OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£35
Avg. price in US: ~$50
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 34 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Good

4.6

Poor

9.1

Exceptional

7.4
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
6.7
Audio latency
25.0%
10
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
5.5
Battery life
4.4
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
5.5
Battery life
18.0%
6.8
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
6.8
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
5.5
Battery life
14.0%
10
Companion app
6.9
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.8
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
5.5
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#29 in Best Skullcandy Headphones
#160 in Best Gaming Headphones
#160 in Best Gaming Headphones for PS5
#311 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#414 in Best USB-C Headphones
#570 in Best Wireless Headphones
#790 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a budget-friendly on-ear headset featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and an impressive 34-hour battery life with rapid charging that provides 4 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge. It utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 for stable connectivity and includes modern features like multipoint pairing, built-in Tile finding technology, and compatibility with the Skullcandy App for EQ customization. Weighing just 153g, its main pros include a lightweight, foldable design for portability, long battery endurance, and a versatile low-latency gaming mode. However, notable cons include a predominantly plastic build that can feel flimsy, the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC), and potential discomfort during long listening sessions due to a lack of headband padding.

Technical Specifications of Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2

Overall score

5.5

Show more

Hide

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

2.8

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

5.6

Show more

Hide

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

?

Show more

Connectivity

5.5

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

Show more

Features

6.0

Show more

Hide

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

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

Show more

Battery

7.4

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

Show more

Design

8.0

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 vs the average headphone

Why is Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

EQ customization
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 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 Riff Wireless 2 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Spatial audio support
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
More flexible connectivity
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 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 Riff Wireless 2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 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 Wireless 2 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
29.8% lower weight
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is lighter than the average headphone (153 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 Wireless 2 is lighter than the average headphone (153 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.153 g vs 218 g
Foldable design
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 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 Wireless 2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
USB-C charging
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Sidetone support
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
29.8% lower weight
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is lighter than the average headphone (153 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Spatial audio support
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
USB-C charging
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Rechargeable battery
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Play while charging
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
More flexible connectivity
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
Sidetone support
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
EQ customization
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

No travel bag
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.6 higher clamp force
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
No passive noise reduction
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2.7 % higher distortion
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
16 dB lower max SPL
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (94 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
55% lower battery capacity
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (270 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
No passive noise reduction
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 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 Riff Wireless 2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2.7 % higher distortion
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (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: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.3 % vs 0.3 %
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 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 Wireless 2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 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 Wireless 2 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
55% lower battery capacity
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (270 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
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
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (270 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.270 mAh vs 600 mAh
No travel bag
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 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 Wireless 2 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.6 higher clamp force
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.4.9 vs 4.3
16 dB lower max SPL
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (94 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 Wireless 2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (94 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.94 dB vs 110 dB

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2?

Exceptional battery life of up to 34 hours with rapid charging support
Lightweight and portable design featuring flat-folding earcups
Multipoint pairing allows seamless connection to two devices simultaneously
Built-in Tile™ technology helps locate headphones if misplaced
Comfortable on-ear fit with soft synthetic leather cushions
Good overall sound quality for the price, including decent bass performance
Useful companion app with graphic EQ and presets for sound customization

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2?

Build quality feels flimsy and 'plasticky,' with some reports of the headband snapping
Lack of padding on the headband can cause discomfort during long sessions
Significant audio leakage at higher volumes, which may disturb others
Poor passive noise isolation; they do not block out much background noise
On-ear size might feel too small for some users or better suited for children
The charging cable provided is notably short
Microphone can pick up excessive background noise during calls

Expert reviews

rtings.com

13/04/2026

The 4 Best On-Ear Headphones of 2026

The Beats Solo 4 are named the top overall on-ear headphones by RTINGS, featuring a balanced, bright sound, a secure fit, and 48 hours of battery life. However, they lack active noise cancelling (ANC) and have poor microphone quality, resulting in weak isolation and muffled voice calls. RTINGS.comAlternatively, the JBL Live 670NC are highlighted as the best mid-range option with an...Read more

rtings.com

12/12/2022

JBL Tune 510BT vs Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 Review

The Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are superior entry-level on-ear headphones compared to the JBL Tune 510BT, offering companion app compatibility with a graphic EQ, superior microphone quality, and full wired audio support. However, the Skullcandy model features a plasticky build and shorter battery life compared to the JBL. Conversely, the JBL Tune 510BT boasts a sturdier build and...Read more

rtings.com

12/12/2022

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 Review

The Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are budget-friendly, on-ear headphones featuring a lightweight design, long battery life, and multi-device pairing capabilities. Sound can be customized via a companion app's graphic EQ, adjusting a default, heavily boosted bass profile that also includes piercing sibilants. Drawbacks include a plastic build that lacks durability and may not stay...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

Date de publication non spécifiée (Fiche produit/test)

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2: best price - Les Numériques

The Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is reviewed by Les Numériques as an entry-level, travel-friendly Bluetooth on-ear headset launched at a budget-friendly price point of 49.99 €. The review highlights its exceptionally lightweight and compact design, coupled with great comfort levels that make it highly suitable for daily on-the-go use. It also features highly accessible and complete...Read more

roxarmy.com

08/12/2022

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 Headphones: The Riff Wireless Squared

The Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a lightweight (153g) on-ear wireless headphone model that upgrades its predecessor with a distinctive outdoor-themed, green and orange topographical design. It features 40mm drivers that deliver strong bass and detailed mids, though the highs can sometimes feel imprecise. The device boasts highly intuitive software integration via the Skullcandy...Read more

ultimasnoticias.com.ve

11/03/2024

Review | Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 Headphones - Latest News

Review Summary The Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 headphones offer a highly functional, budget-friendly option tailored for long office hours and commutes, providing an impressive battery life of up to 34 hours alongside a quick-charge feature (10 minutes for 4 hours of playback). Weighing just over 150 grams, their lightweight design makes them nearly imperceptible on the head, while...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Philips TAH4209bl

Headphones

Anker Soundcore H30i

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Urbanears Plattan 2 Bluetooth

Headphones

Philips TAA4216

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Urbanears Plattan 2

Headphones

Vonztek Ws VBT782 Bj

Headphones

Philips Bass SHB3075wt

Headphones

Compare Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 with

Compare