Skullcandy's new headphones aim to crush much pricier brands
Skullcandy is targeting the premium headphone market with the Crusher 1080 ANC, which features Bose-licensed noise cancellation and spatial audio. The product aims to offer high-end features at a more accessible price point than competitors like Sony and Apple.
Why it matters
This launch highlights the competitive nature of the consumer audio market and the strategy of mid-tier brands leveraging premium technology to challenge industry leaders.
Skullcandy once positioned itself as the punk rock of headphone brands, made for people keen to deviate from the mainstream. While the street culture aesthetic remains, it has a much broader appeal, with plenty of subtle headphone designs for a mass market. With the Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC headphones, it’s perhaps the brand’s biggest swing at the top-end market.
I say top-end, but at $399.99 in Australia, the Crusher 1080 ANC is far from the lofty price tags seen on headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 ($699.95) or Apple AirPods Max 2 ($999) . Skullcandy isn’t going it alone, either, teaming up with Bose to use its audio technology.
According to a press release, Skullcandy is behind the headphones’ driver technology. The Crusher 1080 ANC uses a dual-driver system that creates a “sensory bass” experience. Listening to the music is one thing; Skullcandy wants you to feel the beat, too.
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