Skullcandy Push ANC Active: High-performance earbuds for the adventurous
Skullcandy Push ANC Active earbuds. Picture: Noel Campion.
Skullcandy has launched its latest Active Collection, which includes the Push Play Active, Push ANC Active, and Sesh ANC Active. This lineup caters to fitness enthusiasts, extreme sports lovers, and casual adventurers alike, delivering wireless freedom, rugged durability, and immersive sound. I’ve been testing the Push ANC Active earbuds for this review, and while they’re not perfect, they certainly offer excellent value for money.
While a bit bulkier than some competitors, the case still easily fits into a gym bag or pocket. The magnetic snap for securing the earbuds makes it feel sturdy and reliable.
While testing them in various environments — outdoors, at the office, and in bustling urban streets — the ANC isn't all that powerful, even for this price range. It does reduce the low, bassy rumbles of jet engines, but not chatter or higher frequencies as effectively.
You also get an aware mode, which uses the mics to amplify external sounds. This mode is ideal for calls or just to be aware of what’s happening around you. One strange quirk is that the sound playing changes when you switch to aware mode, and it also gets a little louder.
The default sound profile is balanced, with a strong emphasis on bass, which Skullcandy is known for. The bass adds a powerful punch, especially for those who like an extra thump in their workout playlists. However, mids and highs are still clear and well-articulated, making the Push ANC a solid choice for various music genres. For those who want to tweak the audio experience, Skullcandy's app offers EQ customisation, allowing you to tailor the sound to your liking.
Phone call quality is also decent, with dual microphones helping to reduce background noise. While not groundbreaking, it was clear enough for calls even in moderately noisy environments.
The Push ANC Active offers up to six hours of battery life with ANC on and about eight hours with it off. With the case providing an additional 24 hours of charge, you’re looking at around 30 hours of total playback time. This battery life is more than enough to get you through a full day, whether it's multiple workout sessions or a long day of hiking.
Charging is done via USB-C, but there's also wireless charging, which is a nice addition at this price point. A 10-minute charge provides around two hours of playback, perfect for last-minute top-ups.
Pairing the earbuds via Bluetooth 5.2 was quick and seamless, with a stable connection even when moving away from the device. The Skullcandy app also lets you customise controls, adjust the EQ, and switch between ANC and Stay-Aware modes.
The Skullcandy Push ANC Active earbuds pack a lot into an affordable package. They cater perfectly to active users with adequate ANC, customisable sound, durable build quality, and a comfortable fit. While they may not rival the ANC capabilities of premium earbuds, they offer excellent value for the price, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to stay connected and motivated during workouts or outdoor adventures.
€70 – www.skullcandy.eu
