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Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£9
Avg. price in US: ~$10
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9

Good

5.1

Good

9.2

Exceptional

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
6.1
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Skullcandy Ink'd+ Wired In-Ear Earbuds are lightweight headphones (11.52g) designed for everyday use, featuring 10mm dynamic drivers that deliver 'Supreme Sound' with a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz and 16 ohms impedance. These earbuds include an in-line microphone and a one-button remote for managing calls and tracks, alongside a noise-isolating fit enhanced by multiple sizes of silicone ear gels. Main pros include their highly affordable price point, comfortable fit for long listening sessions, and a tangle-resistant cable. However, some users note potential durability issues with the 3.5mm jack over time and a lack of on-board volume controls compared to higher-end models.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired

Overall score

5.9

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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.

Sound

5.0

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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

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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

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

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Calls & Controls

6.2

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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

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

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

4.6

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

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Features

4.4

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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

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

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

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: HIGH

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

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Battery

4.0

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

7.2

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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: LOW

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: LOW

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

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: LOW

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: LOW

N/A

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Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired better than the average pair of headphones?

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94.7% lower weight
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11.5 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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11.5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.11.5 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% 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
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
10x cheaper
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£9 vs £90).
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£9 vs £90).£9 vs £90
14.4% higher user score
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.15 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.
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.15 vs 8.000).9.15 vs 8
70.4% more popular
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10.00 vs 5.869).
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.
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10.00 vs 5.869).10 vs 5.87
94.7% lower weight
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11.5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Non-replaceable earpads
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Fixed cable
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
30 mm smaller driver size
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2.7 % higher distortion
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
10 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (92 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
18 dB lower max SPL
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (92 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
11 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (92 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
No battery indicator
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
30 mm smaller driver size
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (10 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: HIGH
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.10 mm vs 40 mm
2.7 % higher distortion
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3% 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: MEDIUM
Good value: <=1%
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.3 % vs 0.3 %
Non-replaceable earpads
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
10 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (92 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 Ink D Plus Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (92 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.92 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Fixed cable
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 Ink D Plus Wired has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
No battery indicator
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
No travel bag
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired?

Excellent value for money and affordability
Comfortable fit for long-term wear, even for users with small ears
Punchy bass and clear sound quality for the price point
Effective passive noise isolation due to snug in-ear design
Includes multiple sizes of silicone ear gels for a custom fit
Built-in microphone is reported as clear for voice calls
Lightweight and highly portable design

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Ink D Plus Wired?

Durability issues with one earbud frequently failing after a few months
Thin cable can be fragile and prone to internal shortages
Lack of on-cable volume control (some versions only have a single button)
Microphone quality can sometimes sound muffled or poor on PC
Not ideal for high-impact activities like running as they may fall out
Static or crackling sound if the 3.5mm jack is touched or rotated
Straight jack design is more prone to stress/damage than an L-shaped one

Expert reviews

leclaireur.fnac.com

12/02/2019

Summary of the review

Skullcandy INK'D Lab Test: very basic wired earphones

The Skullcandy INK'D are highly basic, lightweight (6 grams) wired in-ear headphones featuring 10mm drivers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an in-line microphone for phone calls. In laboratory testing, they achieved a poor overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars due to multiple performance limitations. On the technical side, the frequency response score is a decent 8.2 out of 10, highlighting an acoustic profile that specifically favors vocal frequencies, making them useful for clear phone conversations. Furthermore, they demonstrate an excellent electrical sensitivity of 80 mV, meaning they are easily powered by standard consumer devices. However, the earbuds suffer from several notable audio and physical design drawbacks. The main downsides include a weak distortion score of 4.3 out of 10, revealing significant sound parasites and signal inaccuracies. Additionally, they lack active noise cancellation and offer weak passive noise isolation (scoring 4.1), which fails to block low and mid-range ambient noises and only functions against high-pitched sounds. Finally, their sound leakage performance is quite mediocre with a sound perturbation score of 6, meaning your music is highly likely to bother...

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