Skullcandy Ink'd+ Wired Earbuds - Exceptional Audio Performance at a Great Price

Published on May 5, 2023, 12:09 p.m.

Looking for an affordable yet stylish pair of earbuds to pump up your playlists? The Skullcandy Ink’d+ may be just what you need to jam out in comfort and quality. Skullcandy brings the noise when it comes to creating excellent audio products tailored for music lovers. Let’s dive in to see if these earbuds can handle both form and function.

Overview

Skullcandy has been shaking up the headphone game since 2003 with their bold, youthful designs and commitment to quality audio. The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds deliver on both style and sound as an entry-level option in their lineup. Available in fun colorways like Deep Red and Lavender, these buds make a statement.

The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds model offers a no-fuss wired design with a standard 3.5mm connector, making them compatible with most devices. The over-ear fit includes three sizes of ear gels for comfort and noise isolation. An in-line microphone and control button allow you to handle calls and music without reaching for your phone.

Skullcandy Ink'd+ Wired Earbuds

Features

Vibrant color options - Stand out with bold colors like Deep Red and Mint
Lightweight and secure fit - Angled design stays put during activity
Noise isolating - Blocks ambient sound for immersive listening
Built-in mic and remote - Handle calls and music controls on the cord
Durable cloth cable - Reduces tangling and damage

Design - Fighting Crime in Colorful Style

The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds comes in a range of colors so vibrant that Robin would definitely borrow them from Batman’s utility belt. I tested out the playful Mint version, which resembles Kryptonite in the best possible way. The buds sport a simple and lightweight design that won’t weigh you down on the go.

While not the most compact earbuds for stashing in tiny pockets, their angled shape allows for a secure fit. The matte finish resists fingerprints and feels smooth and durable. A tangle-resistant cloth cable provides needed flexibility without knotting.

Performance - Heroic Sound for Sidekicks

Behind the bold colors lies impressive audio performance for the price point. The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds delivers crisp highs and deep lows thanks to the 10mm drivers and 20Hz-20kHz frequency range. The sound profile emphasizes bass without muddiness. Vocals come through clearly on podcasts and audiobooks as well.

The closed back design passively blocks outside noise. With the right eartip fit, the noise isolation does a decent job of sealing out environmental sounds. The built-in mic captures voice audio cleanly for phone calls. The single-button remote handles basic playback controls.

While no match for premium audiophile-grade earbuds, the well-balanced sound belies the affordable cost. The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds punches above its weight for immersive audio on the go.

Connectivity

The standard 3.5mm plug connects to smartphones, laptops, tablets and most modern devices. No Bluetooth pairing needed. The 1.2m cloth-wrapped cable provides freedom of movement.

Controls

The single button inline remote handles basic playback controls like answering calls, playing/pausing music, skipping tracks and activating voice assistants. Simple and intuitive to use on the go.

Water Resistance

The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds lack official water resistance ratings. Not recommended for use in rain, sweaty exercise or other wet conditions where moisture could damage the drivers.

Use Cases

The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds are great for:

Everyday portable listening - Solid music and podcast companion for commutes, errands, etc.
Exercising and running - Stay secure during workouts and runs thanks to the angled fit
Video calls - Built-in mic enables clear call audio
Casual listening at home - Comfy for just lounging around and enjoying tunes
Library study sessions - Noise isolation helps you focus amid ambient noise

User Reviews Analysis

With thousands of reviews averaging an impressive 4.5 stars, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ earbuds have developed quite a following among everyday listeners. Let’s dig into the first-hand experiences of users to see what these buds get right and where they could improve.

The overwhelming praise focuses on the Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds punches above its weight with better-than-expected sound quality for such an affordable price point. Many describe the audio as “clear”, “decent”, “crisp” with “good bass” that avoids muddiness or distortion even at high volumes. This balanced sound profile makes the Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds surprisingly versatile across music genres from pop to podcasts.

Listeners consistently marvel at the value, using phrases like “unbeatable for the price” and “best budget earbuds”. The reasonable price point makes the Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds a crowd-pleasing secondary pair of buds for commutes, exercise, yardwork or lounging around the house.

When it comes to design, buyers highlight the standout color options, secure fit, lightweight feel and tangle-resistant cloth cable as practical advantages. The angled shape allows for a customizable seal for solid noise isolation that blocks out environmental sounds.

Regarding drawbacks, the two most common complaints relate to finicky product quality and mediocre noise isolation. Some users report DOA units or premature failure after a few months. Others say the noise isolation is decent but could be better at sealing out ambient sound in noisy environments. A minority find the bass too pumped up for their taste.

Overall, the resounding positive feedback confirms the Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds satisfy shoppers seeking an inexpensive pair of great-sounding wired earbuds for casual everyday use, not pro studio quality. For those needing advanced features or audiophile sound, these may not meet the mark. But for the budget-conscious crowd, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds absolutely deliver on style, versatility and bang for buck.

Pros

Fun colors and stylish look
Secure and lightweight fit
Good audio quality for the price
Reliable performance for most
Noise isolation capabilities
Versatile for various activities
Affordable price point

Cons

Bass could be too boosted for some
Noise isolation could be better
Some quality control issues reported
Not for audiophile-level listening

Value

With street prices around $15-20, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ earbuds offer tremendous value. You’d be hard-pressed to find earbuds this stylish and great-sounding at this price point. For a backup pair or daily beater buds, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds are a budget-friendly winner.

Conclusion - A Winning Value

The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds deliver a sonic superhero experience without breaking the bank. Between the playful colors, solid sound quality, and multi-purpose functionality, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds pack a punch.

For less than $20, it’s hard to find a better music companion for everyday use. With Skullcandy’s signature styling and audio performance, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds are a win for value seekers. If you’re looking to add some punch and pizzazz to your audio arsenal on a budget, put these colorful earbuds on your radar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What indicator do these earbuds have to distinguish between left and right?

Unfortunately, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ earbuds do not have an indicator to differentiate between the left and right earbuds. However, some users have resorted to carving an ‘L’ into the left earbud for easy identification.

How long do these earbuds typically last?

The durability of the Skullcandy Ink’d+ earbuds varies among users. While some users have reported them lasting for up to two years with almost daily use, others have experienced issues such as one side not producing sound after only a few months.

Are these earbuds suitable for exercise or outdoor activities?

Yes, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ earbuds feature a noise-isolating fit, making them suitable for use during exercise or outdoor activities. Additionally, they are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.

Can these earbuds be used for making calls?

Yes, the Skullcandy Ink’d+ earbuds come equipped with a microphone, allowing users to make calls hands-free. The call and track control feature also enhances convenience during use.

Do these earbuds offer noise cancellation?

While the Skullcandy Ink’d+ earbuds provide noise isolation, their effectiveness may vary depending on the size of the ear gels used. Some users have reported satisfactory noise cancellation, especially when using the smallest ear covers.

Tips

Proper Earbud Maintenance: To prolong the lifespan of your earbuds, avoid bending or twisting the cords excessively, and store them in a safe place when not in use.
Choosing the Right Ear Gel Size: Experiment with different sizes of ear gels to find the most comfortable and secure fit for your ears, which can enhance both comfort and noise isolation.
Regular Cleaning: Clean your earbuds regularly to remove earwax and debris, which can affect sound quality and hygiene. Use a soft, dry cloth or a mild cleaning solution to gently wipe the earbuds and ear gels.