Skullcandy Icon ANC Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 50 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

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

7.0

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%

6.5

Technical Score

20.0%

9.0

User score

Very good
6.5

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%

5.8

Sound

20.0%

7.3

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

5.9

Connectivity

6.0%

9.0

Battery

4.0%

8.6

Calls & Controls

Good
9.0

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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(684)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(684)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Exceptional
  • 9.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    10

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    8.3

    Battery life

  • 8.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    8.3

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 9.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    8.3

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 7.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    5.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    8.3

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Skullcandy Icon ANC is a wireless on-ear headphone featuring 40mm drivers and active noise cancellation, built with a durable metal headband and an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. Key specifications include a massive battery life of up to 60 hours (50 with ANC on), rapid charging that provides 4 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, and Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint pairing for dual-device connectivity. Its main pros are the extremely long battery performance, a lightweight 225g foldable design for portability, and extensive app support including customizable EQs and Personal Sound by Mimi. However, notable cons include noise cancellation that some reviewers find underwhelming compared to competitors, a potentially tight clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions, and the lack of an auto-pause/play sensor.

Technical Specifications of Skullcandy Icon ANC

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%

5.8

Sound

20.0%

7.3

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

5.9

Connectivity

6.0%

9.0

Battery

4.0%

8.6

Calls & Controls

6.5
Skullcandy Icon ANC has a technical score of 6.54 points, which is higher than that of 77.1% 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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(684)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(684)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

9.0
Skullcandy Icon ANC has a user score of 9.02 points, which is higher than that of 86% 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.
10
Skullcandy Icon ANC has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.9
Skullcandy Icon ANC has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 83.2% 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

yes
Skullcandy Icon ANC supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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

40 mm
Skullcandy Icon ANC uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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
Skullcandy Icon ANC 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
Skullcandy Icon ANC reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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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

yes
Skullcandy Icon ANC supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Skullcandy Icon ANC is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

4
Skullcandy Icon ANC has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88.2% of headphones and equal to 5% 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

no
Skullcandy Icon ANC does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

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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

wireless
Skullcandy Icon ANC supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

5.3
Skullcandy Icon ANC uses Bluetooth version 5.3, newer Bluetooth version than 88.6% of headphones and equal to 6.5% of headphones.
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

10 m
Skullcandy Icon ANC offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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

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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

yes
Skullcandy Icon ANC supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

yes
Skullcandy Icon ANC supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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

yes
Skullcandy Icon ANC supports EQ customization. 76.8% 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

yes
Skullcandy Icon ANC works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
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

?
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
Skullcandy Icon ANC supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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

50 hours
Skullcandy Icon ANC offers battery life of 50 hours, higher battery life than 71.5% of headphones and equal to 5.7% of headphones.
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

50 hours
Skullcandy Icon ANC offers battery life with ANC of 50 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 79.7% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
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

2 hours
Skullcandy Icon ANC needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 48.5% of headphones and equal to 39.1% of headphones.
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

yes
Skullcandy Icon ANC supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
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

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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

Skullcandy
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

on-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

225 g
Skullcandy Icon ANC weighs 225 g, heavier than 52.2% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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

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Skullcandy Icon ANC vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Skullcandy Icon ANC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Skullcandy Icon ANC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • EQ customization
    Skullcandy Icon ANC supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    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

    Skullcandy Icon ANC supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Skullcandy Icon ANC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Skullcandy Icon ANC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    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

    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.50 hours vs 30 hours
  • Clear call microphone
    Skullcandy Icon ANC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    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

    Skullcandy Icon ANC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Skullcandy Icon ANC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Skullcandy Icon ANC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 20 hours longer battery life
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher battery life than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    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

    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher battery life than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.50 hours vs 30 hours
  • 3 more microphones
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has more microphones than the average headphone (4 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

    Skullcandy Icon ANC has more microphones than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.4 vs 1
  • Foldable design
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Water resistance
    Skullcandy Icon ANC is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Skullcandy Icon ANC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • 20 hours longer battery life
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher battery life than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • USB-C charging
    Skullcandy Icon ANC uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Skullcandy Icon ANC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Skullcandy Icon ANC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Skullcandy Icon ANC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has more microphones than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Skullcandy Icon ANC reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Skullcandy Icon ANC supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • EQ customization
    Skullcandy Icon ANC supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 7 newer release date
    Skullcandy Icon ANC was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Skullcandy Icon ANC uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Skullcandy Icon ANC does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 4.5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97.5 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Skullcandy Icon ANC does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 12.5 dB lower max SPL
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (97.5 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 5.5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97.5 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Skullcandy Icon ANC does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Skullcandy Icon ANC does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4.5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97.5 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

    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97.5 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.97.5 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Skullcandy Icon ANC 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

    Skullcandy Icon ANC 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
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Skullcandy Icon ANC uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Skullcandy Icon ANC uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Skullcandy Icon ANC does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
    When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.

    Importance: LOW

    Skullcandy Icon ANC does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 12.5 dB lower max SPL
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (97.5 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (97.5 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.97.5 dB vs 110 dB
  • 5.5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97.5 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Skullcandy Icon ANC has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97.5 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.97.5 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Icon ANC and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Icon ANC?

  • Exceptional battery life, lasting up to 50 hours with ANC and 60 hours without it
  • Effective rapid charging provides 4 hours of use from a 10-minute charge
  • Durable build quality featuring a metal headband and IPX4 sweat/water resistance
  • Highly portable and lightweight design that folds down compactly
  • Strong multipoint connection support allows seamless switching between two devices
  • Useful app features including customizable EQ, button settings, and personal sound profiles

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Icon ANC?

