Key Takeaways
1. Affordable Pricing: Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC headphones are priced at $299, making them cheaper than competitors like Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sonos Ace.
2. Retro Design and Controls: The headphones feature a retro design, a joystick for playback, a small LED screen for battery and volume info, and customizable controls on the earcups.
3. Heavy Yet Portable: Weighing 332 grams, they are heavier than some competitors; however, they come with a crossbody bag instead of a traditional case for portability.
4. Advanced Features: The headphones include 40mm drivers, six microphones for adaptive ANC, THX Spatial Audio, ear detection, and support for Bluetooth 5.3 and Google Fast Pair.
5. Long Battery Life: With up to 60 hours of playtime (50 hours with ANC), they feature a quick charge option that provides 4 hours of playtime after just 10 minutes of charging.
Skullcandy has been in the audio market for a long time, but their latest Aviator 900 ANC is their best headphones yet. Priced at $299, these headphones are cheaper than competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Sonos Ace.
Design and Features
These headphones come in only one color—True Black—and feature a retro design that is evident in their overall appearance and control layout. On the right earcup, you’ll find a power button that stays in place until you press it again. Below this button is a small joystick for playback control, and atop it, a tiny LED screen shows information like battery life and volume level. The left earcup includes a custom button and a recessed dial for volume adjustment.
The earcups are made with memory foam and are covered in leatherette, while the bottom of the headband is fabric, and the top matches the leatherette of the earcups. As stated in the specifications, the headphones have a nano-coating that protects against sweat and water.
Weight and Portability
Although Skullcandy claims the headphones have a foldable and collapsible design, they come with a crossbody bag instead of a case, which is a unique touch. Weighing in at 332 grams, they are heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM6, which is 254 grams and available on Amazon for $448.
The Aviator 900 ANC features 40mm drivers, six microphones for adaptive ANC, and THX Spatial Audio with head tracking. It also includes ear detection, Bluetooth 5.3 with Low Energy Audio, and an aux port for wired use. Additionally, these headphones support Google Fast Pair with Find My support and Bluetooth Multipoint. There’s also a low-latency mode for gamers and for watching movies and TV shows.
Battery Life and App Integration
Skullcandy claims that the Aviator 900 ANC can last up to 60 hours on a single charge, but this drops to 50 hours when ANC is active. A quick 10-minute charge via USB-C can give you up to 4 hours of playtime. The headphones are compatible with the Skullcandy app, allowing users to customize preset EQ modes or create their own.
You can now pre-order the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC on their website, with shipping expected to begin in mid-June.