Skullcandy over-ear headphones, Crusher 540 Active

Getting the most from it

For gym sessions where a steady fit and bass-forward sound matter, the Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active is built around an over-ear design rather than the smaller, less enclosing feel of earbuds. Its secure fit and breathable ear cushions are intended for workouts, while the sweat- and water-resistant nano-coating adds protection for sweaty sessions. That makes it worth considering for lifting or a treadmill playlist, especially if you like bass to be a noticeable part of the experience.

Picture starting a workout with a bass-heavy playlist and keeping the headphones on between sets. The design is aimed at staying put as you move, not just listening at a desk.

Why it’s worth it

The distinctive feature is Crusher Bass: two full-range 40 mm audio drivers are paired with two additional bass drivers. That setup is intended to make music and films feel more physical than they would through a more conventional headphone design. If you prioritise a pronounced, tactile bass presentation, this approach is likely more appealing than a simpler pair focused on straightforward playback, if you prefer a lighter, less bass-forward sound, that emphasis may not suit your taste.

Battery life is listed at up to 40 hours, and the Rapid Charge feature is stated to provide four hours of listening from a 10-minute charge. Personal Sound in the Skullcandy app adds a hearing analysis that adjusts sound levels for your hearing. These features give the headphones more to offer than workout fit alone, though the app’s personalisation is only useful if you want to use a companion app.

The essentials

This is a wireless Bluetooth, noise-isolating over-ear headphone with a secure fit, breathable ear cushions and a sweat- and water-resistant nano-coating. The listing does not give a waterproof rating, so treat the coating as workout protection rather than a reason to submerge the headphones or expose them to heavy water. It also describes noise isolation, not active noise cancellation, if blocking surrounding sound is a priority, that distinction matters.

The product includes a one-year limited warranty. According to the manufacturer, the combination of bass drivers and the Crusher effect is designed to make sound feel more immersive, but there’s no detail here on adjustable bass levels, controls or how the fit will feel on different head shapes. The over-ear format may also feel warmer during long, intense workouts than a smaller in-ear option, even with breathable cushions.

When to choose it

It suits you if you want workout headphones with an over-ear fit, long listed battery life and bass that plays a central role in the listening experience. For example, if you switch from a gym playlist to a film at home, the extra bass drivers are intended to make both uses feel more involving. It may not be for you if you want compact earbuds, a neutral sound profile, or clearly specified waterproofing and active noise cancellation. The decision comes down to whether secure over-ear coverage and a strong bass character matter more to you than a smaller format or features not stated in the listing.