Finding headphones that fully immerse you in your music, podcasts, or whatever else you listen to isn’t always straightforward. While good options are plentiful, uncovering a pair that excels in sound quality, comfort, battery life, and unique features is far less common. That’s why I was eager to try Skullcandy’s Crusher Evo Sensory Bass headphones, which seem as though they might check all these boxes and more.
For this review, I tested the limited edition Washed Tan colorway, priced at $209.99/£179.99 at the time of writing. Though they sit above entry-level pricing, their standout features—like adjustable bass—aim to deliver a listening experience worth the investment. After putting them through their paces, here’s my verdict.
Design
As mentioned in the intro, the pair of Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones I’ve been sent come in Washed Tan. This unique brown camo look sets them apart from the standard black or white options you often see on the market, adding a touch of individuality. While the design might not be to everyone's taste, it certainly offers something different, especially if you prefer a more understated style that stands out from the crowd.
I'll start with their comfort, an area where the Crusher Evo generally holds up well. The padded headband is soft and fairly comfortable, as are the ear cups, making for an overall pleasant fit. However, there is some heat build-up after extended use, which is to be expected with most over-ear headphones, especially those without heat-dissipating technology. While some higher-end models come with this feature, the Crusher Evo doesn't, so you might feel a bit warm after long listening sessions. Additionally, while the headphones are comfortable most of the time, I found that the top of the headband would occasionally rub against the top of my head, causing mild discomfort.
The headphones also feature a foldable design, with the ear cups rotating flat for easy storage in the included protective travel case. While this foldability is a nice touch, making the headphones more portable, the design is still relatively bulky. Weighing in at 312 grams, the Crusher Evo feels a little heavy when compared to similarly priced competitors. For reference, you can definitely find lighter and smaller sets in the same price range, and this extra weight can make them feel a bit cumbersome after wearing them for long periods. This bulkiness also makes them less ideal for tossing into a bag for on-the-go use, though the included case does provide a practical solution for safe storage.
One aspect that stands out about the Crusher Evo is its user-friendly on-board controls. The headphones feature a Power On/Off button that also handles device pairing with varying lengths of press, as well as a bass adjustment slider that really enhances the listening experience (more on this in the performance section). The volume control and play/pause button also double up with Spotify Tap, which is a fantastic feature for quick access to your last track on Spotify. All these controls are conveniently placed on the ear cups, making them easy to reach and intuitive to use.
Lastly, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo comes with impressive battery life. Offering up to 40 hours of listening time, these headphones can easily last through multiple days of use, making them great for long travel or extended listening sessions. If you do happen to forget to charge them, the rapid charging technology is a lifesaver—just 10 minutes of charging provides up to 4 hours of playback. This quick boost in charge is incredibly convenient, ensuring you don’t have to worry about running out of battery when you're on the go.
Features and Performance
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo comes packed with a handful of practical and well-thought-out features that enhance the overall usability. At the core of their performance are the 40mm drivers, which deliver sound quality that seems good for over-ear headphones in this range. While these types of headphones don’t provide the same direct-to-ear sound as earbuds, the Crusher Evo still manages to impress, particularly in the low range I found. However, the highs are a little more average by comparison, leaving a small space for improvement, although not by much.
What truly sets these headphones apart is the slide-to-adjust bass booster, which proved to be a standout feature during testing. This slider dramatically enhances bass levels, making it perfect for bass-heavy genres, as well as for adding extra punch to action movie soundtracks. The difference between the lowest and highest bass settings is significant, creating a customized listening experience that’s not only practical but also fun to experiment with. Equally, it’s nice to have the option to tone the bass down when you want a more balanced or relaxing listening session.
The Crusher Evo also supports Personal Sound customization through the Skullcandy app, which adjusts the audio to your unique hearing profile. While I didn’t notice a massive difference after setting up my personal sound, this could simply be because I’m used to the default settings. For those with distinct hearing needs—such as individuals with one ear stronger than the other—this feature might be a game-changer, tailoring the audio experience to their specific preferences.
Connectivity is another area where the Crusher Evo performs well. Pairing via Bluetooth 5.0 is quick and hassle-free, and the auto-connect feature reliably re-establishes the connection after the initial pairing. Throughout my use, I encountered no significant latency issues or unexpected disconnections, which is always reassuring in a wireless device. Additionally, the headphones are compatible with Tile, a handy feature for anyone prone to misplacing their gear. Tile allows you to track the headphones’ location and even play a sound to help locate them nearby, making it a practical addition for forgetful users like myself.
On the downside, the Crusher Evo lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), a notable omission at this price point. While the over-ear design does a decent job of passively blocking out distractions, particularly conversations, ANC would have been a welcome addition to further enhance immersion. Another missing feature is multipoint pairing, which allows connection to multiple devices simultaneously. While this didn’t bother me personally, it could be a drawback for those who frequently switch between devices. Despite these shortcomings, the overall sound quality and unique features of the Crusher Evo still make it a compelling choice in my eyes.
Software
As mentioned above, the Crusher Evo headphones pair with Skullcandy's dedicated app, which offers a sleek, user-friendly interface that enhances the overall experience. Through the app, you can set up your Personal Sound profile, and access three preset EQ modes: Music, Podcast, and Movies. These settings let you fine-tune the sound depending on what you’re listening to, and the app also allows you to adjust the volume directly from your device—handy for those moments when reaching for the headphones isn’t convenient.
Beyond the EQ settings, the app provides additional useful tools, such as information on downloading Tile for tracking your headphones and a comprehensive User Guide. The guide covers everything from charging instructions to how to reset the Crusher Evo, making it a valuable resource for troubleshooting or getting the most out of your headphones.
There's not much else to say here, as the Crusher Evo headphones aren't as feature-rich as some of Skullcandy's other audio devices, namely the Dime Evo and Push ANC Active sets I've also reviewed. However, that's not a slight on the app itself, as it does exactly what it’s designed to do. It streamlines the setup and aids usability without overcomplicating things. It’s a solid companion for these headphones, providing just the right level of customization and control.
Verdict
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones are a fun, bass-heavy option with a distinctive design, though the limited edition Washed Tan colorway inflates the price compared to standard versions. The standout adjustable bass slider delivers an immersive listening experience, but the lack of active noise cancellation and multipoint pairing at this price point is a drawback.
Overall, I would say the Crusher Evo is a versatile choice for casual listeners, especially those who love bass-heavy music. While not ideal for pure audiophiles, as there are better options with the likes of ANC out there, they do offer solid performance and a unique set of features that make them worth considering.
Where to buy:
- Skullcandy - $209.99 / £179.99
- Amazon - $112.24 / £101.21 (True Black version)
* Prices are subject to change