Wireless earbuds have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing users to enjoy their music and calls without the hassle of wires. Two of the top contenders in this market are the Beats Flex by Apple and the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless. But which one delivers the better overall experience?
Both Beats Flex and Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless fall into the in-ear headphones category.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Beats Flex and Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless across a range of factors including design, comfort, sound quality, features, battery life, connectivity, and value for money. Read on to find out which wireless earbuds come out on top!
| Specs | Beats Flex | Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Neckband, angled earbuds | Neckband, twist/lock earbuds |
| Weight | 18.6g | 35g |
| Comfort | Very flexible and lightweight | Sporty secure fit |
| Durability | No IP rating | IP55 dust/water resistant |
| Driver Size | 8.2mm | 9.2mm |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sound Profile | Bass-heavy Beats sound | Balanced with emphasis on lows/highs |
| Volume | Up to 101dB/mW | Up to 95dB/mW |
| Onboard Controls | Yes | No |
| Microphones | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging | Yes, USB-C | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Wireless Range | Up to 10m | Up to 10m |
Overview of Beats Flex and Skullcandy ink’d Wireless
The Beats Flex and Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless are both neckband-style wireless earbuds that connect via Bluetooth. This style uses a flexible neckband to connect the two earbuds rather than a completely wire-free true wireless design.
The Beats Flex was released in 2020 as an entry-level Beats earbud option, designed to be affordable while still delivering signature Beats sound.
The Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless came out back in 2018, offering a sporty neckband design geared towards active users. They are positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to higher-end Skullcandy true wireless earbuds.
Now let’s take a deeper look at how these two wireless earbud models compare across the key factors.
Design and Comfort
Design and comfort are crucial when it comes to earbuds you’ll potentially be wearing for hours at a time. Here’s how the Beats Flex and Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless compare in these areas:
- Form factor
Both earbuds feature a neckband design that connects the two earbuds. This provides a secure fit while allowing for some slack in the band for extra comfort and flexibility during movement. The Beats Flex neckband is flat and smooth while the Ink’d Wireless has a more rounded, sporty look. - Earbud design
The Beats Flex earbuds have an angled in-ear design for a secure noise-isolating fit. There are also optional ear tips and wings to further customize the fit. The Ink’d Wireless earbuds sit more flush with the ear and have a twist-and-lock design to keep them in place. - Weight
At just 18.6 grams, the Beats Flex is exceptionally lightweight. The Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless weighs about twice as much at 35 grams. - Comfort
Both pairs are designed for comfort and can be worn for extended periods without irritation. The Beats Flex offers a bit more flexibility while the Ink’d Wireless may appeal to those who prefer a tighter sport-focused fit. - Durability
The Ink’d Wireless earbuds have an IP55 dust and water resistance rating making them the better choice for intense workouts and outdoor use. The Beats Flex lacks an official IP rating.
Overall, the Beats Flex earbuds win out in terms of lightweight and flexible comfort. But the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless offers a more secure active fit and greater durability.
Sound Quality
When it comes to wireless earbuds, sound quality is often the most important factor for users. Here is how the audio performance of these two models compares:
- Driver size
The Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless has slightly larger 9.2mm drivers compared to the 8.2mm drivers in the Beats Flex. Generally, larger drivers can produce stronger bass. - Frequency response
Both earbuds have the same frequency range, from 20Hz to 20kHz. This encompasses deep bass to crystal clear treble. - Sound profile
The Beats Flex has the signature Beats sound profile with punchy, amplified bass and clear mids/highs. The Ink’d Wireless has a more balanced sound with an emphasis on the lows and highs. - Volume
At 101dB/mW, the Beats Flex plays louder than the Ink’d Wireless which comes in at 95dB/mW. Loud volume can overcome noisy environments but also risks hearing damage at high levels. - Passive noise isolation
Both earbuds block out ambient noise passively thanks to their in-ear design. This allows you to listen at lower, safer volumes.
When it comes to audio quality, the Beats Flex delivers the bass-forward sound that Beats is known for. But the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless offers a more balanced profile that some users may prefer over extended listening.
