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Skullcandy Riff Wired Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£20
Avg. price in US: ~$20
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.5

Good

4.7

Poor

9.0

Exceptional

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
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%
6.8
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
4.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.8
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Skullcandy Riff Wired is a lightweight on-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and an impedance of 32 ohms, delivering a consumer-friendly warm sound signature with a frequency response of 20Hz–20KHz. Its primary characteristics include a flat-folding, collapsible design for portability and an ultra-durable plastic headband paired with plush, faux-leather ear cushions for comfort. Main pros include a built-in microphone with an in-line remote for call and track control, an affordable price point, and a tangle-resistant 1.2m TPE cable. However, notable cons include a lack of padding on the headband which may cause fatigue over time and a plastic build that can feel flimsy or prone to snapping at the extension points.

Technical Specifications of Skullcandy Riff Wired

Overall score

5.5

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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

4.7

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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: 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

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

5.1

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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

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

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

6.2

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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

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

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Features

3.8

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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

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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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: 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

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Design

7.0

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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

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 Riff Wired vs the average headphone

Why is Skullcandy Riff Wired better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
Skullcandy Riff Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% 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: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Riff Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
On-device controls
Skullcandy Riff Wired 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 Riff Wired includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
30.7% lower weight
Skullcandy Riff Wired is lighter than the average headphone (151 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
Skullcandy Riff Wired is lighter than the average headphone (151 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.151 g vs 218 g
Foldable design
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
4.5x cheaper
Skullcandy Riff Wired is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
Skullcandy Riff Wired is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
Boom microphone included
Skullcandy Riff Wired includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
Skullcandy Riff Wired includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
12% higher user score
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.96 vs 8).
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 Riff Wired has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.96 vs 8).8.96 vs 8
2.15x more popular
Skullcandy Riff Wired is more popular than the average headphone (10 vs 4.646).
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 Riff Wired is more popular than the average headphone (10 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
30.7% lower weight
Skullcandy Riff Wired is lighter than the average headphone (151 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Skullcandy Riff Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
On-device controls
Skullcandy Riff Wired includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Boom microphone included
Skullcandy Riff Wired includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Skullcandy Riff Wired worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Skullcandy Riff Wired does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.7 % higher distortion
Skullcandy Riff Wired 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 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
12 dB lower max SPL
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Fixed cable
Skullcandy Riff Wired 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
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
0.7 % higher distortion
Skullcandy Riff Wired 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 Riff Wired 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 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 Riff Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Riff Wired 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 Riff Wired 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
No travel bag
Skullcandy Riff Wired does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% 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 Riff Wired does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
12 dB lower max SPL
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 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 Riff Wired has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.98 dB vs 110 dB
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 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 Riff Wired has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Riff Wired and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Riff Wired?

Affordable price point, often under $20
Surprisingly good sound quality for the budget, featuring warm bass and clear mids
Lightweight and compact foldable design convenient for travel
Soft, pillowy ear cushions that provide high initial comfort
Simple, functional in-line microphone and remote for calls and track control
Tangle-resistant flat cable design

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Riff Wired?

Poor build quality with a thin, all-plastic construction prone to snapping
Frequent reports of the headband or hinges breaking after only a few months of use
Lack of headband padding, which can cause discomfort on the top of the head
Minimal passive noise isolation due to the on-ear design and breathable pads
Material durability issues, specifically the ear pad covers wearing out over time
Tends to creak and rattle during use, feeling somewhat fragile

Expert reviews

consumerreports.org

15/08/2026

Summary of the review

Skullcandy Riff Headphone Review - Consumer Reports

The Consumer Reports review of the Skullcandy Riff headphones finds they deliver good, lively sound with impactful bass and an open soundscape suitable for casual listening. While praised for their audio performance, the headphones are noted for having a thin, congested midrange with a distinct "plastic resonance". Consumer ReportsKey drawbacks include a "sizzly" high-frequency response and a design that produces moderate, persistent pressure on the ears. The review indicates that while they offer decent sound quality for the price, they lack high-end ergonomic comfort.

xander51.medium.com

18/06/2019

Summary of the review

Skullcandy Riff Headphones Review: The Bare Minimum

The Medium review of the Skullcandy Riff headphones by Xander51 describes them as an entry-level, budget-friendly option offering a v-shaped sound profile with warm, smooth bass and a comfortable, lightweight design. Key advantages include plush ear cushions suitable for long sessions, despite the overall bare-minimum approach. Medium· Conversely, the review highlights significant downsides, including a fragile plastic build that feels cheap to the touch. Additionally, the headphones lack modern features like active noise cancellation, include no protective case, and suffer from a harsh, strident treble spike. Medium

leclaireur.fnac.com

26/01/2019

Summary of the review

Skullcandy Riff Lab Test: A small, effective headset

The Skullcandy Riff Wireless is an entry-level, on-ear Bluetooth headphone designed primarily for a younger audience, featuring a lightweight 161-gram foldable plastic design and a distinct skull logo signature. The review highlights several notable advantages, including excellent sound sensitivity (84 mV), low audio distortion, and highly effective acoustic containment that ensures the music does not leak out to disturb people nearby. Additionally, it offers a comfortable, plush ear cushion fit and a satisfactory battery life tested at 11 hours and 25 minutes, coupled with a reasonable 165 ms Bluetooth latency suitable for watching videos. However, the headphones come with significant compromises due to their budget-friendly construction. The plastic headband lacks any padding, which can cause discomfort on bare heads, and the package does not include a storage pouch. Performance-wise, the sound profile features an aggressively heavy bass emphasis ( dB at 50 Hz) that cannot be adjusted due to the lack of a dedicated companion app or equalizer. Furthermore, the passive noise isolation is weak against low-frequency ambient sounds, and because there is no 3.5 mm audio jack, the device...

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