OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Skullcandy Stim Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.7

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%

5.2

Technical Score

20.0%

7.7

User score

Good
5.2

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%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.0

Design

8.0%

6.9

Connectivity

6.0%

6.3

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

Good
7.7

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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

7.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(302)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(302)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 4.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    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%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.6

    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

  • 4.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.6

    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

  • skullcandy-stim
  • skullcandy-stim
  • skullcandy-stim
  • skullcandy-stim
  • skullcandy-stim
  • skullcandy-stim
  • skullcandy-stim
  • skullcandy-stim
skullcandy-stim
skullcandy-stim
skullcandy-stim
skullcandy-stim
skullcandy-stim
skullcandy-stim
skullcandy-stim
skullcandy-stim

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Skullcandy Stim is an ultra-lightweight, wired on-ear headphone weighing just 118–125g, featuring 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a rich, bass-forward 'Supreme Sound' signature. With an impedance of 32–33 Ohms and a high sound pressure level of 112 dB/mW, these headphones are highly efficient and easy to drive from smartphones or tablets via a 1.2m tangle-free cable and a standard 3.5mm jack. Key advantages include its comfortable low-profile fit, affordable entry-level pricing, and a convenient in-line microphone with a multifunction remote for call and track management. However, potential drawbacks include a predominantly plastic build that may feel less durable, a lack of passive or active noise isolation, and reports of discomfort or ear pain during prolonged listening sessions due to the stiff clamping force.

Technical Specifications of Skullcandy Stim

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%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.0

Design

8.0%

6.9

Connectivity

6.0%

6.3

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

5.2
Skullcandy Stim has a technical score of 5.21 points, which is higher than that of 60% 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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

7.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(302)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(302)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.7
Skullcandy Stim has a user score of 7.74 points, which is lower than that of 65.7% 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.
7.1
Skullcandy Stim has a popularity of 7.1 points, which is higher than 62.9% 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%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.0
Skullcandy Stim has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 61.2% 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

no
Skullcandy Stim does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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 Stim 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 Stim 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 Stim reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Skullcandy Stim does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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 Stim 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

1
Skullcandy Stim has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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 Stim 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

?
Show more
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

wired
Skullcandy Stim supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
Skullcandy Stim does not support EQ customization. 23.3% 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

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

yes
Skullcandy Stim supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

?
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

no
Skullcandy Stim does not support quick charging. 69.1% 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

N/A
Show more
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

118 g
Skullcandy Stim weighs 118 g, lighter than 76.6% 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

?
Show more

Skullcandy Stim vs the average headphone

  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Skullcandy Stim has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 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 Stim has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 45.9% lower weight
    Skullcandy Stim is lighter than the average headphone (118 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 Stim is lighter than the average headphone (118 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.118 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Skullcandy Stim 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 Stim includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Skullcandy Stim includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% 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 Stim includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Skullcandy Stim is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
    Skullcandy Stim is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • Rechargeable battery
    Skullcandy Stim has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones rely on an internal rechargeable battery instead of replaceable disposable cells.
    When it matters: When you expect regular wireless use and want charging convenience instead of buying and replacing disposable batteries.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Skullcandy Stim has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Skullcandy Stim can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Skullcandy Stim can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 45.9% lower weight
    Skullcandy Stim is lighter than the average headphone (118 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Skullcandy Stim has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Skullcandy Stim has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Skullcandy Stim can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Skullcandy Stim includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Skullcandy Stim includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Skullcandy Stim has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Skullcandy Stim uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Skullcandy Stim does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Skullcandy Stim has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Skullcandy Stim has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Fixed cable
    Skullcandy Stim 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 Stim has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Skullcandy Stim 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 Stim 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 %
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Skullcandy Stim 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 Stim 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 Stim 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 Stim uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Skullcandy Stim 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 Stim does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
Total
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Stim and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
302 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
302 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Stim?

  • Excellent value for money for a very affordable wired on-ear model.
  • Extremely lightweight design makes them easy to wear and carry around.
  • Balanced overall sound with clear vocals and enough bass for casual listening.
  • Built-in microphone and inline controls are useful for calls and everyday playback.
  • Comfortable fit for longer sessions thanks to the low clamping pressure.

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Stim?

  • No active noise cancellation and only average passive isolation.
  • Mostly plastic construction feels cheap compared with sturdier rivals.
  • Long-term durability is inconsistent, with some reports of one side failing early.
  • Fixed cable cannot be replaced easily if it gets damaged.
  • Ear cups can get warm or fatiguing during very long listening sessions.

Expert reviews

K
kopfhoerer.de
04/08/2022
Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds review at kopfhoerer.de

The Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds review highlights a lightweight and durable design, with each earbud weighing just 5 grams and featuring an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. A major standout feature is the strong battery life, delivering nearly 8 hours of playback on a single charge—or 6 hours and 20 minutes with the ambient awareness feature turned on. When...Read more

(Translated)Show original
G
games.ch
16/12/2022
Skullcandy Gaming Headsets - Hardware Review

The Games.ch review highlights the Skullcandy PLYR headset's striking, multi-colored design and exceptional comfort, attributed to memory foam ear cups and a versatile, bungee-style suspension headband. Performance-wise, the headset provides balanced, high-quality audio with punchy, undistorted bass, while boasting 24-hour battery life, solid microphone quality, and useful software...Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
inside-digital.de
11/08/2024
Skullcandy Dime Evo: Great Sound, But Still Not Good?", "Skullcandy Dime Evo: Great Sound, Yet Falling Short?

The Skullcandy Dime Evo budget in-ear headphones offer impressive sound quality with a full tone, minimal background hiss, and customizable EQ profiles via a companion app. Retailing under €40–€50, they boast solid build quality and a unique, robust charging case featuring a slide-to-open mechanism and a built-in carabiner. The transparent case lets users visually check if the...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Skullcandy Stim with

VS
VS

Compare