Skullcandy EcoBuds Review: Sustainability Meets Style and Sound
Traveling without headphones or earbuds feels almost unthinkable today. As essential everyday gadgets, the quality of sound and comfort are non-negotiable. With countless true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds on the market, finding the perfect pair can be daunting. For me, the AirPods Pro 2 has been my most worthwhile smartphone accessory. However, I’ve often lamented the lack of innovative designs or meaningful upgrades in the earbuds space. This monotony perhaps nudged me to review the newly launched Skullcandy EcoBuds, which caught my attention with their focus on sustainability.
It’s my first time trying Skullcandy earbuds, though I have fond memories of my trusty red Skullcandy wired headphones from years ago. The EcoBuds intrigued me with their commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing. According to a UN report, electronic waste is growing five times faster than documented recycling efforts—a statistic that underscores the urgency for sustainable tech. Skullcandy claims the EcoBuds are built using 65% recycled plastics, contain 57% fewer heavy metals, and emit 50% less CO₂ during production. Clearly, this product is aimed at the environmentally conscious consumer.
Design and Build
Skullcandy paid attention to detail, starting with the compact, eco-friendly packaging. The minimalist box, made from recycled materials, stands out with its cardboard brown finish. Inside, the earbuds case is small and lidless, with a unique design. Its papery texture contrasts with the glossy earbud tips, likely intended for added comfort.
The earbuds come in a light blue hue that evokes imagery of plastic pollution—a subtle nod to ocean conservation campaigns. A short, integrated USB-C cable clasps tightly across the back of the case, eliminating the need for separate charging cables. This thoughtful design choice, while not groundbreaking, is both functional and eco-conscious.
Sound Quality and Features
The Skullcandy EcoBuds stay true to the brand’s audio signature, delivering crisp sound with well-balanced bass and treble. Whether you’re enjoying classical compositions by Bach or grooving to Bollywood hits like Dard-e-Disco, the dynamic sound profile shines. Watching cinematic content, such as the biographical series on Simón Bolívar, also felt immersive, thanks to the earbuds’ ability to handle cinematic audio.
While music enthusiasts will find the audio quality satisfactory, the EcoBuds aren’t geared toward gamers, who might find them lacking. However, for calls, the device performs admirably, allowing clear communication even in crowded spaces.
Controls and Functionality
With uniquely designed earbuds, usability is often a concern. The EcoBuds feature touch controls, which are intuitive but may take a few tries to master, especially for users accustomed to other earbuds.
The LED indicators on the stems provide battery updates: pulsing amber for 0–74%, pulsing white for 75–94%, and solid white for 95–100%. Removing the earbuds from the case powers them on, while placing them back switches them off. Alternatively, you can manually power them on or off by tapping the logo once or twice, respectively.
Pairing requires a three-second tap on either earbud. The touch controls also allow users to adjust the volume, skip tracks, or switch between three EQ modes: Music Mode (default), Bass Boost, and Podcast Mode. Summoning virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri is easy—just tap four times on the left earbud.
Battery Life
The EcoBuds offer impressive battery life, lasting approximately 8 hours per charge. With the case, you can extend usage further. Charging is quick: a full charge takes about an hour, but just 10 minutes of charging provides up to two hours of playback.
Verdict: Should You Buy the EcoBuds?
Originally priced at₹7,199, the Skullcandy EcoBuds are currently available on Amazon for just₹2,499—a bargain for budget-conscious buyers. They are sturdy, comfortable, and sustainable, with good sound quality that caters to casual music listeners and everyday users. While they don’t target gamers, the EcoBuds tick most boxes for an eco-friendly, affordable audio gadget. For anyone prioritizing sustainability and style, they’re worth considering.
