OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Sharkk Lightning Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£35
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sharkk Lightning review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.9

Technical Score

20.0%

4.2

User score

Poor
3.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.0

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

5.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
4.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

4.8

User reviews

30.0%

2.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
2.4
(33)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.4
(33)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Poor
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • sharkk-lightning
  • sharkk-lightning
  • sharkk-lightning
  • sharkk-lightning
  • sharkk-lightning
sharkk-lightning
sharkk-lightning
sharkk-lightning
sharkk-lightning
sharkk-lightning

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sharkk Lightning headphones are MFi-certified in-ear monitors featuring a direct digital Lightning connector for use with Apple devices. Key technical specifications include 9mm dynamic drivers, a standard frequency response of 20Hz–20KHz, 16-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 95dB. The headphones are designed with a durable 1.3m flat, tangle-resistant cable and an aluminum housing for a premium finish, providing a sound profile with heavily amplified bass. Pros include their status as a budget-friendly alternative to Apple's stock earbuds and a comfortable fit that includes three sizes of soft silicone ear tips. However, notable cons include an inconsistent soundstage where excessive bass can muddy the mids and trebles, and the absence of a built-in microphone for phone calls or Siri commands.

Technical Specifications of Sharkk Lightning

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.0

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

5.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

3.9
Sharkk Lightning has a technical score of 3.88 points, which is lower than that of 88% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

4.8

User reviews

30.0%

2.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
2.4
(33)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.4
(33)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

4.2
Sharkk Lightning has a user score of 4.19 points, which is lower than that of 99.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
2.8
Sharkk Lightning has a popularity of 2.8 points, which is lower than 61.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.8
Sharkk Lightning has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 88% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sharkk Lightning does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

9 mm
Sharkk Lightning uses a driver size of 9 mm, smaller driver size than 92.3% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Sharkk Lightning uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Sharkk Lightning reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sharkk Lightning is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Sharkk Lightning has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Sharkk Lightning supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sharkk Lightning does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sharkk Lightning supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sharkk
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

158.8 g
Sharkk Lightning weighs 158.8 g, lighter than 68% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Sharkk Lightning vs the average headphone

  • In-line controls
    Sharkk Lightning includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Sharkk Lightning includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 27.2% lower weight
    Sharkk Lightning is lighter than the average headphone (158.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Sharkk Lightning is lighter than the average headphone (158.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.158.8 g vs 218 g
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Sharkk Lightning is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
    Sharkk Lightning is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
  • 27.2% lower weight
    Sharkk Lightning is lighter than the average headphone (158.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • In-line controls
    Sharkk Lightning includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Overall
Design
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Sharkk Lightning has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Sharkk Lightning does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Sharkk Lightning has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sharkk Lightning has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Sharkk Lightning has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 15 dB lower max SPL
    Sharkk Lightning has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Sharkk Lightning has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sharkk Lightning is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sharkk Lightning has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Sharkk Lightning has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sharkk Lightning has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Sharkk Lightning has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sharkk Lightning has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sharkk Lightning has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Sharkk Lightning has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Not headset-ready
    Sharkk Lightning is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sharkk Lightning is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Sharkk Lightning has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Sharkk Lightning has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 90.8% lower user score
    Sharkk Lightning has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.19 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Sharkk Lightning has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.19 vs 8.000).4.19 vs 8
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sharkk Lightning has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Sharkk Lightning has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 17% worse value for money
    Sharkk Lightning has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.76 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Sharkk Lightning has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.76 vs 6.736).5.76 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sharkk Lightning and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
2.4
33 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
2.4
33 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sharkk Lightning?

  • Competitive pricing, often cited as one of the most affordable Lightning-certified options
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions or workouts
  • Apple MFi certification ensures reliable compatibility with iOS devices
  • Includes a tangle-resistant flat cable and in-line volume controls
  • Amplified bass profile that appeals to fans of Rap, R&B, and Electronic music

What customers dislike about Sharkk Lightning?

  • Poor connection stability with reports of the Lightning connector having 'wiggle room' and cutting out
  • Inconsistent sound quality, with some users reporting audio only playing when the connector is oriented a specific way
  • Lack of an integrated microphone for phone calls or Siri usage
  • Sound signature is heavily bass-skewed, which can drown out mids and trebles for those seeking balanced audio
  • Reports of long-term durability issues, including the device failing after about a month of use

Expert reviews

F
francisuniverse.wordpress.com
08/03/2017
Review of the SHARKK Lightning Headphones

The SHARKK Lightning Headphones offer an affordable, electric blue aluminum wired solution for iPhone users seeking an alternative to Apple’s standard EarPods. On the positive side, they feature soft silicone ear caps available in three sizes, which provide comfortable noise isolation and do not hurt when laying on your side. Priced at $39.99, they are easy to travel with,...Read more

M
macwelt.de
25/04/2018
The Best Lightning Headphones - Macwelt

This article reviews a selection of high-quality Lightning-connector headphones for iPhone users who prefer wired connections over Bluetooth due to interference or latency issues, particularly in music production. It highlights several models with distinct advantages: the Anker SoundBuds Digital IE10 (€70) feature an integrated 24-bit/48 kHz DAC that delivers finely resolved vocals,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
testbericht.guru
10/03/2017
Sharkk Lightning Headphones - Review Guru", "Sharkk Lightning Headphones - Test Report Guru

The Sharkk Lightning In-Ear Headphones are Apple MFi certified and specifically designed for the iPhone 7, allowing users to listen to music directly through the Lightning port without needing an external adapter. In terms of performance, they deliver a solid acoustic spectrum ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring satisfyingly deep bass lines and crisp high frequencies. They...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
francisuniverse.wordpress.com
08/03/2017
Review of the SHARKK Lightning Headphones

The SHARKK Lightning Headphones offer an affordable, electric-blue aluminum alternative for iPhone users seeking a direct lightning connection without utilizing an ugly, easily lost adapter. A key benefit is their comfortable, small earbud design that does not hurt when laying sideways against a cushion. The silicone ear caps are soft, fit securely so they will not get stuck in the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
francisuniverse.wordpress.com
08/03/2017
Review of the SHARKK Lightning Headphones

The SHARKK Lightning Headphones provide an affordable, wired audio solution for users seeking an alternative to Apple’s standard EarPods and cumbersome dongles. Built with a stylish electric blue aluminum finish, they feature soft silicone ear caps available in three sizes, which offer comfortable long-term wear and reliable noise isolation. At a highly competitive price of $39.99,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
francisuniverse.wordpress.com
08/03/2017
SHARKK Lightning Headphones Review

SHARKK Lightning Headphones The SHARKK Lightning Headphones are positioned as an affordable, everyday alternative for iPhone users looking to avoid ugly lightning-to-jack adapters or the poorly fitting stock Apple EarPods. Priced at a highly competitive $39.99, they feature an attractive electric blue, aluminum finish, and offer a comfortable in-ear design with three interchangeable...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Sharkk Lightning with

VS
VS

Compare