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Skullcandy Ink'd+ in-Ear Wired Earbuds Review

The Skullcandy Ink'd+ is a budget in-ear wired earbud aimed at simple everyday listening, video playback, and basic calls. Its strongest case is value, backed by high customer satisfaction, easy setup, and broad 3.5 mm compatibility. The main limitation is mixed reliability, with some reviewers reporting durability and microphone issues after short use.
Expert reviewed
71
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

The Skullcandy Ink'd+ is a low-cost pair of in-ear wired earbuds designed for people who want straightforward audio without charging, pairing, or a large upfront spend. It uses a 3.5 mm jack and is listed as compatible with smartphones, laptops, tablets, and computers, making it most appealing to buyers who still use wired audio devices or adapters. Based on the provided data, its strongest areas are value, portability, setup simplicity, and customer satisfaction. Reviews often describe it as comfortable and good for the price, while the included microphone and phone controls add some everyday convenience. At the same time, this is not a premium model: build quality, reliability, and durability scores are noticeably weaker, and customer feedback on sound and mic performance is not fully consistent. Overall, it appears best suited to casual listening and budget-conscious buyers.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
Skullcandy
Model Number
S2IMY-N747
Model Name
Ink'd+
Built-In Media
Ink'd+ Earbuds, Ear Gels (S, M), User Guide, 2 Year Warranty Guide
Age Range Description
all
Number of Items
1
UPC
810015587096
Manufacturer
Skullcandy

Design

Headphones Ear Placement
In Ear
Headphone Folding Features
In Ear
Earpiece Shape
in-ear

Controls

Control Type
control
Control Method
Touch

Audio

Noise Control
Sound Isolation
Audio Driver Type
Dynamic Driver
Frequency Range
20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Additional details

Enclosure Material
Ink'd+
Specific Uses For Product
Music
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, Laptops, Tablets, Computers
Cable Features
Retractable
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant
Additional Features
Android Phone Control, Lightweight, Microphone Included, Noise Isolation, iOS Phone Control
Is Electric
Yes

Connectivity

Headphone Jack
3.5 mm Jack
Connectivity Technology
Wired
Wireless Technology
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
5.0

Style

Color
Mod White
Style Name
Wired

Measurements

Item Weight
0.01 Grams
Unit Count
1.0 Count

Scores breakdown

70 /100

Performance

62 /100

Features

78 /100

Usability

76 /100

Design

72 /100

Audio quality

68 /100

Connectivity

55 /100

Speed

56 /100

Reliability

Strengths

  • Very low price relative to its strong value score and generally positive customer feedback.
  • Comfortable in-ear fit with multiple ear gel sizes included.
  • Good portability for everyday carry thanks to the compact wired earbud format.
  • Broad device compatibility through the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
  • Customers frequently describe the sound as good or clear for the price.
  • Includes a microphone and basic phone controls for calls and media use.
  • High overall customer satisfaction, supported by a 4.5/5 rating from 8,704 reviews.

Limitations

  • Durability feedback is mixed, with some users reporting failure after only weeks or months.
  • Microphone performance appears inconsistent based on review feedback.
  • Feature set is basic compared with more advanced earbuds in the category.
  • Amazon listing information appears confusing because it references Bluetooth despite the wired 3.5 mm design.
  • Build quality scores are modest, and some reviewers feel newer versions are made more cheaply than older Skullcandy models.
  • Sound quality is not consistently praised, with some customers finding it only average.
  • This product has been discontinued on Amazon, which may affect availability and replacement confidence.

Ideal user profiles

  • Budget buyers who want simple wired earbuds for music, videos, and casual calls.
  • Users with phones, laptops, tablets, or computers that still support a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
  • People who prefer lightweight in-ear earbuds over bulkier headphones.
  • Shoppers looking for a cheap backup pair for work, travel, or everyday carry.

Use cases

  • Listening to music from a smartphone or laptop through a wired connection.
  • Watching videos or streaming content without Bluetooth pairing.
  • Taking basic phone or voice calls using the inline microphone.
  • Using with older devices or computers that still have a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • Keeping as an inexpensive spare pair for commuting, work, or school.
  • Users who want a simple portable earbud option with passive noise isolation.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

The Ink'd+ sits firmly in the budget wired earbuds segment. It is positioned more as a practical, low-cost everyday option than as a feature-rich or enthusiast audio product. Its score profile suggests a value-focused model with strong portability, easy setup, and decent basic audio performance, while its weaker build and durability scores keep it from ranking as a more premium or heavy-duty choice. For shoppers who still prefer a wired connection, it fills a simple entry-level role.

Best for

This model is best for buyers who want inexpensive wired earbuds for music, videos, and occasional calls without dealing with charging or Bluetooth pairing. Its high value, setup, portability, and customer satisfaction scores support that use case. It also makes sense for people using laptops, tablets, or older phones with a 3.5 mm jack who need a simple backup or everyday pair.

Not best for

It is less suitable for buyers who need dependable long-term durability, consistently strong microphone performance, or a more advanced feature set. Review feedback includes reports of early failures and mic issues developing after short ownership, and the lower reliability and durability scores reflect that. If you want premium sound, sturdier construction, or clearer listing certainty around features, this may feel too basic.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Performance analysis

For its main job of basic wired listening, the Ink'd+ performs reasonably well for the price. Its performance score of 70 and audio quality score of 72 point to solid entry-level results rather than standout category-leading performance. Customer feedback often describes the sound as clear or very good value, especially for music and general media, though there are mixed opinions and not everyone rates the sound highly. Passive sound isolation is listed, which may help in everyday environments, but this is still a simple budget earbud aimed at casual use rather than high-end listening.

