We reviewed the Skullcandy Fix In-Ear last summer. (Read the full review.) The $69.99 earbuds sound quite good and I continue to enjoy using them. The company happens to make earbuds in a variety of price-ranges and that includes the $19.99 Skullcandy Chop Buds. For under $20, though, how good can the things actually be? Add in the fact that these “sport” buds have a fairly rigid ear loop and it isn’t difficult to imagine that they are both uncomfortable AND mediocre. BUT are they? Read on.
I’ll say this for the Chop Buds, they do come in come eye-catching color combinations. (The review sample I got is black on black so they are rather boring but I can certainly see the Yellow/Grey combo catching some attention.
As noted, the review sample is black on black and they look rather simple. They are. Here’s what Skullcandy has to say about them:
Play your cards close to the chest and your music close to the ears. The Chops revolutionary design facilitates both.
That’s about all the product page has to say about them. Yes, these budget earbuds even have a budget webpage. 🙂
While they do happen to pivot, the ear hooks are rigid and, at first look, I expected them to be uncomfortable as a result. Funny thing is, they aren’t. In fact, they are remarkable comfortable AND they stay in the ear amazingly well. Even after wearing them for an extended period of time I felt no ear fatigue. Color me surprised!!
As for sound well, these aren’t going to win any audio awards. Then again, for under $20 I wasn’t expecting much AND they are actually much better than I expected. So if I was looking for an inexpensive pair of earbuds that stay put during exercise these are a good option. You can get details and order yours here on the company site.
MSRP: $19.95
What I Like: Comfortable; Stay in place; Priced nicely
What Needs Improvement: Sound is decent but not great; No inline mic or controls