Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless Review: The Budget Earbuds

Finding a good pair of wireless headphones doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. For me, the things that matter most are pretty simple: they need to sound good, stay comfortable, and not constantly fall out or need charging. That is what caught my attention about the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless headphones. They have a lightweight neckband design, are easy to carry around, and don’t come with the price tag of many of the more expensive wireless headphones.

I’ve used plenty of headphones over the years, and I know that something can look great on paper but be disappointing once you actually start using it. So, rather than looking only at the specifications, here’s a closer look at what the Ink’d Wireless headphones offer and where they make the most sense.

First Impressions: Lightweight and Easy to Carry

The first thing I noticed about the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless headphones is just how light they are. At approximately 24 grams, they don’t have the heavy feeling that some wireless headphones can have.

That makes a difference when wearing them for longer periods. Whether I’m listening while working, doing things around the house, or heading out for the day, I don’t want headphones that feel like they’re weighing down my ears.

The design is fairly simple, with the electronics and battery housed in the flexible neckband rather than in the earbuds themselves. The earbuds are therefore small and lightweight.

The neckband does take a little getting used to if you’re accustomed to traditional earbuds or true wireless earbuds. Once I got used to it, though, I appreciated not having to worry about where I had put the earbuds when I wasn’t wearing them.

The Flexible Neckband Is One of the Best Features

The Flex Collar is probably one of the more practical features of the Ink’d Wireless.

Rather than having a rigid neckband, the flexible design makes the headphones easier to store and carry. The collar can be folded down considerably, which is useful when you’re throwing them into a purse, backpack, desk drawer, or travel bag.

I particularly like this kind of design for anyone who tends to carry headphones around but doesn’t want another bulky item taking up space.

The neckband also helps keep the earbuds from pulling on your ears. That’s something I noticed more over longer listening sessions.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort can be very personal when it comes to earbuds. What stays perfectly in one person’s ears may constantly need adjusting for someone else.

The Ink’d Wireless comes with silicone ear gels to help create a better fit. Taking a few minutes to find the right fit is worth doing because it affects both comfort and sound.

When the earbuds fit properly, they also provide a degree of passive noise isolation. They don’t have active noise cancellation, so I wouldn’t compare them with more expensive ANC headphones. However, the ear tips do help reduce some of the surrounding noise.

For everyday listening, that can be enough.

I also like that the neckband provides some extra security. If an earbud happens to loosen slightly, it isn’t going to disappear somewhere underneath a chair or get lost while you’re walking.

How Do the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless Headphones Sound?

Sound quality is obviously one of the biggest reasons to buy headphones, and this is where Skullcandy has traditionally done well in the budget-friendly market.

The Ink’d Wireless has the energetic sound that I would expect from Skullcandy. There’s plenty of bass, but the overall sound isn’t completely overwhelmed by it.

Music with a strong beat sounds particularly good. Pop, rock, hip-hop and electronic music all have plenty of energy.

Vocals and spoken audio are also clear enough for podcasts, YouTube videos and phone conversations. For everyday listening, I found the sound enjoyable rather than overly complicated.

These aren’t audiophile headphones, and I wouldn’t expect them to compete with significantly more expensive models. That’s not really the point. They’re designed to provide enjoyable wireless listening without requiring a major investment.

Good for Workouts and Everyday Activities

The lightweight design also makes the Ink’d Wireless appealing for people who want something for an active lifestyle.

The earbuds stay connected to the neckband, so there’s less worry about dropping one while moving around. The secure fit is useful when walking or exercising as well.

I would still check the specific model’s current moisture and sweat-resistance rating before buying them specifically for heavy workouts. Product specifications can vary by generation, and I wouldn’t recommend assuming that any wireless headphones are waterproof simply because they’re marketed toward active users.

For walking, everyday errands and lighter workouts, though, the lightweight design is convenient.

Battery Life

Battery life is another area where these headphones are practical.

The Ink’d Wireless is rated for up to eight hours of listening time on a charge. Actual battery life will depend on volume and how the headphones are being used, but eight hours is enough for many everyday situations.

That can cover a workday, several commutes, a long trip or a number of shorter listening sessions before needing to recharge.

The model uses a Micro USB charging connection, which is an older standard compared with the USB-C connections found on many newer headphones.

That’s something I’d keep in mind if you’re buying headphones today. Micro USB isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it does mean you’ll probably want to keep the supplied cable handy.

Bluetooth Connection

Pairing the Ink’d Wireless with a compatible phone or other Bluetooth device is straightforward.

Once paired, the wireless connection makes it easy to listen without having a cable running from the phone to the earbuds. That’s particularly convenient when you’re moving around the house or carrying your phone in a pocket or bag.

For everyday use, simplicity is a big part of the appeal here.

Taking Phone Calls

The Ink’d Wireless isn’t just for listening to music.

The built-in microphone and controls allow the headphones to be used for hands-free calls. The controls on the neckband can also be used for functions such as adjusting the volume and controlling playback.

Call quality will depend partly on your surroundings and the device you’re connected to. I wouldn’t buy these specifically as a professional conference-call headset, but they’re useful when you want to answer a call without reaching for your phone.

What I Like About the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless

There are several things that make these headphones appealing, especially when price is a consideration.

The lightweight design is one of the biggest positives. The flexible neckband is also practical, particularly for carrying them around.

I like that the earbuds don’t require the same amount of fuss as completely separate wireless earbuds. You don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving one behind or dropping one while taking them out.

The sound is energetic and enjoyable, and the battery life is reasonable for everyday use.

And, of course, the price is a major part of the appeal.

What I Would Consider Before Buying

There are a few things worth considering before purchasing an older wireless model like the Ink’d Wireless.

First, this isn’t the newest style of wireless headphones. Many people now prefer true wireless earbuds with a charging case.

The Micro USB charging connection is also dated compared with USB-C.

The neckband design isn’t going to appeal to everyone either. Some people will love having the earbuds connected together, while others will prefer completely wireless earbuds.

And while the passive noise isolation is useful, these aren’t a replacement for headphones with active noise cancellation.

Who Are the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless Headphones Best For?

I’d consider the Ink’d Wireless a good option for someone who wants affordable wireless headphones without needing all the latest features.

They make sense for:

• Everyday music and podcast listening
• Commuting
• Walking
• Students
• People who prefer a neckband-style design
• Anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot on wireless headphones
• Someone looking for a simple backup pair of headphones

They’re also worth considering if you find them at a good sale price.

Final Thoughts

The Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless headphones aren’t trying to compete with the newest premium wireless earbuds, and that’s perfectly fine.

Their biggest strengths are their lightweight design, flexible neckband, comfortable fit, decent battery life and energetic sound.

For someone who simply wants a reliable pair of wireless headphones for everyday listening, they can still make sense, particularly when they’re available at a lower price.

I also appreciate that the design is practical. The earbuds stay connected to the neckband, they’re easy to carry, and there’s no charging case to keep track of.

Technology has moved on since the Ink’d Wireless was introduced, so I’d compare the current price with newer Skullcandy and competing models before buying. If the Ink’d Wireless is significantly cheaper, however, it can still be a worthwhile budget option.

For me, that’s ultimately what makes these headphones interesting. They don’t need to have every modern feature to be useful. Sometimes a lightweight, comfortable pair of headphones that simply works is exactly what you need.