Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless in-Earphone with Mic (Sunset/Blue)

The Skullcandy Ink’d ANC True Wireless Earbuds are a bold evolution of the brand’s popular Ink’d series, now reimagined with active noise cancellation and a suite of modern features tailored for everyday use. Designed to strike a balance between affordability and performance, these earbuds offer a compelling package for users who want immersive sound, long battery life, and reliable connectivity without breaking the bank.

Visually, the Ink’d ANC earbuds maintain Skullcandy’s signature minimalist aesthetic. The earbuds are compact and lightweight, with a glossy black finish that gives them a sleek, understated look. They fit snugly in the ear thanks to their ergonomic design and come with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure comfort and passive noise isolation. The charging case is equally compact, making it easy to slip into a pocket or bag, and features a matte texture that resists fingerprints and scratches.

At the heart of the Ink’d ANC experience is its active noise cancellation technology. Each earbud is equipped with a quad-microphone system—two mics per bud—that work together to suppress ambient noise and enhance voice clarity. This setup not only improves ANC performance but also supports environmental noise cancellation (ENC) during calls, making conversations clearer even in noisy environments. Whether you’re commuting, working in a café, or walking through a busy street, the ANC feature helps create a bubble of quiet that lets you focus on your music or calls.

Sound quality is powered by 10mm dynamic drivers that deliver Skullcandy’s signature Supreme Sound profile. The audio leans toward a bass-forward tuning, which is ideal for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. Mids are warm and present, while highs are crisp without being piercing. The earbuds handle casual listening well, offering enough detail and punch to satisfy most users. While audiophiles may crave more nuanced separation and soundstage, the Ink’d ANC delivers a lively and engaging experience that’s more than adequate for its price point.

Battery life is one of the standout features of the Ink’d ANC. Skullcandy claims up to 43 hours of total playback time when combining the earbuds and the charging case. On a single charge, the earbuds can last around 9–10 hours with ANC off, and slightly less with ANC enabled. The case provides multiple recharges, extending usability across several days. Rapid Charge support means that just 10 minutes of charging yields up to 2 hours of playback, which is perfect for quick top-ups before heading out.

Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.4, offering improved range, stability, and energy efficiency compared to previous versions. The earbuds also support multipoint pairing, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously—such as a phone and a laptop—and switch between them seamlessly. This feature is particularly useful for users who multitask across work and personal devices. Pairing is quick and reliable, and the earbuds remember previously connected devices for hassle-free reconnection.

Touch controls are built into both earbuds, enabling users to manage playback, adjust volume, answer calls, and toggle ANC without reaching for their phone. The controls are responsive and intuitive, though there is a slight learning curve to mastering the tap sequences. Skullcandy has kept the interface simple, avoiding overly complex gestures that can frustrate users. The earbuds also support voice assistant activation, allowing for hands-free control via Google Assistant or Siri.

Durability is another area where the Ink’d ANC performs well. With an IPX4 rating, the earbuds are resistant to sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. While they’re not designed for heavy rain or submersion, they hold up well under typical daily conditions. The build quality feels solid, and the earbuds stay securely in place during movement, thanks to their ergonomic shape and grippy silicone tips.

Latency is impressively low, making the Ink’d ANC a viable option for mobile gaming and video streaming. Audio remains in sync with visuals, and the earbuds offer a smooth experience across platforms. While they don’t feature a dedicated gaming mode, the low-latency performance is a welcome surprise in this price range.

Call quality is enhanced by the quad-mic setup and ENC, which work together to isolate your voice from background noise. Whether you’re on a Zoom call or chatting with friends, the earbuds deliver clear audio with minimal distortion. The mic pickup is strong, and the ANC helps reduce distractions during conversations, making the Ink’d ANC a reliable companion for remote work and virtual meetings.

Charging is handled via USB Type-C, and the case supports fast charging for added convenience. The port is located on the rear of the case, and the included cable is sturdy and flexible. While wireless charging is not supported, the fast wired charging compensates for the omission, especially given the earbuds’ long battery life.

Priced competitively, the Skullcandy Ink’d ANC earbuds offer excellent value for money. They combine essential features—ANC, long battery life, multipoint pairing, and solid sound—in a package that’s accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you’re a student, a commuter, or a casual listener, these earbuds deliver a dependable and enjoyable experience that punches above their weight.

In summary, the Skullcandy Ink’d ANC True Wireless Earbuds are a well-rounded offering that brings premium features to the budget segment. With effective noise cancellation, punchy audio, and thoughtful design, they cater to users who want more from their earbuds without overspending. Skullcandy has managed to preserve the spirit of the original Ink’d line while elevating it with modern enhancements, making the ANC variant a worthy addition to its growing portfolio.