True wireless technology refers to earbuds that operate entirely without connecting cables. While wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones have been available for some time, previous designs incorporated a cable linking the left and right earpieces. Apple’s AirPods significantly popularized this design, achieving widespread adoption and experiencing ongoing strong sales. While their aesthetics may be subjective (resembling electric toothbrush heads to some) and their audio quality considered moderate for their price, as is their in-ear fit, they have become a recognizable status symbol.
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Skullcandy has recently been expanding into more premium product categories. Their earlier headphone offerings consisted primarily of in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear models. These were often characterized by a plastic construction, competitive pricing, and distinctive youthful styling featuring the brand’s skull logo. The company’s True Wireless product, the Push, comprises two earbuds (in this case, forest green, with other colors available), a charging and carrying case, and a price point that, while slightly higher than some might anticipate from the brand, remains competitive within the market.
Completely wireless operation offers freedom from cable clutter. Ideally, using the earbuds should be an effortless experience. With the Push, the earbuds power on automatically when removed from the case, synchronize upon insertion into the ear, and connect to previously paired devices. Similarly, they power down and disconnect when placed back in the case. This functionality performed reliably throughout the testing period. Battery life is rated at six hours, with the case providing a single additional charge cycle before requiring its own recharge. Recharging the case via the included USB-C cable takes approximately four hours. Note that a power adapter is not included.
Skullcandy Push – Fit, Design and Sound Quality
No single headphone excels in every area. While high-performance over-ear headphones exist, they often come with a significant price and may prioritize sonic performance over portability and subtle aesthetics. The Push earbuds extend slightly from the ear, presenting a reasonably streamlined appearance. The fit is designed for comfort, utilizing a rubber wing that rests against the inner ear to maintain secure positioning. While this design provides adequate stability, it may not be sufficient for high-impact activities such as running, despite the earbuds’ sweat resistance.
The overall sound quality is commendable, with a clear midrange and good reproduction of higher frequencies, as well as occasional emphasis on the bass. Bass response often presents a challenge for compact in-ear headphones, and this holds true for the Push. Achieving an optimal seal with the provided ear tips is crucial to ensure adequate low-frequency performance.
Acoustic tracks such as Carolina Wallin-Perez’s interpretation of Kent’s Pärlor and Mary Black & Eleanor McEvoy’s Only a woman’s heart sound warm and present, delivering a satisfying listening experience. However, the Push encounters limitations with more complex musical arrangements involving multiple instruments and vocals. The resolution and soundstage appear constrained, potentially resulting in a subdued bass response or a cluttered sonic presentation with reduced detail. Oldfield’s Moonlight Shadow, for instance, may not be ideally reproduced. Similarly, modern hip hop may lack the desired impact and bass emphasis. Conversely, the Push performs well with less demanding material such as film scores, podcasts, audiobooks, and talk shows.
Skullcandy Push – Features and Usage
As previously mentioned, the wireless connection is generally reliable. However, an anomaly was observed: during periods of intense laughter, the right earbud occasionally cut out. This behavior was also observed when wearing a hat, suggesting a sensitivity in the side-mounted buttons, a phenomenon observed with other similar products. The control scheme incorporates some potentially problematic design choices: a double-tap on the right earbud increases the volume, while a double-tap on the left earbud decreases it. Song skipping, however, requires holding the side button for three seconds, which proves somewhat cumbersome due to the difficulty in accurately timing the press; too short a press results in no action, while holding the button for too long inadvertently powers off the earbud.
The headphones support phone calls, automatically switching to mono audio through the left earbud. While the user’s ability to hear the other party was satisfactory, the other party reported excessive background noise when the user spoke in outdoor environments. This may limit the earbuds’ utility for calls in noisy surroundings, but they should perform adequately in quieter settings. One notable omission is a quick-mute function. While the earbuds provide a degree of passive noise isolation, muting would be helpful for situations where it’s important to hear external sounds without removing the earbuds completely, such as listening for announcements on public transportation. Incorporating a monitoring feature via the microphone could address this issue.
Skullcandy Push – Dare to Use the Earbuds
A common concern with true wireless earbuds is the potential for loss or misplacement due to their small size. While Skullcandy has previously integrated Tile tracking functionality into some products, and Apple offers a GPS-based finding feature for its AirPods, the Push lacks both of these. Skullcandy does offer a Fearless Use program, allowing for the replacement of a single lost earbud at a discounted price. However, losing both earbuds renders the program inapplicable. A feature to remotely trigger a sound from the earbuds could be valuable, even with the relatively large size of the charging case. Maintaining the habit of storing the earbuds in the case when not in use is crucial.
Skullcandy Push – Final Verdict
Priced at approximately 130 euros (or 1300 SEK), the Push presents a reasonably attractive value proposition. True Wireless technology remains relatively new and generally commands a premium, with most earbuds in the 1500-2000 SEK range. However, it’s important to recognize that True Wireless prioritizes portability, wireless connectivity, and discreetness. For users primarily seeking superior sound quality, traditional over-ear or on-ear headphones generally offer better sonic performance. The Skullcandy Push provides generally good sound quality and performs adequately with a range of genres, including pop, film scores, singer-songwriter music, and spoken-word content. While competitors may offer superior audio fidelity, more extensive features, and more advanced software, they typically come at a higher cost.
For consumers seeking an affordable True Wireless earbud solution and who do not primarily listen to electronic or hip hop music, the Skullcandy Push represents a viable option and receives our overall recommendation.
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