Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, Skullcandy has made a surprising move with their Smokin' Buds. Known for their bass-heavy audio products, the company has taken a different approach with these earbuds, offering a more balanced sound profile that aims to please audiophiles while maintaining an affordable price point. This comprehensive review will delve deep into the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds, examining their design, performance, and overall value proposition in the competitive TWS market.
Design and Build Quality
The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds feature a design that prioritizes function over form, a choice that may appeal to users who value practicality. The charging case sports a squoval shape made of plastic, while the earbuds themselves have a bulbous design with small stems. Both the case and buds are finished in a matte texture, currently available only in True Black. This monochromatic approach may not turn heads, but it does offer a sleek, understated aesthetic that many users will appreciate.
From a technical standpoint, the case includes a USB Type-C charging port, which has become the industry standard due to its faster charging capabilities and reversible design. An LED battery indicator on the case provides a quick visual reference for remaining charge, a feature that enhances the user experience by eliminating guesswork about battery status.
One of the most notable aspects of the Smokin' Buds' design is their weight – or lack thereof. At just 40.59 grams including the case, these earbuds are significantly lighter than many competitors. This featherweight construction contributes to their comfort during extended wear, a crucial factor for users who listen to audio content for long periods.
The IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating is another practical feature that shouldn't be overlooked. While not suitable for submersion, this level of protection is adequate for workouts or light rain, adding to the versatility of the Smokin' Buds. It's worth noting that this rating is in line with many other earbuds in this price range, such as the standard AirPods or the OnePlus Buds Z.
Connectivity and Controls
The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds utilize Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity, a recent standard that offers improvements in range, stability, and power efficiency compared to earlier versions. This technology allows for a theoretical range of up to 240 meters in ideal conditions, though real-world performance is typically much less due to obstacles and interference.
Pairing the Smokin' Buds is a straightforward process that follows the standard procedure for most TWS earbuds. Upon opening the charging case and removing the earbuds, they automatically enter pairing mode. Users then simply need to select "Smokin' Buds" in their device's Bluetooth settings to complete the connection.
The on-bud controls of the Smokin' Buds are comprehensive, offering a wide range of functions directly from the earbuds themselves. This level of control is impressive for earbuds in this price range, often surpassing more expensive models. The controls include play/pause, volume adjustment, EQ mode changes, and even the ability to reset the paired device list.
While the multitude of control options is commendable, it does come with a learning curve. Users may need to refer to the manual or spend some time practicing to master the various tap combinations. However, once familiar with the controls, users gain an impressive level of command over their audio experience without needing to reach for their connected device.
Audio Performance
At the heart of the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds' audio performance are 6mm drivers. While this driver size is on the smaller end of the spectrum for TWS earbuds, size isn't everything when it comes to audio quality. The tuning of these drivers marks a significant departure from Skullcandy's typical bass-heavy sound signature.
Instead of emphasizing low frequencies, the Smokin' Buds offer a more balanced audio output. This approach results in good separation of mids and highs, with adequate bass that complements rather than overpowers other frequencies. This balanced profile allows for a more nuanced listening experience, revealing details in music that might be lost with a bass-heavy tuning.
The Smokin' Buds offer three EQ modes: Music, Movies, and Podcast. These preset equalizer settings allow users to optimize the audio output for different types of content. The Music mode likely provides the most balanced sound, while the Movies mode may enhance low frequencies for more impactful sound effects. The Podcast mode likely emphasizes mid-range frequencies to enhance voice clarity.
It's important to note that while the Smokin' Buds offer a more balanced sound than typical Skullcandy products, they may not satisfy extreme bass enthusiasts. However, for listeners who appreciate a wider range of genres or who prioritize clarity over bass impact, these earbuds present an attractive option.
Passive Noise Isolation and Call Quality
While the Smokin' Buds don't feature active noise cancellation (ANC), their snug fit provides effective passive noise isolation. This physical barrier can block out most ambient sounds, making them suitable for use in moderately noisy environments like cafes or airports. However, it's worth noting that passive isolation may struggle with exceptionally loud or low-frequency noises that ANC typically handles well.
Call quality is an area where the Smokin' Buds truly excel. With microphones in both earbuds, these TWS earphones offer clear audio for both the caller and receiver. The ability to use either earbud independently for calls adds flexibility, especially for users who prefer to maintain awareness of their surroundings while on a call.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is a strong suit for the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds. The earbuds themselves offer 8 hours of playback on a single charge, which is impressive for TWS earbuds in this price range. The charging case provides an additional 12 hours, bringing the total battery life to 20 hours.
While the case's battery life could be longer compared to some competitors, the overall battery performance is solid for the price range. The USB Type-C charging port allows for faster charging compared to older micro-USB standards, though specific charging times are not provided by Skullcandy.
Value Proposition
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds is their price point. At Rs 2,799 (despite an official price of Rs 7,999), these earbuds offer exceptional value. They deliver a balanced audio experience, comfortable fit, and impressive call quality that outperforms many competitors in the budget TWS segment.
When compared to other options in this price range, the Smokin' Buds stand out for their more balanced sound profile and comprehensive on-bud controls. While they may lack some premium features like ANC or a standout design, their core performance in audio and call quality make them a strong contender in the affordable TWS market.
Conclusion
The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds represent a shift in the brand's approach, offering a more balanced audio experience at an accessible price point. They cater to budget-conscious consumers looking for balanced audio, those who prioritize call quality, and users who want comprehensive on-bud controls.
However, they may not be the ideal choice for bass enthusiasts expecting Skullcandy's typical low-end emphasis, those who require active noise cancellation, or users looking for a more premium design or build quality.
In the competitive landscape of TWS earbuds, the Smokin' Buds carve out a niche by offering solid performance where it matters most – audio quality, comfort, and battery life – without breaking the bank. While they may not be perfect for everyone, they deliver impressive performance at their price point, making them a worthy consideration for budget-minded audio enthusiasts seeking a balanced listening experience.
