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Skullcandy Smokin' Buds Wireless Earbuds Review

The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds are budget true wireless earbuds aimed at everyday music, podcast, and call use. They stand out most for strong sound quality, comfort, portability, and low price. The main drawback is long-term reliability, with repeated user reports of charging issues and one earbud failing.
Expert reviewed
69
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds are true wireless Bluetooth earbuds built for affordable everyday listening. Based on the supplied data, they focus on the basics that matter most in this category: clear sound, a compact in-ear design, touch controls, built-in microphones, and practical battery life. They also add useful extras such as preset EQ modes, rapid charging, and IPX4 sweat and water resistance. They appear best suited to buyers who want low-cost earbuds for commuting, casual workouts, podcasts, calls, and general phone use rather than premium features. Score data supports that positioning: audio quality, portability, usability, setup, and value are all solid, while build quality, reliability, and durability are notably weaker. Customer feedback broadly matches that pattern, with many positive comments on sound and comfort but recurring concerns about charging consistency and one-bud failures over time.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
Skullcandy
Model Number
S2TAW-R740
Model Name
Smokin' Buds
Built-In Media
Charging Case, Eartip, Quick Start & User Guides, Smokin' Buds® True Wireless Earbuds
Age Range Description
Adult
Number of Items
1
Series Number
740
UPC
810045688770
Manufacturer
Skullcandy
External Testing Certification
77922417023
Is Autographed
No

Design

Headphones Ear Placement
In Ear
Headphone Folding Features
In Ear
Earpiece Shape
Rounded Tips

Style

Color
True Black
Style Name
Smokin' Buds
Carrying Case Color
black
Theme
Technology

Measurements

Item Weight
68 Grams
Unit Count
1.0 Count

Audio

Noise Control
Sound Isolation
Frequency Response
20 KHz
Sensitivity
104 dB
Audio Driver Type
Dynamic Driver
Audio Latency
200 Milliseconds
Frequency Range
20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Additional details

Enclosure Material
50% Renewable Plastics
Specific Uses For Product
Gaming, Music, Sport
Antenna Location
Running
Compatible Devices
Cellphones
Cable Features
Without Cable
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant
Carrying Case Material
Renewable Plastic
Additional Features
Fast Charging, Microphone Included

Connectivity

Headphone Jack
No Jack
Connectivity Technology
Bluetooth, Wireless
Wireless Technology
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Range
10 Meters
Bluetooth Version
5.0

Controls

Control Type
Media Control
Control Method
Touch
Controller Type
Touch

Battery

Battery Charge Time
20 Hours
Battery Average Life
20 Hours

Scores breakdown

78 /100

Performance

72 /100

Features

74 /100

Usability

72 /100

Design

82 /100

Audio quality

61 /100

Connectivity

70 /100

Battery life

64 /100

Speed

Strengths

  • Strong audio quality for the price, supported by an audio quality score of 82 and repeated customer praise for clear sound and solid bass.
  • Very good value, reflected in a value score of 84 and multiple reviews describing them as affordable everyday earbuds.
  • Highly portable true wireless design with a portability score of 88, pocket-friendly case, and lightweight in-ear format.
  • Comfort is a consistent positive in many reviews, with users highlighting long listening sessions and a noise-isolating fit.
  • Useful everyday features include touch controls, built-in microphones, preset EQ modes, and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity.
  • Up to 20 hours claimed battery life with rapid charge support adds convenience for commuting and daily listening.
  • IPX4 sweat and water resistance makes them more suitable for workouts and general outdoor use than basic non-rated earbuds.