Features and Controls
The feature set also differs between these two wireless earbud models:
- On-board controls
The Beats Flex has a control module on the neckband that allows you to play/pause music, skip tracks, adjust volume, and take calls. The Ink’d Wireless lacks onboard controls, requiring you to use your connected device. - Microphones
Both earbuds have built-in mics for taking calls. Call quality is solid though not exceptional for either. - Fast charging:
Only the Beats Flex support fast charging via USB-C. You can get 1.5 hours of playtime from a 10-minute charge. The Ink’d Wireless lack fast charging capabilities. - Battery indicators
LEDs on both earbuds let you see at a glance the charging status and current battery level. Very handy! - Companion app
Beats and Skullcandy each offer apps that provide firmware updates, EQ presets, Find My Earbuds, and other handy features.
The on-board controls definitely give the Beats Flex an edge for convenience. Fast charging is also a major advantage for quickly topping up the battery before heading out
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for wireless earbuds. Here is how the Beats Flex and Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless compare:
- Earbuds battery
The Ink’d Wireless last longer on a single charge at 15 hours compared to 12 hours for the Beats Flex. However, both provide all-day battery life for most users. - Charging case
Unfortunately, neither earbud comes with a charging case. This means you’ll need to juice them up directly rather than getting extra charges on the go. - Quick charge
As mentioned above, the Beats Flex support fast charging to quickly top up the battery before you head out.
Overall, the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless have a battery life advantage thanks to their 15-hour playback time. But the lack of a charging case for extended use on both earbuds is disappointing.
Connectivity
Bluetooth and device pairing are essential to the wireless experience. Here’s how connectivity stacks up:
- Bluetooth 5.0
Both earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0. This provides stable connectivity and a good wireless range. - Pairing
The Beats Flex and Ink’d Wireless both make it easy to pair with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth devices. - Wireless range
You can roam up to 10 meters away from your device while maintaining a solid wireless connection. Great for wandering around the house or office.
Overall, both deliver solid wireless performance thanks to Bluetooth 5.0. The lack of multi-point pairing is a bit disappointing but standard at this price point.
Value for Money
Beats Flex and Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless both deliver good value compared to more premium true wireless earbuds.
The Beats Flex frequently are less expensive than Skullcandy, making them an even better value buy. Their combination of Beats’ sound, lightweight comfort, and convenient features make them a great budget option.
The Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless offers excellent value for money too. The sporty design, balanced sound, and long battery life make these a great choice for active users who don’t want to spend big.
Verdict: Beats Flex vs Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless
So which pair of wireless neckband earbuds come out on top in this Beats vs Skullcandy showdown?
Overall, Beats Flex is the better option for most users. The lightweight comfort, deep bass sound, convenient controls, and fast charging give them the winning edge. Frequent discounts also make them an amazing value.
However, the Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless is a great alternative for those who prefer a sportier fit, more balanced sound profile, and extremely long battery life. The IP55 dust/water resistance also makes them ideal for intense workouts.
Hopefully, this detailed comparison has helped highlight the key differences between the Beats Flex and Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a solid pair of neckband-style wireless earbuds that make it easy to cut the cord.
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FAQs
Which headphones are better Beats or Skullcandy?
Overall, Beats headphones tend to be better than Skullcandy in terms of sound quality, design, and features. Beats headphones like the Beats Flex deliver the signature bass-heavy Beats sound that many listeners love. They also tend to have more premium designs and useful features like fast charging. However, Skullcandy headphones can be a good budget-friendly alternative and may appeal to those who prefer a more balanced sound profile.
Why did Beats Flex get more expensive?
The Beats Flex got more expensive likely due to increased costs of production and distribution. The global chip shortage and supply chain issues have impacted the production of many electronics. Raw materials and shipping costs have also gone up. As a result, many headphone models have seen price increases over the past couple of years to maintain profit margins
Is JBL better than Skullcandy?
Overall, JBL headphones tend to be better than Skullcandy in terms of sound quality, features, and value. JBL headphones like the JBL Tune line offer powerful, bass-forward sound in a more affordable package than Beats. They also often have useful features like ambient aware mode, voice assistants, and long battery life. Skullcandy headphones can still be a good budget option but generally don’t match up to JBL’s sound and features.