I have always been a fan of over ear headphones, not only do you get an engaging wrap around sound, but the look is also a vibe. The Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active come in three designs, Coal, Concrete and Soft (a dusty pink) and they are aimed at those who want energy and excitement in their listening. They have a bold and modern finish, but it isn’t all just good looks they are also wonderfully comfortable and remain stable even during long workout sessions.
The Multi-Sensory bass control gives you a fully immersive experience. Instead of a simple preset, there is a slider on the ear cup that lets you decide exactly how much low end you want. At its highest setting the bass delivers a physical punch that you can feel rather than just hear. Which is a good distraction from any pain or discomfort that crops up whilst in the gym. If you prefer a calmer sound you can pull it back for a more relaxed sound. It is a level of control that makes the headphones feel very personal
Battery life is also impressive. You can get around forty hours from a full charge, and a short ten minute top up provides four hours of listening so there is no waiting around for them to charge up. This makes them very easy to live with, especially if you wear them on long days out or at the gym. The build includes a protective coating that resists sweat and water, and the ear pads use a breathable fabric that helps keep things cool.
The Crusher 540 Active connects through Bluetooth, and it supports Tile tracking through the Skullcandy app, which means you can locate the headphones if you misplace them. The app also offers a personal sound profile made through a short hearing test, allowing the sound to be adjusted to your ears.
There are on ear controls for calls, volume and track changes, and the frame folds flat for easier storage in the gym bag. The only drawbacks are that the strong bass can overshadow finer details in the music.
Overall, the Crusher 540 Active is a fun and lively pair of headphones for anyone who enjoys deep bass and strong performance whilst working out. RRP £169.99
- Powerful adjustable sensory bass that adds real impact
- Long battery life with quick top up charging
- Sweat and water resistant build suitable for active use
- Comfortable breathable ear pads
- Tile tracking support for finding the headphones if misplaced
- Personal sound profile through the Skullcandy app
- On ear controls and fold flat design for convenience
- Bass can overpower detail and clarity in some music
- Not ideal for listeners who prefer a neutral or balanced sound
- Sound customisation relies on the app which not everyone wants to use