Feature analysis

The feature set is functional but limited. You get an in-ear design, microphone, media controls, passive noise isolation, a 3.5 mm jack, and compatibility with common device types. That covers the basics for everyday wired use, but the feature score of 62 reflects a fairly simple package with no clear evidence of more advanced extras. Buyers should also be cautious with the listing language around Bluetooth, as the product is styled as wired.

Usability analysis

Usability is one of the stronger parts of this product, reflected in its score of 78. A wired 3.5 mm connection keeps everyday use simple, and customer comments often mention comfort and straightforward performance. There is no pairing process or battery management to deal with, which can be a real advantage for people who want plug-and-play audio. The main usability concern is that microphone quality may not remain consistent over time.

Design

The design is simple, lightweight, and geared toward easy everyday carry. Its design score of 76 and portability score of 88 suggest it works well as a compact on-the-go earbud. Customer comments also mention attractive color choices and comfortable fit, which helps it stand out a little in an otherwise basic category. The in-ear format and included ear gels support a practical fit-first design, though this is still a conventional wired model rather than an innovative one.

How it compares

Compared with the broader earbuds category, the Ink'd+ competes on price, simplicity, and wired convenience rather than advanced features or premium sound. Its strengths are clearer when viewed against other low-cost everyday earbuds: strong value, wide compatibility through 3.5 mm, easy setup, and good customer sentiment. Where it looks less competitive is long-term ownership quality, with lower scores for build, reliability, and durability. Buyers choosing between entry-level audio options may find it more appealing as a cheap spare or casual-use model than as a main pair expected to handle heavy daily wear for years.

Ranking summary

The Skullcandy Ink'd+ earns an overall score of 71 by doing the basics well at a very low price. Its best areas are value, portability, setup ease, and customer satisfaction, making it an attractive budget wired earbud for casual listening and everyday convenience. It also posts respectable scores for usability, design, audio quality, and compatibility. What holds it back from ranking higher is a weaker profile in build quality, reliability, durability, and microphone consistency based on review feedback. In practical terms, it ranks as a strong low-cost option for buyers who want something simple, but not as a standout long-term or premium pick.

Buying advice

Consider the Ink'd+ if you want inexpensive wired earbuds for simple music, video, and occasional call use, especially if your device still has a 3.5 mm jack or you already own an adapter. It is also a sensible option for buyers who dislike charging and Bluetooth pairing. Be cautious if you rely heavily on microphone quality or want stronger long-term durability, since review feedback is mixed in both areas. Before buying, double-check the wired connection matches your devices, and keep in mind that this product has been discontinued on Amazon, which may matter for availability and replacements.
71
Overall score

Final verdict

The Skullcandy Ink'd+ is a strong budget option in the wired earbuds category, especially for buyers who value low cost, easy setup, comfort, and everyday portability. Its main strength is value: it delivers a simple, usable listening experience at a very accessible price, backed by strong customer ratings. Its main limitation is inconsistency in durability and microphone reliability, which keeps it from being an easy recommendation for long-term heavy use. Overall, this is a practical pick for casual listening and backup use, but a more cautious one for buyers who need dependable durability.
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Key topics

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Frequently asked questions

Is Skullcandy Ink'd+ worth it?
For buyers who want very cheap wired earbuds, the Ink'd+ looks like a reasonable value option. It scores especially well for value, portability, setup ease, and customer satisfaction. The main trade-offs are mixed long-term durability and some reports of microphone issues, so it makes more sense as a budget pick than a long-term premium choice.
Is Skullcandy Ink'd+ good for music listening?
It appears well suited to casual music listening rather than critical audio use. The audio score is solid for the price, and several reviewers describe the sound as clear or good value, though opinions are mixed. If your priority is low-cost everyday listening, it performs better than its price suggests.
Does Skullcandy Ink'd+ have a good microphone?
The microphone results are mixed. Some users say calls sounded clear at first, but at least one detailed review reported static, wind noise, and lower voice clarity after a few weeks. If call quality is a top priority, the available feedback suggests some caution.
Is Skullcandy Ink'd+ comfortable to wear?
Comfort is one of the stronger parts of this model. Customer feedback frequently mentions a comfortable fit, and the package includes small and medium ear gels to help with sizing. Its usability and portability scores also support the idea that it works well as an easy everyday pair.
What are the main limitations of Skullcandy Ink'd+?
The main drawbacks are modest build quality, mixed durability, and inconsistent microphone reliability. The feature set is also basic, which is expected at this price. Buyers should also note that the Amazon listing includes some confusing Bluetooth wording even though the product is described as a wired 3.5 mm earbud model.
Is Skullcandy Ink'd+ compatible with laptops and phones?
Yes, based on the provided information it is compatible with smartphones, laptops, tablets, and computers. The key requirement is a 3.5 mm headphone jack or an appropriate adapter if your device no longer includes one. It is a simpler fit for devices that still support wired audio directly.
Is Skullcandy Ink'd+ easy to set up?
Yes. Setup is one of its strongest practical advantages because it is a wired model with a 3.5 mm connection. That means there is no pairing step, app requirement, or charging routine mentioned in the provided data, making it convenient for users who want straightforward plug-in audio.
How does Skullcandy Ink'd+ compare with other budget earbuds?
Within the budget wired earbud segment, this product stands out more for value, comfort, and simplicity than for premium build or advanced features. Its customer satisfaction is strong for the price, but reliability and durability scores are weaker. That makes it more attractive as a low-cost everyday or backup pair than as a long-term heavy-use choice.

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