  • Active noise cancellation (ANC) is often described as weak or ineffective against voices and high frequencies
  • High clamping force can make them uncomfortable for long sessions or users with larger heads
  • Sound profile may feel flat or muddy without EQ adjustments
  • Stay-Aware transparency mode sometimes includes a distracting background hiss
  • On-ear design may lead to ear fatigue or trapping of hair in the ear cups
  • Only supports basic SBC codec, lacking high-resolution audio support

Expert reviews

C
consumerreports.org
[Undated]

The Consumer Reports review of the Skullcandy Icon ANC finds that while this Bluetooth on-ear model offers very good active noise reduction and effective sound leakage control, its acoustic performance is only acceptable. While the device delivers deep, impactful bass, the sound profile is marred by a boomy low-end that overwhelms the midrange, resulting in hazy, congested vocals...Read more

L
livemint.com
10/12/2025

The Skullcandy Icon ANC on-ear headphones provide lively, punchy bass and impressive battery life, making them well-suited for daily travel and workouts. Featuring a lightweight, foldable design with pleather ear pads, a soft fabric headband wrap, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating, they stay stable and secure during daily commutes. Key functionality performance pros include highly...Read more

T
tweakreviews.com
27/01/2025

The Skullcandy Icon ANC is a lightweight, on-ear wireless headset priced at $110 that delivers high-value performance balanced with flexible customization. A key highlight of the product is its impressive battery life, which reaches up to 60 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned off and up to 50 hours with it activated. Comfort is enhanced by its low 225-gram weight and...Read more

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the-other-view.com
22/04/2025

In his review for The Other View, critic Valkor delivers a mixed evaluation of the Skullcandy Icon ANC headphones, ultimately awarding them a 2 out of 5-star rating due to severe performance shortcomings. On the positive side, the headphones feature an attractive, sleek mechanical design with a cozy headband and plush, cushioned earcups that remain comfortable during extended use....Read more

P
pcmag.com
24/03/2025

The PCMag review of the Skullcandy Icon ANC gives a "Tough to Recommend" verdict, citing poor audio performance and ineffective noise cancellation despite an attractive, retro-inspired design. While the headphones feature excellent 50-hour battery life and useful app-based EQ adjustments, the on-ear fit is notably uncomfortable. The audio profile is criticized as uninspiring and, at...Read more

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test.de
28/01/2026

The requested product detail page from the Stiftung Warentest Bluetooth headphones test (11/2023, code IC21776-0359-00) is behind a paid paywall and requires a subscription to access specific pros and cons. General findings from the 2023–2024 test cycle indicate top models excel in offering balanced sound, strong bass, and effective Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). Conversely,...Read more

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tweak.de
27/01/2025

The Skullcandy Icon ANC is an on-ear, active noise-canceling wireless headset priced at €90 that balances lightweight comfort with deep audio customization. Weighing just 225 grams, it features a robust, adjustable metal headband and soft, leather-like foam earpads, making it highly portable and comfortable for long listening sessions. Through its companion app, users can create a...Read more

Q
quechoisir.org
20/01/2026

The Que Choisir review highlights the Skullcandy Icon ANC as a functional, competitively priced (approx. €52) Bluetooth 5.3 on-ear headset featuring active noise cancellation and a collapsible design. Weighing 225 grams, it includes a detachable cable for wired use, though technical evaluations note it is not designed for sports activities. Key advantages include its compact folding...Read more

A
altroconsumo.it
19/04/2026

The Altroconsumo product review covers the SKULLCANDY ICON ANC wireless headphones, which are listed at a starting price of 39.90 € on Amazon and Euronics. These circum-aural (over-ear) headphones are tested by the lab for key performance metrics including audio quality, active noise cancellation, battery autonomy, and comfort. They feature modern Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity,...Read more

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techgirl.nl
29/11/2024

The Skullcandy Icon ANC is a lightweight (225g) on-ear headphone featuring an attractive "Bone Orange" design—a white-beige finish paired with orange interior accents, a suede-like headband, and brushed stainless steel adjustments. Designed for portability and user convenience, it features a collapsible frame and comes with a travel pouch. The interface is minimalist, relying on a...Read more

C
coolesuggesties.nl
29/11/2024

Review Summary The Skullcandy Icon ANC is a modern, minimalist revival of the brand's classic Icon line from nearly 20 years ago, targeting a younger, active audience. Retailing at €99.99, it blends retro-inspired aesthetics with heavily upgraded contemporary features. Key advantages include an impressive 60-hour battery life, active noise cancellation (ANC) with an Awareness mode,...Read more

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gadgetgear.nl
09/11/2024

The Skullcandy Icon ANC is a budget-friendly, on-ear wireless headset that stands out for its portable, travel-friendly design and impressive battery life, delivering up to 50 hours of playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled. Structurally, it features a durable build with distinct visual details like exposed screws, an accent-colored power button, and uniquely curled...Read more

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androidworld.nl
14/01/2025

The Skullcandy Icon ANC is a compact on-ear headphone that offers surprising sound quality and exceptional battery life for its €99.99 price point. Its 40mm drivers rest directly on the ears, delivering better, more direct audio than the brand's more expensive Crusher model, especially when the Bass Boost feature is activated. Key design advantages include a highly packable,...Read more

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consumentenbond.nl
19/04/2026

The Skullcandy Icon ANC is an on-ear headphone designed for portability and functional everyday use, currently priced around €44. Its primary features include active noise cancellation (ANC) to dampen ambient surroundings and a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. For charging, the device utilizes a modern USB-C connection. While the full test scores for sound quality and...Read more

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