Skullcandy Skullcandy Indy ANC Noise-Canceling True Wireless Review

The Skullcandy Indy ANC delivers premium-grade noise cancellation on a fast-food budget. Just don't expect the build quality or battery life to match the giants.

The Skullcandy Indy ANC is the budget noise-canceling champ you've been waiting for. For $50, you get ANC performance that punches way above its weight class, landing in the 84th percentile in our database. The one thing to know? This is the best deal in cheap noise cancellation right now. It's not perfect, but for the price, the core feature works shockingly well. Just don't expect premium build quality or the longest battery life.

The ANC performance is the real surprise here. For a $50 pair of earbuds, it does a legitimately good job of muffling constant low-end noise like lawnmowers, airplane hum, or a busy street. Our data puts its ANC score higher than many earbuds twice its price. The sound quality is decent too, sitting in the 72nd percentile, which means it's better than most budget options. The battery life, however, is just okay at 9 hours, landing below average. It gets the job done, but you won't be forgetting your charging case.

At $50, this is an absolute steal if your main goal is blocking out noise on a budget. You're getting a core feature that works incredibly well for the price, and the decent sound is a bonus. It's absolutely worth it for commuters or anyone who needs peace and quiet without spending $200+.

Compared to the giants, it's simple: if you have $250, buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 for the best ANC and sound period. But if your budget is tight, the Indy ANC gets you 80% of the noise-blocking benefit for 20% of the price. Against other budget options, the Indy ANC's ANC is its killer feature—others in this range either lack it entirely or do it poorly. The main trade-off is build quality; you're paying for the tech inside a plastic shell.

If you're looking for a durable, all-day earbud for the gym or you demand luxury materials, this isn't it. Go get a pair of Jabras or spend more for the Bose QuietComfort Ultras. Also, if battery life is your top concern, there are better options.

We're giving this a strong recommendation for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize noise cancellation above all else. It's a focused tool that excels at its main job. If you can live with so-so battery life and a plasticky feel to save a ton of cash, these are a no-brainer. For everyone else who wants a more balanced, premium experience, step up to the Sony or Apple options.