Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 On-Ear Headphones Review Exceptional Sound and 34-Hour Battery Life

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Skullcandy Riff 2 Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones immediately caught my attention with their lightweight and foldable design. I’ve used a variety of headphones in the past, and these are among the most travel-friendly options I’ve tested. Weighing just 5.4 ounces, they feel almost non-existent when worn for extended periods. The angular earpiece shape is a subtle yet stylish touch, and the plastic material, while not premium, feels durable enough for everyday use.

The foldable feature is a huge plus for me since I often toss my headphones into a bag without worrying about them snapping. However, I noticed the plastic frame might not hold up well if you’re particularly rough with your gadgets. While the design prioritizes portability, it does sacrifice a bit of sturdiness. On the bright side, the True Black color gives a sleek and modern aesthetic that pairs well with any outfit or setting.

Audio Performance and Sound Quality

What truly stands out about these headphones is the Supreme Sound technology, which delivers impressively crisp and clear audio. Whether I was blasting bass-heavy tracks or tuning into podcasts, the sound remained balanced and immersive. The 40mm audio drivers ensure a rich listening experience, and I found the ability to tweak the sound profile using the app, with preset and custom EQ modes, to be a game-changer.

That said, audiophiles might find the sound isolation slightly underwhelming. While it’s sufficient for casual listening, it may not completely block out background noise in louder environments. Still, for workouts, commutes, and casual listening, the audio quality is more than satisfactory.

Battery Life and Charging Convenience

One of the most impressive features is the 34-hour battery life. I can’t stress enough how liberating it feels to not constantly worry about charging my headphones. There’s also a Rapid Charge feature that provides an additional four hours of listening time with just a 10-minute charge, which came in clutch on more than one occasion.

While the battery performance is stellar, I did notice that the headphones could heat up slightly during extended use, particularly when charging. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use them for long gaming or work sessions.

Ease of Connectivity

The Bluetooth 5.2 technology offers a stable connection within a 10-meter range. I tested these headphones with multiple devices, including my laptop and smartphone, and the Multipoint Pairing feature worked seamlessly. For instance, I was able to switch effortlessly between watching a video on my laptop and taking a call on my phone without any manual intervention.

However, the lack of advanced codecs like aptX means you might not get the most out of high-resolution audio files. Still, for everyday use, the connectivity is reliable and hassle-free.

Highlights

• 34-hour battery life eliminates frequent charging.
• Supreme Sound technology for crisp and balanced audio.
• Lightweight and foldable design, perfect for travel.
• Multipoint Pairing ensures seamless device switching.
• Tile tracking technology helps locate misplaced headphones.

Limitations

• Plastic build feels less premium and may not withstand rough handling.
• Sound isolation could be better for noisier environments.
• Slight heating issue during prolonged use or charging.

Competing Products

Compared to other on-ear headphones in its range, the Riff 2 holds its ground fairly well. For instance, the JBL Tune 510BT offers a similar lightweight build and good sound quality but lacks the Tile tracking feature, which is a lifesaver for someone as forgetful as me. On the other hand, Sony’s WH-CH510 headphones provide a more durable build and slightly better noise isolation but fall short on battery life, offering only 30 hours compared to the 34 hours of the Riff 2.

The audio quality on the Riff 2 feels slightly more vibrant than that of competitors like the Anker Soundcore Life Q20, which leans more towards bass-heavy sound. While the Riff 2 may not have advanced noise-canceling capabilities like the Q20, its custom EQ options give it an edge in terms of personalization.

Bang for the Buck

Considering the features packed into these headphones, they offer excellent value for money. The combination of long battery life, customizable sound settings, and Tile tracking technology makes them a strong contender in their price range. While they may not match the premium feel or advanced features of higher-end models, they deliver exactly what you’d expect—and then some—for their cost.

For anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-rich pair of headphones, these are a solid choice. Just be mindful of the plastic build and occasional heating during use. Overall, they’re a fantastic option for casual users, frequent travelers, or anyone who appreciates good sound without breaking the bank.

Additional information