Limitations

  • Reliability is the biggest concern, with a low reliability score of 42 and repeated review complaints about one earbud failing or not charging properly.
  • Durability appears weak for long-term ownership, reflected in a durability score of 40 and reports of problems developing after limited use.
  • Connectivity is only average, with a connectivity score of 61 and some buyers mentioning Bluetooth pairing or connection issues.
  • Fit is inconsistent across users; while many find them comfortable, others say the earbuds can fall out.
  • Battery experience is mixed in real-world use despite the advertised battery figures, with some customers reporting charging problems.
  • These use sound isolation rather than verified active noise cancelling, so buyers expecting stronger noise reduction may be disappointed.
  • Compatibility information is limited to cellphones in the supplied data, so broader device support should be checked before buying.

Ideal user profiles

  • Budget-focused buyers who want low-cost true wireless earbuds for music, podcasts, and calls.
  • Commuters and everyday listeners who prioritize portability, simple controls, and decent battery life.
  • Users who care more about sound quality and value than premium features or long-term durability.
  • Casual gym or walking users who want an IPX4-rated earbud for light sweat and rain exposure.

Use cases

  • Daily music listening on a phone over Bluetooth.
  • Podcast and video playback using the preset EQ modes.
  • Hands-free phone calls with the built-in microphones.
  • Commuting or travel where a compact charging case matters.
  • Light workouts or walks thanks to the IPX4 water-resistance rating.
  • Watching TV or videos privately in shared spaces, based on customer feedback.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

Within the wireless earbuds category, the Smokin' Buds look like a budget, value-focused option rather than a premium or feature-heavy model. Their strongest appeal is affordable sound quality and portability, supported by an audio score of 82 and value score of 84. Features such as EQ presets, touch controls, microphones, and IPX4 resistance are competitive for the price, but lower reliability and durability scores stop them from feeling like a safer long-term buy.

Best for

These earbuds are best for shoppers who want low-cost wireless earbuds for daily phone-based listening and do not want to spend much. They make the most sense for casual users who care about clear sound, compact size, decent comfort, and practical features like touch controls and rapid charging. Their scores are strongest in audio quality, value, portability, and setup, which aligns with light everyday use.

Not best for

Buyers who want dependable long-term earbuds should be more cautious. The weakest areas are reliability and durability, and review feedback repeatedly mentions charging faults, one earbud failing, and inconsistent battery behavior. They are also not the best fit for users who need active noise cancellation, very secure fit for intense workouts, or consistently trouble-free Bluetooth performance.

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 core earbud performance, the Smokin' Buds do well in the areas most budget buyers tend to notice first: sound quality and everyday listening. The performance score of 78 and audio quality score of 82 suggest above-average results for the price tier. Reviews repeatedly describe the sound as clear, with good bass and useful noise isolation from the in-ear seal. They also seem capable enough for music, podcasts, calls, and video playback. Performance becomes less convincing over time, however, because reliability complaints can undermine the overall ownership experience.

Feature analysis

The feature set is practical rather than advanced. You get touch controls, built-in microphones, three preset EQ modes, Bluetooth 5.0, rapid charging, and IPX4 water resistance. That is a respectable package at this price, reflected in the feature score of 72. What is missing is any verified premium noise-cancelling feature set or broader ecosystem detail, so expectations should stay in line with a budget model.

Usability analysis

Daily usability looks fairly good overall, with a usability score of 74 and setup score of 76. Reviews often mention quick pairing, simple controls, and comfortable all-day wear. The touch interface adds convenience for media and call control without needing a cable or inline remote. The main usability downside is inconsistency: some users report connection problems, fit issues, or charging behavior that makes day-to-day use less predictable.

Design

The design is simple and practical: a compact in-ear true wireless format with rounded tips, touch controls, and a small charging case. The design score of 72 suggests a broadly competent layout rather than anything standout. Portability is a clear positive, and many users find them comfortable for extended wear. Fit is not universally consistent, though, so the ergonomic success of the design appears to depend quite a lot on ear shape and tip fit.

How it compares

Compared with the wider budget wireless earbud category, the Smokin' Buds seem stronger than average for sound quality and value, and competitive on comfort, portability, and useful everyday features. They offer the kind of practical basics many buyers want without pushing into premium pricing. Where they appear weaker than better-rounded alternatives is long-term dependability. The available review data points to more reliability concern than you would want in a top all-round recommendation. So while they compare well on upfront value and listening quality, they compare less well on confidence of ownership and consistency.

