OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Skullcandy Riff Wired Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£20Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Skullcandy Riff 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.

Skullcandy Riff Wired
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical score

20%

9.0

User score

â–²Better than 53% of headphones
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 56%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

52%

6.0

Sound

20%

4.3

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.5

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 68%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 92%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Skullcandy Riff Wired

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

52%

6.0

Sound

20%

4.3

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.5

Calls & Controls

5.6
User score
User score
9.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.0
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
Skullcandy Riff Wired has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
?
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Skullcandy
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
151 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 151 g, lighter than 69.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Skullcandy Riff Wired vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 30.7% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (151 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    151 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 4.5x cheaper
    Skullcandy Riff Wired is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£20 vs £90).
    £20 vs £90
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 70.4% more popular
    Skullcandy Riff Wired is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 12% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Skullcandy Riff Wired
    the average pair of headphones
    Skullcandy Riff Wired has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.96 vs 8).
    8.96 vs 8
  • 4.5x cheaper
    Skullcandy Riff Wired is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£20 vs £90).
    £20 vs £90
  • 70.4% more popular
    Skullcandy Riff Wired is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 12% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Skullcandy Riff Wired
    the average pair of headphones
    Skullcandy Riff Wired has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.96 vs 8).
    8.96 vs 8
  • 30.7% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (151 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    151 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones 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
    This pair of headphones 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
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 12 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (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
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 12 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (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
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
EveryManTEch
≈ estimated
04/03/2021
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and features at a budget price
Verdict
Skullcandy Riff Wired is a good budget pick for simple listening, but not for anyone who needs noise cancelling.
8.0
SA Unboxed
≈ estimated
03/12/2022
Unboxing and two-day use · comfort, durability and sound
Verdict
Skullcandy Riff Wired has good sound and is worth it for short sessions, but gets uncomfortable after about an hour.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

xander51.medium.com
18/06/2019
Hands-on review · Budget on-ear headphones
Verdict
The Skullcandy Riff Wired suits buyers who want good sound and soft pads, with a flimsy plastic build as the trade-off.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

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 don't like 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

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.

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