If you want better Codec support
Choose SonoFlow SE HQ31 Wireless Headphones. It scores 4.5 vs 2.0 for Codec support, with a 3.9 overall score.
Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC Review
Bottom Line
Choose it for thunderous adjustable bass, cleaner Bose-tuned sound, long battery life, and a feature-rich app. Skip it if you want neutral tuning, a light secure fit, top-tier consistency from ANC, or a protective hard case.
Best for
Best for bass enthusiasts, gym listeners, commuters, and movie or gaming fans who want physical low-end impact without sacrificing modern features and much of the midrange clarity.
Not for
Skip it if you prioritize reference-neutral tuning, the lightest travel design, a very secure exercise fit, or consistently class-leading ANC over tactile bass.
Verdict
The Crusher 1080 ANC is Skullcandy’s most convincing premium headphone yet. Its redesigned haptic bass remains the star, delivering physical impact that reviewers compared with a club or concert, while Bose-influenced tuning keeps mids, highs, and spatial detail far clearer than on earlier Crushers. Battery life, rapid charging, multipoint, wired fallback, and the capable app make it unusually versatile. The tradeoffs are substantial but predictable: the tuning is not neutral, the frame is bulky, controls can be crowded, and fit security varies. ANC earned top-tier praise from several testers but disappointed another against Sonos and some earbuds, suggesting fit-dependent results. At its best, it offers a rare blend of fun bass and credible premium fundamentals; discounted older flagships may still be better for neutrality, lighter travel, or more consistently refined noise cancellation.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
58 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.036 (62%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.414 (24%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.46 (10%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.42 (3%)
Pros
-
The adjustable haptic bass is the defining strength: it can feel like a subwoofer or live venue without necessarily burying the rest of the mix. Most testers loved it, though several stressed that moderation gives the best balance.
-
Reviewers consistently describe a major step up in sound, with clearer, more balanced tuning that no longer relies on bass alone. Hands-on listeners call the overall presentation crisp, powerful, and genuinely premium.
-
Battery life is one of the strongest practical advantages, with up to 50 hours using ANC and 60 without it. Reviewers called the endurance exceptional and had difficulty draining it during testing.
-
Most hands-on reviewers strongly recommend the headphones to bass lovers and call them Skullcandy’s most complete model yet. More cautious sources advise waiting for independent testing if ANC neutrality or reference tuning matters most.
-
Hands-on reviewers were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the sound, bass, comfort, and feature mix. Satisfaction is highest among listeners who want excitement and physical impact rather than strict neutrality.
-
Value is generally favorable because the headphones deliver Bose-derived features, exceptional battery life, and unique haptic bass below many current flagships. The price becomes less compelling beside discounted older Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, or Soundcore models.
-
Most reviewers found the plush earcups and padded headband comfortable for long sessions. The weight can become noticeable, but it did not cause discomfort for every tester.
-
The Bose-influenced tuning creates a noticeably wider and more open soundstage than previous Crusher models. TrueSpatial can expand it further, especially for movies and stationary listening.
-
ANC drew strong praise from several reviewers and clearly surpasses older Skullcandy efforts, especially against steady background noise. One hands-on tester found it less effective than Sonos Ace and some earbuds, so performance may vary by fit and environment.
-
Rapid charging is genuinely useful, adding several hours from a brief top-up. Hands-on reviewers found charging faster than expected in everyday use.
-
The memory-foam earcups received near-universal praise for their soft, plush feel. They fully surround the ears and rebound well after use.
-
Mids come through with more energy and presence than on older Crushers. Reviewers especially liked that vocals, percussion, and other midrange details remain audible even when the sensory bass is active.
Cons
-
The wireless stack includes SBC, AAC, LE Audio, and Auracast, but premium codecs such as LDAC and aptX are not confirmed. That makes the feature set modern but not especially strong for codec-focused buyers.
-
Length adjustment is available, but there is little ability to tighten the inward fit. One tester with a larger head still found the headset looser than desired.
-
The tuning is more balanced than past Crushers but still not reference-flat. Listeners seeking studio neutrality may find the elevated bass and upper-mid energy too colored.
