Skullcandy Grind True Wireless: New in-ear with Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology

Skullcandy has already introduced the Push Active and the Grind Fuel headphones with Skull-iQ technology. Now the new Skullcandy Grind True Wireless follows as the third headphone with this technology. It allows hands-free voice control of the headphones via app. Since wireless charging is omitted in the comparison, the price is significantly lower – without having to do without high audio quality.

Skullcandy Grind True Wireless: features of the in-ears

About a month after the Grind Fuel comes with the Grind True Wireless a cheaper model, which is technically based on the big brother. Once again, dynamic drivers with a diameter of 6 mm provide the rich sound. The impedance, however, has dropped to 22 ohms (instead of 32 ohms) compared to the Fuel, which should speak for a higher volume. However, both models share the covered frequency band of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

With a total weight of 62.5 grams including the charging case, the Skullcandy Grind True Wireless are also a bit lighter (76 g for the Grind Fuel). The reason: In the new model, the manufacturer does without a wireless charging function, because the case of the Grind can only be charged via USB Type-C.

In return, the wireless connection is now via Bluetooth 5.2 instead of version 5.0. When it comes to battery life, the manufacturer promises a total of 40 hours, which is split between 9 hours for the Earbuds and 31 hours in combination with the charging case. The headphones are also sweat and water resistant according to IP55 standard.

Skull-iQ voice control

Back in the mix is Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology, which enables voice control in conjunction with the companion app. With a simple “Hey Skullcandy”, content can be played, playback can be stopped, and calls can be accepted or rejected. Additionally, this also allows you to activate the safe Stay-Aware mode (transparency) and access Spotify to play music or podcasts.

By working with the audio streaming service, Skullcandy is the first company to enable voice-controlled access to Spotify Tap via a voice command. This is the easiest way to access and listen to music and podcasts. Alternatively, Spotify Tap can also be activated by pressing a button directly on the Grind itself. The personal voice assistant of smartphones, tablets or computers can be used by voice command without any additional setup effort thanks to Skull-iQ.

In addition, the Skullcandy Grind True Wireless once again rely on Tile Finding Technology, which we were already able to try in our review of the Indy ANC. In combination with the Tile app, the headphones and charging case can be located and searched for.

After creating a Tile account and pairing the headphones, the current location of the Earbuds is displayed with an accuracy of around 10 meters, both when turned off (last position) or in a closed charging case. In addition, a sound request can be sent via app, but it is only audible in extremely quiet surroundings and direct proximity with the in-ear headphones.

The features at a glance

• Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology – control calls, music and volume, activate stay-aware mode and voice assistants, as well as invoke Spotify Tap and more with a simple voice command
• Wireless Updates – Update the headphones via the Skullcandy app to add new features for improved functionality and extended life
• Premium audio quality – Supreme sound experience thanks to professionally tuned drivers. Dual noise-canceling microphones that provide natural, clear call quality and a sound-isolating fit
• Up to 40 hours of battery life – Listen for longer with nine hours of headphone battery life and 31 hours via the charging case
• USB-C fast charging via case – Ten minutes of charging in the case = two hours of battery life
• True Wireless via Bluetooth 5.2
• Auto On/Connect – Automatically power on and pair with the last device used
• Sweat, dust and water resistant (IP55) – Takes on any adventure
• Integrated Tile tracking feature – Easily locate headphones via the Tile app should one go missing

Price and Availability

The Skullcandy Grind True Wireless are available in stores now. The manufacturer’s MSRP is 79.99 euros. Thus, they are 20 euros cheaper than the Grind Fuel, which, for example, are offered at Amazon for 99.99 euros.