The market offers a vast array of in-ear and True Wireless headphones, and the optimal choice depends on individual preferences, desired features, and intended use. This review focuses on the Indy ANC from Skullcandy, true wireless headphones that deliver impressive performance across several key areas.
Upon unboxing, the build quality indicates a different price tier compared to the GTW 270 HYBRID from Epos, which was reviewed recently. The case utilizes plastic instead of metal, but maintains a robust feel. Opening the case, the headphones promptly appeared in the Bluetooth device list on my phone. A quick selection established the connection, accompanied by an audio confirmation indicating successful pairing and active noise cancellation.
The headphones offer a decent in-ear fit, though not as secure as the EPOS headphones (or the “molded” Creative Labs Outlier Gold). Occasionally, the earpieces dislodged, echoing a similar observation from our review of the original Skullcandy Indy. While various sizes of rubber rings are provided, none provided a perfectly snug fit for my ears. While not a persistent issue, the Skullcandy Indy ANC does not offer the same level of secure fit as some reference headphones.
The audio evaluation commenced with The Other Side from The Greatest Showman, a familiar track used for headphone testing. The immediate impression was the pronounced and satisfying bass response. However, the audio clarity did not quite match that of the EPOS headphones. Considering the price difference, the sound quality of the Indy ANC from Skullcandy remains noteworthy. Subsequently, a sequence from Avengers: Endgame was used to assess performance with complex audio. The Indy ANC handled the intricate soundscape admirably, although some “muddiness” was perceptible.
The headphones are charged within the case, and the manufacturer specifies a battery life of up to 32 hours. While I did not achieve this duration in practice, usage was frequent throughout the testing period.
Next, call quality was assessed. During a call with a regular contact, the recipient’s voice was clear and intelligible. However, the contact reported that my voice sounded metallic and somewhat distant, lacking optimal clarity.
The GTW 270 from Epos employed a physical button on the left earpiece for call and assistant control. The Indy ANC from Skullcandy implements a touch-based system. While conceptually sound, the execution proved problematic. Single taps on the left and right earpieces control volume down and up, respectively. Double taps are intended for pause/play, and triple taps for assistant activation. In practice, the controls were unreliable. Attempts to pause the audio often triggered the assistant or altered the volume. Furthermore, accidental touches when inserting the earpiece frequently resulted in unintended volume adjustments. Consequently, reliance on the phone’s physical buttons became necessary.
A dedicated application provides access to advanced settings. Users can optimize the sound profile for games, music, or movies. Downloading this application is recommended to maximize the headphones’ potential. The app also incorporates a personalized sound profile based on individual hearing characteristics, a feature initially introduced in the Skullcandy Crusher ANC. Furthermore, the application integrates Tile support, facilitating device tracking in case of loss.
In conclusion, the Indy ANC from Skullcandy represent an impressive offering within the true wireless headphone market segment, particularly considering their price point. They deliver noteworthy bass performance and offer seamless Bluetooth connectivity. A recommendation is warranted.