-
The included cables are functional but feel thin and inexpensive. The short USB-C lead was singled out as less practical than the otherwise premium package.
-
The relaxed fit is comfortable for sitting and walking but can shift during jogging or vigorous movement. Active users may find the headset less secure than tighter-clamping alternatives.
-
Wind handling is mixed. Call microphones suppressed wind well for one outdoor test, but another reviewer heard air moving around the large earcups during a gust.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in LE Audio readiness, Auracast support, Voice prompts/feedback, near average in Value for money, Overall recommendation, below average in Headband adjustability, Codec support, Stability.
Comparison summary
58 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher37 (64%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts11 (19%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower10 (17%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headband adjustability | 2.0 | 4.2 | -2.2 |
| LE Audio readiness | 5.0 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
| Codec support | 2.0 | 3.8 | -1.8 |
| Auracast support | 5.0 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
| Voice prompts/feedback | 5.0 | 3.6 | +1.4 |
| Smudge resistance | 4.5 | 3.2 | +1.3 |
| 3.5mm analog input availability | 5.0 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
| Stability | 2.5 | 3.8 | -1.3 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Weight comfort
Choose Yamaha YH-L500A Headphones. It scores 5.0 vs 3.1 for Weight comfort, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better Headband adjustability
Choose Marshall Major V. It scores 4.8 vs 2.0 for Headband adjustability, with a 3.9 overall score.
If you want better Build quality
Choose Edifier WH950NB Gen 2 Wireless Headphones. It scores 4.7 vs 3.8 for Build quality, with a 4.2 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Worse: active noise cancellation The Crusher 1080 ANC blocked steady noise more effectively in this test.
HDB 630
- Better: soundstage and neutrality The Crusher sounds livelier, but the HDB 630 remains more spacious and neutral.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Compared: price and sound priorities Sennheiser favors tonal balance, while Skullcandy emphasizes physical bass impact.
FAQ
Can the Crusher bass be reduced or turned off?
Yes. The earcup wheel and app let you move from subtle reinforcement to intense haptic bass, and reviewers generally found moderate settings the most balanced.
How good is the active noise cancellation?
Several reviewers rated it near the top tier and praised its control of steady noise. One tester found it weaker than Sonos Ace and some earbuds, so fit and environment may affect results.
Are the headphones comfortable for long use?
The plush earcups and soft headband are comfortable for many listeners, but the bulky weight becomes noticeable for some. The relaxed clamp may also feel loose during running or vigorous movement.
How long does the battery last?
The rated endurance is up to 50 hours with ANC and 60 hours without it. Reviewers also found rapid charging useful and real-world battery life excellent.
Can they play through a cable with no battery?
Yes. The 3.5mm connection works with the headphones powered off, but sensory bass, ANC, and other powered processing are unavailable.
Are they worth about $280?
They are strong value for buyers who want tactile bass, Bose-derived features, and long battery life. Buyers focused on neutrality or lighter travel should compare discounted older Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and Soundcore models.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Mark Ellis Reviews
- Review score
- 4.8
YouTube - SoundGuys
- Review score
- 4.8
YouTube - Flossy Carter
- Review score
- 4.9
YouTube - Chris Stead
- Review score
- 3.9
Article Reviews
whathifi.com
Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside...
- Review score
- 4.8
ecoustics.com
The $280 Crusher 1080 ANC wireless headphones combine adjustable sensory bass with Bose QuietControl noise cancellation and TrueSpatial...
- Review score
- 3.6
nypost.com
Skullcandy’s Crusher 1080 ANC headphones feature sound by Bose, active noise cancellation, up to 60 hours of battery life and patented bass...
- Review score
- 4.3
techlicious.com
I listened to Skullcandy's new $279.99 Crusher 1080 ANC at launch. The Bose partnership delivers on sound, but the headphones run heavy.
techpowerup.com
Skullcandy released Crusher 1080 ANC, the most advanced headphone in the brand's history and a groundbreaking evolution of its fan-favorite...
- Review score
- 4.0
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