk around a room or leave your phone on a desk while you move about.
- A detachable 3.5mm wired option, using a short auxiliary cable, for situations where Bluetooth isn't practical — in-flight entertainment systems, older gaming setups, or simply when the battery runs flat.
- On-ear physical controls for volume, track skipping, and repeat, so you rarely need to pull your phone out mid-session.
- A built-in microphone for handling calls without switching to a separate headset.
That wired fallback deserves a specific callout: even with the battery fully drained, you can plug in and keep listening, just without the haptic bass effect, since that feature needs power to function. It's a small design decision, but it means a dead battery doesn't turn an expensive headphone into a paperweight.
The one connectivity limitation worth knowing about upfront: the Crusher Evo pairs with one device at a time. If you regularly bounce between a laptop and a phone and expect the headphone to intelligently switch between both without re-pairing, that's not a feature this model offers.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
This is where the Crusher Evo genuinely separates itself from a lot of the competition. Skullcandy rates the headphone for up to 40 hours of continuous playback on a single charge — and independent battery testing has actually exceeded that figure under real-world conditions, suggesting the manufacturer's number is a conservative estimate rather than a best-case marketing figure. For context, that's the kind of runtime that turns "did I charge my headphones" into a once-a-week question rather than a nightly ritual, even for people who listen for a few hours daily.
Up to 40 hours
Rated continuous playback on a single charge
10 min = 4 hours
Rapid charge playback returned from a short top-up
Charging is handled over USB-C, and the headphone supports fast charging: roughly 10 minutes on the charger returns about 4 hours of playback, which is enough to rescue a forgotten charge before a commute or a flight. Worth noting: no charging adaptor is included in the box, so you'll need your own USB power source capable of outputting between 1.2W and 6W — most standard phone chargers and laptop USB ports comfortably clear that bar.
Water Resistance and Everyday Durability
The Crusher Evo carries an IPX5 water-resistance rating, meaning it's built to handle exposure to sweat and light rain or splashing water, though it isn't designed for submersion or heavy downpours. For most buyers, this translates to peace of mind during a gym session, a jog, or getting caught in a light shower on the commute — not a green light for swimming or serious watersports use.
Who This Headphone Is For
Genuinely Built For
- Bass and EDM listeners who want a physical, felt element to their music rather than just a boosted low end.
- Commuters and travellers who value long battery life and a foldable design over active noise cancellation.
- Gamers, thanks to the wired 3.5mm option for low-latency connections to consoles or controllers, combined with the in-line mic for voice chat.
- Anyone frustrated by weak call quality on cheaper headphones, since the in-line microphone and physical controls make handling calls straightforward.
Should Look Elsewhere
- Frequent flyers or open-office workers who prioritise noise cancellation — this headphone doesn't include active noise cancelling, relying instead on passive isolation from the earcup seal.
- Anyone who regularly switches between two paired devices, since there's no multipoint Bluetooth support here.
- Weight-conscious buyers, particularly those who already find standard over-ear headphones fatiguing after long sessions, should try these on before committing if at all possible.
- Purists who want a neutral, "reference" sound signature with no coloration — while the bass slider can be turned down, the headphone's identity is built around an enhanced low end, and that's clearly the lens through which it was designed.
How It Compares to the Alternatives
Rather than comparing against specific competing models, it's more useful to think about which category of headphone actually matches your priorities:
| Priority | Bass-Forward Over-Ears (like Crusher Evo) | ANC-Focused Over-Ears | True Wireless Earbuds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical bass sensation | Yes — haptic bass, adjustable | No — EQ-based bass only | No |
| Noise cancellation | No | Yes, typically the main feature | Varies, often included at similar price |
| Battery life per charge | Very high (rated up to 40 hours) | Moderate to high, reduced with ANC active | Low (hours, not days) |
| Wired fallback option | Yes, detachable cable | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Best for | Bass enthusiasts, commuters, long sessions | Flights, open offices, focus work | Gym, portability, minimal bulk |
If active noise cancellation is your top priority, this isn't the right category of product for you regardless of brand. If long battery life, a tactile bass experience, and wired flexibility matter more than blocking out ambient noise, the Crusher Evo's category is the right one to be shopping in.