Ranking summary

The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds earn an overall score of 69 by doing the basics well at a very low price, while falling back in long-term dependability. Their strongest areas are audio quality at 82, value at 84, portability at 88, and solid everyday usability and setup. That makes them competitive as a budget-friendly everyday earbud for casual listening. The reason they do not rank higher is clear in the lower build quality, connectivity, reliability, and durability scores, especially the reliability score of 42 and durability score of 40. In short, they rank as a good low-cost performer with meaningful long-term risk.

Buying advice

Consider the Smokin' Buds if you want inexpensive true wireless earbuds mainly for phone listening, podcasts, commuting, or light workouts, and you are comfortable accepting some risk in exchange for low cost. They make the most sense when sound quality and value are your top priorities. Before buying, check that a simple Bluetooth phone-focused earbud matches your needs, and do not expect active noise cancellation or premium long-term build confidence. If you plan to use earbuds heavily every day or care most about durability, charging reliability, and secure fit, it may be smarter to look for a more dependable model.
69
Overall score

Final verdict

The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds are a strong budget option in the wireless earbuds category, but not a risk-free one. Their main strength is clear: they deliver pleasing sound, solid comfort, and excellent value at a very accessible price. For casual everyday listeners, that may be enough to make them an easy buy. Their main limitation is equally clear, though, with repeated signs of charging issues and one-earbud failures dragging down reliability and durability. If low cost matters most, they are easy to shortlist. If long-term dependability matters most, they are harder to recommend.
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Key topics

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Frequently asked questions

Is Skullcandy Smokin' Buds worth it?
They look worth considering if your main goal is affordable wireless earbuds with strong sound and a low upfront cost. The value score of 84, audio score of 82, and 4.4-star average support that. The main caution is reliability, as recurring reviews mention charging failures and one earbud stopping working.
Are Skullcandy Smokin' Buds good for everyday listening?
Yes, the supplied data and reviews suggest they are well suited to everyday listening. Buyers frequently praise clear sound, comfort, portability, and easy Bluetooth use for music, podcasts, and calls. They are less convincing for buyers who need consistently strong long-term reliability.
Do Skullcandy Smokin' Buds have noise cancelling?
No verified active noise cancelling is listed in the provided data. These earbuds use a noise-isolating in-ear fit instead. Some customers say they block outside noise reasonably well, but that is not the same as true active noise cancellation and results will depend on fit.
How is the battery life on Skullcandy Smokin' Buds?
Skullcandy claims up to 20 hours total battery life, including 8 hours in the earbuds and 12 more from the case, plus rapid charging. Review feedback is mixed: some users praise battery life and quick charging, while others report charging problems or earbuds not holding charge properly.
Are Skullcandy Smokin' Buds comfortable?
Comfort is one of the stronger areas in the available data. Many customers describe them as lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions, and the earbuds include eartips to help with fit. However, fit is mixed overall, and some users say they do not stay secure.
Are Skullcandy Smokin' Buds good for workouts?
They can work for light workouts, walking, or general active use because they have an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating. That said, fit feedback is mixed, so they may not be ideal for higher-movement exercise if secure fit is your top priority.
How easy are Skullcandy Smokin' Buds to set up?
Setup appears fairly straightforward for most users. The setup score is 76, and several reviews mention quick pairing and simple everyday use. Still, a minority of buyers report Bluetooth connection issues, so setup and reconnection may not be equally smooth for everyone.
What are the main problems with Skullcandy Smokin' Buds?
The biggest concerns are reliability and durability. The reliability score is 42 and durability score is 40, with repeated customer complaints about one side failing, charging issues, and inconsistent long-term performance. Some buyers also mention Bluetooth issues and mixed battery experience.

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