Skullcandy Push ANC Active Review: Fit Wins, ANC Fails
“Noise cancellation makes almost no difference,” one Best Buy reviewer wrote—an unusually blunt line for a product that’s literally named Skullcandy Push ANC Active. Verdict: a workout-first earhook earbud with standout battery/fit for some, but ANC and consistency spark real pushback. Score: 6.8/10
Quick Verdict
Conditional — Yes for gym-focused buyers who prioritize a locked-in fit and long battery; No if you’re buying primarily for strong ANC or reliable longevity.
| What shows up in feedback | Evidence (source) | Who it helps/hurts |
|---|---|---|
| Secure fit for workouts | PCMag praised a “secure and comfortable fit” and said the ear hook “keeps them securely in place” | Runners/gym users benefit most |
| Big battery claims (ANC on/off) | Official: “37 hours… (ANC on)” / “58 hours… (ANC off)” (Skullcandy product page) | Long shifts, travel days |
| ANC effectiveness disputed | PCMag: “noise cancellation… isn’t effective”; Best Buy: “makes almost no difference” | Commuters get disappointed |
| Case is large/bulky | PCMag: case is “overly large” / “huge” | Pocket-carry users dislike |
| Durability concerns exist | Best Buy: “broke in 5 weeks… intermittent skipping” | Anyone wanting set-and-forget reliability |
Claims vs Reality
Skullcandy markets Skullcandy Push ANC Active as a “zero-compromise active earbud” with “adjustable 4-mic active noise canceling” and up to “58 hours total battery” (Skullcandy product page). Digging deeper into reviewer narratives, the “active” part gets more agreement than the “noise canceling” part.
A recurring pattern emerged around noise cancellation: the marketing promises focus, but multiple sources describe ANC that struggles beyond low-frequency rumble. PCMag’s review is explicit: “The push anc active earphones simply aren't good at cutting down distracting noise,” adding that the difference in a busy café “wasn't substantial.” On Best Buy, a customer echoed that gap even more directly: “noise cancellation makes almost no difference.”
Battery life is the other big headline claim, and here the “reality gap” feels smaller—though it depends on which product and which setting a buyer assumes. Official copy calls out “37 hours total battery life (ANC on)” and “58 hours total battery life (ANC off)” for the Push ANC Active (Skullcandy product page). PCMag repeats similar estimates (“up to 7 hours… plus 30 hours… with ANC on” and “12 and 46 hours” with ANC off) while noting real-world variance by volume. In user language on Best Buy, praise can be sweeping—one reviewer said the earbuds “stays charged for a long long time”—while another went the other direction: “battery life is so short, but at least it recharges quickly.” The contradiction suggests either unit variance, usage differences, or mismatched expectations from the big “hours” headline.
Durability and day-to-day usability also complicate the “no-compromise” framing. A Best Buy buyer warned: “keep shopping… broke in 5 weeks,” describing “intermittent skipping” after about “1 month and a week.” Another reviewer called out control reliability: “the button settings aren't working… the double tap to advance a song… doesn't work 99% of the time.” Those stories don’t read like edge cases to the people living them—they read like dealbreakers.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
If there’s one thread that repeatedly surfaces across platforms, it’s that Skullcandy Push ANC Active is designed to stay put during movement—and for some buyers, that single trait outweighs almost everything else. PCMag emphasized the ear hook design that “keeps them securely in place during intense movement like running,” and framed them as a “fine choice” for “wet workouts.” That positioning matches the kind of buyer who’s tired of constantly reseating buds mid-run or losing them during burpees.
Battery life—at least as a concept and often in practice—also earns consistent nods, especially from people who want fewer charging rituals. On Best Buy, one customer described the experience in simple lifestyle terms: “easy buttons, stays charged for a long long time and they charge in the case.” Another went even more workday-specific: “the battery in the buds last all day at work with nonstop listening. the case battery lasts all week.” For warehouse shifts, long office days, or commuting plus gym, that “all day / all week” framing is the value proposition users latch onto.
The companion app and customization appear as a bright spot in expert coverage, even if not every user leans on it. PCMag called it a “full-featured companion app” and described EQ tools and a hearing-based profile: an “ear test to create a personal sound profile.” For listeners who like tuning bass for workouts or adjusting controls, this type of feedback implies the product is aimed at people who want more than barebones play/pause.
Quick summary of what gets repeated positively:
- Secure, stable fit during workouts (PCMag)
- Long battery life narratives (“all day… all week”) (Best Buy)
- App-based EQ/control customization (PCMag)
Common Complaints
Noise canceling is the most consistent pressure point. While the name and marketing spotlight ANC, the stories frequently describe an effect that’s subtle at best. PCMag didn’t mince words: ANC “isn't effective,” and said higher-frequency noises were “even more of a challenge.” On Best Buy, one reviewer said it plainly: “noise cancellation makes almost no difference,” adding “no bass” and labeling it “mediocre sound” before returning it “on the second day.” For commuters hoping to mute bus chatter or office noise, the recurring takeaway is that ANC may not deliver the “maximum focus” expectation.
The charging case size is another repeated frustration, and it’s not a minor gripe for people who pocket-carry. PCMag called the case “overly large” and “huge,” warning it’s “best to transport in a backpack or bag rather than a pocket.” That matters for runners who want minimalist carry, or anyone who hates “lumps” in jeans pockets—especially when the product is marketed around active convenience.
Controls and ergonomics can also sour the daily experience. One Best Buy customer criticized the ear loops themselves: “the way the ear loops are designed is odd… pushes the ear uncomfortably,” and said the bud/loop angle “doesn't help keep the bud in place.” Another pain point was interaction reliability: “double tap to advance a song… doesn't work 99% of the time.” That kind of friction hits hardest for runners or gym users who need quick, reliable controls without breaking stride.