The Honest Trade-Offs
No headphone at this price point does everything well, and the Crusher Evo is no exception. Its biggest strength — the haptic bass system — is also its most polarising feature; if you don't listen to bass-driven genres, you're paying for technology you may rarely use, though the slider at least lets you switch it off entirely rather than being stuck with it. The lack of active noise cancellation and multipoint pairing are real omissions if either of those features matter to your daily routine, and the headphone's weight, while not extreme, is noticeable during very long sessions compared to lighter alternatives.
Against those trade-offs sit some genuinely strong wins: battery life that outlasts most competitors by a wide margin, a wired fallback that keeps the headphone usable even when the battery dies, a personalised hearing profile feature that's rare at this price, and comfort that holds up well over hours of wear. The build quality also feels more premium than the price tag suggests, which isn't something that can be said for every headphone in this category.
Final Verdict
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo succeeds by being extremely good at a specific thing rather than trying to be everything to everyone. If you want a headphone that makes bass-heavy music, movies, and games feel physically immersive — and you're willing to trade away active noise cancellation and multi-device pairing to get there — this is a genuinely strong purchase, backed by battery life that outperforms most of the category and a two-year manufacturer guarantee for peace of mind. If noise cancellation or seamless device-switching are non-negotiable for your daily use, this isn't your headphone, and no amount of bass will change that. For the buyer it's actually designed for, though, the Crusher Evo delivers an experience that's genuinely hard to find anywhere else at this price.
What People Say
124 commentsAmazing Headphones!
I have tried loads of headphones over the years and have to say these are definitely up there at the top of the list for best sound quality and ease of use. This is my first Skullcandy headphones iv used but have heard great reviews about them. And i am not disappointed, the quality of the headphones is just amazing. My immediate thought after opening the box was the quality, the feel is just high class and the materials used for the comfort will last and not become compressed after longer use. The fit, comfort and ease of use is just so well thought out. I have given these a good use before reviewing and have to say you can easily forget you are wearing them, they dont feel heavy or uncomfortable at all which is a must for me. The sound quality is definitely something you cant forget, the external noise is practically zero when wearing these, even at low volumes. This makes for a better sound quality, and enables you to enjoy the music or gaming or whatever you are listening to completely without any background noises interfering. Being able to change the bass through the app is a game changer, I love a variety of different music so having the access to change at a tap to suit the music is so convenient and makes it so much more enjoyable. The headset controls are so simple to use and become second nature after a few uses. The battery is charged in no time and lasts ages. I have connected the headphones to a few bluetooth devices and all were fast, seamless and with no issues. In the box you get the wireless headphones, Type-C usb charging cable, user guide, back up aux cable and a carry bag. The carry bag is such a nice little extra, it enables easier storage of the headphones and will help avoid any scratches. They are my new favourite toy! 100% recommend.
What an experience
I got these thinking that it would be a novelty item. But was I wrong, turns out there are such an amazing experience to use. So far I've tested them while listening to music and watching a movie. Something special to point out, the battery life is amazing. I listened to 3 to 4 hours on maximum volume and maximum bass vibration and it still showed as 100%. They boast a whopping 40 hour battery life, which I think is accurate. The headphones are over ear, and I would say they are comfortable. I definitely didn't get the ear fatigue you can get with other headphones. But, the main point of the headphones, the novelty part. Wow, wow, wow. First time I tried them I was blown away. I had to test the emersion... So I went on YouTube and put on the classic film, Jurassic Park, the scene in the two cars and T-Rex. It was like I was there, I can feel everything. It was such an epic experience to use them. One bit of advice, when you use them, select the movie mode. The sound clarity is much better when listening to music and watching videos/movies. More good things... The application for the headphones if pretty good. When you set them up, it completes an ear test to setup the headphones fit for your ears. Even though they are tailored for my hearing, I've shared the experience with 3 other people. 2 of which want to buy a pair for themselves. We all agree that it's a unique experience, one we've just not had before. Apart fr when you go to the cinema and you can feel the sound. Awesome headphones, I would definitely recommend them to anyone who enjoys movies and music.
Crusher Evo - Set up us easy and look amazing!
This took me less than 5 minutes to set up including connecting to android phone, downloading the Skullcandy App. The App allows you to set up your own profile which is personalised to your listening experience and that you can use for volume settings etc.
I was listening to my 90s club classics within minutes of opening the box!
The headphones fold into a smaller shape with ease and come with a handy storage bag which is of a high quality and has instructions printed on how to use.
Easy to follow instructions as to how to set up the headphones are printed on the inside of the box so you literally can't go wrong.
