Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC  Headphones Review

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC wireless are decent for light strolls, but they aren't a good choice for strenuous workouts. Their firm clamp keeps them in place during brisk walks, and their thick padding is comfortable. However, the heavy ear cups can shift during running or more intense movements, and their weight can become tiring over longer sessions. They're also bulky, though they fold into a more manageable shape for carrying in a backpack. They also don't have a rating for water or dust resistance, so you won't want to take them outside on a rainy day.

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 are good for office work. Their ANC does a great job reducing typical office noise and nearby conversations, and little audio escapes from the ear cups, even at high volumes. The integrated microphone reproduces speech clearly enough for meetings and remains understandable around moderate office or coffee-shop noise, but you won't want to take important business calls on these in noisy environments, as the mic gets overwhelmed by sounds like a subway train. They're comfortable, though their substantial weight can become tiring over a full workday.

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC are decent for wired gaming. Their analog and USB-C connections both carry audio and microphone signals with low latency, measuring 10.8 ms and 18 ms, respectively. However, the included USB-C cable doesn't support audio, so you'll need to supply a compatible one. The analog connection works with PCs, PlayStation, and Xbox while the headphones are powered on, but passive use only carries audio and disables the mic. Their powerful bass adds plenty of rumble to effects but can muddy voices a bit. You can use the mic in a shared room, where the ANC will also help block out noise around you. They're comfortable but heavy enough to become tiring over longer gaming marathons, which their 62-hour battery life will see you through.

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 have decent audio reproduction accuracy. They have a very bass-heavy tuning that adds plenty of thump and punch to kick drums, which techno fans may appreciate. But all that bass can also make mid-range instruments like acoustic guitars sound boomy. Still, most of the mid-range is reproduced accurately, and a slight boost across the treble adds clarity to percussion sounds. That said, some peaks and dips in the treble range can render sounds like cymbals dull or piercing, depending on their pitch. The left and right drivers are decently well-matched, so objects are located with satisfactory accuracy in the stereo field. Harmonic distortion is also extremely low.

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 have great noise isolation. Their ANC substantially reduces noise across most of the audible spectrum, though it can't block out some of the very deepest train and plane rumble. Still, sounds like chatty coworkers are handily reduced. Leakage is also decent: little audio escapes, even at high listening levels, and any that does escape is pretty thin-sounding.

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 have a decent microphone. Your voice is reproduced accurately, with an even response through most of the vocal range, although a cut in the treble means your voice does sound a little dark. The microphone's noise handling system is strong enough to keep you intelligible when you're taking a call in an office or coffee shop. But if you're in a train station and a train rushes by, your voice will get drowned out.

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC have poor frequency response consistency. Their bass delivery changes substantially depending on their fit and seal, particularly in the low bass. Glasses can break the seal between the earpads and your head, causing a noticeable loss of thump and rumble. On the other hand, people with larger or smaller heads may hear more bass than our measurements show. Taking a moment to position the ear cups carefully with each wear is important if you want consistent sound.