Common negatives that recur:
- ANC disappointment vs the name/claims (PCMag, Best Buy)
- Bulky charging case (PCMag)
- Controls/fit ergonomics inconsistent for some (Best Buy)
Divisive Features
Sound tuning is split in a way that maps to listener identity. PCMag described “palpable bass response” as a pro, but also said the audio “lacks high-end detail,” calling out “scaled-back highs” and moments that “almost sounds muddy.” For gym playlists, that heavy low-end can be motivating; for detail-oriented listeners, it can read as dull or veiled. Best Buy reviews mirror that divide: one person raved about “exceptional sound quality” and “crystal-clear audio,” while another dismissed it as “mediocre sound” with “no bass” and only “medium and high sounds ok.”
ANC perception is similarly polarized across sources. PCMag’s verdict is that it “barely works,” but some Best Buy reviewers still praised it: “excellent noise canceling,” and another called it “noise cancelling… very nice.” The investigative read here is not that everyone is hearing the same result—rather, expectations and environments may be shaping satisfaction. Someone upgrading from non-ANC buds might feel the difference; someone comparing against stronger ANC competitors may not.
Trust & Reliability
Trust and reliability signals in the provided data point less to scams and more to review integrity and durability variability. Fakespot’s page for Skullcandy Push Active (a different but related model line) claims: “Our engine has detected that Amazon has altered, modified or removed reviews from this listing… approximate total reviews altered up to 1523.” That doesn’t prove the product is bad, but it does suggest shoppers should be careful about drawing conclusions from star averages alone.
On durability, the strongest first-person warning in the dataset comes from Best Buy: “broke in 5 weeks… intermittent skipping.” Another review carries a similar anxiety: “they work fantastic unless they die in the first month.” Counterbalancing that, some users describe stable, everyday performance—“the battery… lasts all week”—but the existence of early-failure stories means risk tolerance matters. If you’re buying for daily training and can’t afford downtime, return policy and warranty experience become part of the product.
Alternatives
Only a few competitors are explicitly mentioned in the sources, and they frame Skullcandy Push ANC Active as a fitness-focused pick rather than the best overall audio/ANC option.
PCMag repeatedly references the JBL Endurance Peak 3, saying it keeps the “Editors’ Choice” due to a “balanced audio signature,” “more natural” transparency modes, and a “slightly more durable design.” For buyers who care about sound balance and outdoor awareness, that comparison is pointed—especially since PCMag also notes JBL doesn’t have ANC, while Skullcandy’s ANC is described as ineffective anyway.
PCMag also mentions the EarFun Air Pro 4 as a better ANC example (“not on the same level… in this aspect”) and highlights LDAC support there. That frames EarFun as the more commute-first choice if ANC performance is the reason you’re shopping.
Price & Value
Pricing in the dataset shows Skullcandy Push ANC Active commonly positioned around the sub-$100 zone. Best Buy lists it at “$79.99” (with a previous price of “$99.99”). Skullcandy’s own page shows a “sale price $99.99” (with a higher crossed-out regular price in one listing). For value seekers, those swings matter: the lower the price, the more forgiving buyers seem about ANC and case size.
Resale/market pricing signals for related Skullcandy Push Active (non-ANC) show new units on eBay around “$47.95.” That suggests depreciation can be meaningful—useful if you want to try the fit/earhook style without paying full retail, but also a hint that buying on sale may be the smarter play.
Buying tips implied by community pain points:
- If ANC is the primary goal, the feedback suggests comparing carefully before buying.
- If reliability worries you, prioritize retailers with easy returns, given “broke in 5 weeks” reports.
FAQ
Q: Does the Skullcandy Push ANC Active have strong noise cancellation?
A: Not consistently, based on the provided feedback. PCMag concluded the ANC “isn't effective,” and a Best Buy reviewer said “noise cancellation makes almost no difference.” Some Best Buy buyers still praised “excellent noise canceling,” so expectations and environment likely shape satisfaction.
Q: Is it good for running and gym workouts?
A: For many, yes—fit security is a major theme. PCMag highlighted the ear hook design that “keeps them securely in place during intense movement like running.” Several Best Buy reviewers also framed them as “great earbuds for the gym,” though a few criticized the loop design and comfort.
Q: How is the battery life in real use?
A: The official claim is up to “37 hours” with ANC on and “58 hours” with ANC off (Skullcandy product page). User experiences vary: one Best Buy reviewer said the buds last “all day… nonstop listening” and the case “lasts all week,” while another complained “battery life is so short.”
Q: Is the charging case pocket-friendly?
A: Many comments suggest it’s bulky. PCMag said the case is “overly large” and “huge,” recommending carrying it in a bag instead of a pocket. If you want compact carry for runs or commuting, this is a recurring drawback.
Q: Are there durability issues?
A: Some buyers report early failures. A Best Buy reviewer warned the earbuds “broke in 5 weeks” with “intermittent skipping,” and another said they’re great “unless they die in the first month.” Others report solid day-to-day performance, so reliability appears inconsistent.
Final Verdict
Buy Skullcandy Push ANC Active if you’re a gym-first listener who values an earhook “stays put” fit and long battery narratives more than top-tier ANC performance.
Avoid if you need genuinely strong noise canceling for commuting, want a small pocketable case, or you’re sensitive to control/fit quirks and early-failure risk.
Pro tip from the community: if you’re on the fence, shop where returns are easy—one Best Buy buyer’s warning (“broke in 5 weeks”) reads like a reminder that warranty and return policy can matter as much as specs.