Importantly, these Crusher Evo headphones look the part, feel sturdy yet light and are comfortable and easy to use with controls on the side of the headphones for connecting to Bluetooth and volume etc and can even be used for answering calls. Really pleased with these and will come in handy when I am out walking or just want some peace from the family to listen to my apparently old fashioned songs in peace!
Crusher (Evo) of the rivals?
Before receiving the product, my first thought was: some ordinary wireless headphones...
I was so wrong!
I was impressed from the begining, starting with the box!
A box very well made and with a nice presentation.
I found the headphones in a cushioned bag which can be used like a travel bag to protect them.
It was being used very qualitative materials to create this headphones, like soft plastic and leather at the higher standards (nice to touch).
So easy to connect to a smartphone using the small button on the left side. There are three buttons on the right side. The middle button can be used to start and paused a song. The upper and lower buttons can be used to adjust the volume or to FWD or RWD a song.
Based on the quality of the box and the materials used I already anticipate the sound performance.
Clarity of the sound is at the highest level. Noise cancellation.
And the bass... The bass is fantastic! It can be adjust using the sliding button on the left side.
You can really feel it!
Impressive!
Highly recommend
I feel privileged to get this headset to test for Argos. Can be used wireless & it's easy to connect & switch off. You can even answer phone calls through this & volume can be put up or down with the actual headset. Great quality product but not too heavy for you to feel like you need to take it off after a bit & the best part? Battery lasts for days so I haven't charged it up for over a week & I use it everyday for over 2 hours! Bass is superb as really feels like you're in a club & noise cancelling another plus! According to my husband it's too small for him as he's got "big ears" (his words not mine!) So, if you've got big ears might not be for you lol
Wanted to use with my TV but TV doesn't have bluetooth so maybe the next item Argos can send to me would be a new TV to test? Hint, hint.... :-)
Incredible Sound
I am taken aback at how fantastic the sound is through these headphones.
I had the volume halfway and the music was already louder then the headphones I'm using currently (decent brand).
Then to slide the bass button and it was like a disco in my ears. The headphones vibrate with the bass which instantly puts a smile on your face.
They are sleek to look at and feel good quality.
The bag they come with is a great extra, fleece lined to protect them.
Connecting to the app was quick and simple and they adjusted the sound to match my hearing with a simple series of questions and sounds.
Overall I am so so impressed with these. Quality of sound was brilliant, sat on my ears comfortably and with the bass turned up they take you to a different place with your favourite sounds.
Amazing! Sound quality is on another level!
I love these so much they are adjustable so have been used by all the family from toddlers to teens to adults, we have used them for gaming, watching tv/film & for listening to music! The battery is great, i only charged them for around 20 mins and have had hours of use so far! The sound quality is literally unbelievable, its even better than like a cinema sound with the bass and surround sound, you can hear every little detail so clear, watching films was so much better with these headphones! Being wireless makes them ideal for using out and about too and the carry case included has a soft lining for extra protection and fold down for easy storing. These really are worth buying, best headphones ive ever used and ideal for all ages! Would recommend!
Amazing headphones
I am delighted with these headphones. The sound quality is amazing! I LOVE the sensory bass feature which is adjustable I feel like I’m in a club/party. I downloaded the skull candy app and this is my only issue with the product . The beep test to personalise your personal sound can be a bit intense on your ears. My ears starting to ring slightly and was a bit sensitive afterwards. Different sound modes on the app suitable for podcasts and movies very nice to listen to the recommended modes. Other than that the controls are simple and easy to remember and the battery life is amazing. Instantly pairs with my device every time , comfortable to wear, headphones are foldable and easy to put away and comes with a protective bag.
Even better than the original Crushers
I bought the original Crushers early in 2020, they've performed faultlessly until recent where the bass slider is a bit sticky and makes a crackly noise, performance wise those they're still spot on but I was curious how much better/different the Evos are and could do with a second set oh headphones (any excuse ;-) )
The Evos certainly didn't disappoint, the bass is stronger and more controlled, even a bit smoother.
The sound personalisation which I thought might be a bit of a gimmick is actually pretty good and definitely improves the overall sound.
Yes, these are expensive headphones and definitely aren't for audiophiles but I don't think there's anything else out there that can deliver this level of bass.
Honestly amazing
I brought this in November just before my holiday to new york so I could have some good headphones whilst on the plane, and honestly I was not disappointed, I was able to listen and watch things the entire 8hr flight and whilst travelling to my hotel, super comfy, no headache and when I went to put them on charge at the hotel and I about 5 mins was back to green indicating full charge, the bass boost being able to be turned up or down is amazing, for music I can turn it up, but for a film I can turn it down, they are lovely! Genuinely recommend highly
The best headphones I've ever used!
These headphones are honestly the best ones i have ever used. The app is such a good idea as i was able to custom tune them to my hearing, they are really comfortable to wear, the sound quality is amazing and the bass is fully adjustable on the side of the headphone, the battery life is so good i have only charged them once and have been using them for 5 days straight! I also love the travel bag that comes with them and lastly it has the same charging port as my samsung phone which is really handy! Would definately recommend these to anyone!
Comfortable and light
These are easy to wear for long periods of time comfortably. The padding on the headphones sit right on the ear. I like that all the buttons feel different which elimates the frustration of pushing the wrong one when you want to skip a song or turn the volume up. The bass is insane! It can kick up songs to another level and the slide adjuster makes it easy to turn it up or down depending on your mood. I have only managed to figure out how to connect it to one device at a time so that would be a nice thing for skull candy to work on.
Crushers
I had beats by solo 3 before these and they worked like a dream had them for 6 years but I really love bass and let me tell you the beats delivered but I wanted to be able to adjust it and feel it more so I bought the crushers evo, they don’t have really any noise cancelling but that doesn’t bother me, it made me feel more in tune with the music so I do recommend, I got these like 2-3 weeks ago and use them for 30 mins straight anytime I’m on break they still have 60% they came with 80% charge btw so this certainly is worth it
These are the BEST headphones you can buy
Great sound
Amazing BASS ( you have to try them )
Long live battery ( for me it last like two weeks and a half )
Very comfortable
When you try Apple Headphones pro with this headphone you realise that Apple headphones are way overpriced
For Gaming, you will fille the bombs exploding next to you
Movies are like you are in the cinema
Music is like you have a 12-inch subwoofer next to you :))
I had the Crusher model and last for 5 years I gave the as a gift to my friend and his extremely happy
Excellent wireless headphones
These headphones are honestly amazing, I like the fact you can adjust these to your hearing using the Skull Candy App. The bass and sound quality is superb and easy enough to adjust and change if needs be. The bass slider on the side of the headset is an excellent feature. Comfortable to wear and long lasting battery life.
Thoroughly exceeded my expectations, the headset also comes with a protective bag with fleece inside to protect them.
*Requires download of the SkullCandy App*
So glad I bought these
I hesitated for quite a while before buying these as they're quite expensive, but I'm so glad I finally did. They come with an app that tests your hearing for imbalances and adjusts the sound to suit your specific profile. I'm partially deaf in one ear, but with these headphones i'm hearing music in stereo for the first time in years. I didn't realise I couldn't and it was quite a shock. The sensory bass is phenomenal. No other headphones will ever be good enough after these.
Excellent headphones.
These were a gift for my son and they are incredible! The sound quality, bass and comfort are second to none. They came with a bag so you can fold them down and take them away/out with you. The features are all really easy to use, they are easy to connect to devices via Bluetooth. Battery lasts incredibly long and charges really quickly. They are also really good quality and sturdy despite being able to fold them down. We are really pleased with this purchase.
FANTASTIC!
I brought these over a month ago. Safe to say they are amazing. If you love bass and heavy metal than these are for you. My favourite function is being able to adjust the bass or completely turning it off all together. Just be aware that they are slightly heavier, may fall off in the gym but still firm hold. Stylish aswell, fit comfortably on neck as the ears fold in and outwards. Overall definitely worth the price, would recommend!
Absolutely brilliant 👏
I bought these in January 24 after my old skullcandy headphones broke, the sound quality is unmatched and the customisable sound is awesome. They have a tile installed so you can track them in case you lose them and off course they have my favourite feature of the sensory bass slider. I'm a daily headphone user and my last 3 pairs have been skullcandy due to the quality and durability, I wear these for basically everything.
Fantastic bass quality
I like the quality of these headphones and the bass is superb. Comfortable to wear and great design. I like the fact these work with Siri and Google Assistant. Battery life is very good, had them playing for over 25 hours and they still had lots more charge. They come with a travel bag which is ideal, prefer a bag than a bulky plastic case as it’s easy to fold and store away nicely.
