Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds review: Hits the right notes

Time of India

23-04-2025

Rating – 3.5/5
They say silence is golden—but in today's world, it usually comes at a premium.
Skullcandy
's new Rail ANC earbuds are built around that idea, offering a feature-packed alternative in the increasingly competitive mid-range audio market. Priced at Rs 8,999 in India, these true wireless earbuds come equipped with active noise cancellation, IPX4 water resistance, and support for Skullcandy's proprietary Skull-iQ platform, which brings voice control, customizable buttons, and over-the-air updates into the mix. The Rail ANC also features a partially transparent design, clearly positioned to take on both lifestyle and tech-focused users.
But in a segment crowded with offerings from established names, the real question is—can Skullcandy's latest hold its own? Let's find out
Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds design
The Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds come in a single black finish, with a semi-transparent stem-style design. The outer panels of each bud are marked with the signature Skullcandy logo. The earbuds' see-through detailing is a nice visual touch, reminiscent of designs seen on other transparent-themed tech.
The buds feel lightweight and sit comfortably in the ear. Wearing the earbuds, we did not feel any discomfort even during extended listening sessions. They come with three pairs of silicone eartips, allowing for some level of customization in fit and seal. While the design doesn't break new ground, it feels well-built for the price point.
Talking about the case, it feels a bit chunkier. Having said that, you can still pocket it in your earbuds. The logo is placed in the front of the case with a USB Type-C logo at the bottom. The lid closure feels one of the strongest. One feature we really liked about the case is its internal lighting, which adds a unique touch.
Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds
are equipped with IPX4 rating which means they can withstand splashes and light rain.
Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds performance
Inside, the earbuds house 12mm drivers that cover a standard frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. They support Bluetooth 5.2 and are compatible with AAC and SBC codecs. The earbuds work with both Android smartphones and iPhones. The inclusion of multipoint support is a plus, allowing us to stay connected to two devices simultaneously and switch between phone and laptop seamlessly.
Touch controls are handled by capacitive panels on both earbuds. They're responsive for the most part, but occasional misfires can occur, especially during adjustments or accidental touches. Single tap for play/pause, double tap to skip forward, and triple tap to cycle between ANC On, ANC Off, and Stay Aware mode. Noise cancellation isn't particularly strong — even with ANC enabled, surrounding sounds still come through. A long press on the left earbud brings up your phone's voice assistant, while the right triggers Spotify Tap for quick access to music.
Before delving into the performance review, we'd first like to explore how the Skull IQ app integrates with the earbuds. To unlock the full potential of the Skullcandy Rail ANC, users need to pair the earbuds with the Skull-iQ companion app, available on both Android and iOS. However, there's an initial quirk for users in India—the app doesn't officially list the region, so you'll need to select 'Other' during setup. Once past that, though, the onboarding is smooth, and the customization options open up quickly.
The app offers a comprehensive suite of features. You can toggle between hearing modes, tweak the EQ using preset profiles or create a custom one, and even use the 'Personal Sound by Mimi' feature. Personal Sound is a tool that tests your hearing and adjusts the audio tuning to suit your personal hearing profile. The results are subjective—it assumes you'll prefer the EQ that compensates for any hearing loss—but it's an interesting addition for users who want more personalized audio.
You also get access to Skullcandy's hands-free voice control system, which lets you manage music, calls, and even trigger your phone's camera with commands like 'Skullcandy take a picture.' That said, the voice features work more reliably on Android than iOS. Also, speaking camera commands out loud in public may not feel natural to everyone.
Another feature worth highlighting is built-in Tile tracking. While this requires installing the separate Tile app and giving it the necessary permissions, it's a handy safeguard against losing your earbuds. With Tile, you can ring the buds if they're nearby or view their last known location on a map. Yes, it might feel like an extra step, and the app-hopping might feel tedious, but it's a practical addition, especially for those prone to misplacing their gear.
Skullcandy Rail ANC
delivers a sound profile that leans slightly toward the bass, but not overwhelmingly so. Lows feel punchy on tracks like Malang by Ved Sharma or Ghungroo from War, giving the beats a satisfying thump.
Mids come through cleanly, especially on vocals-heavy songs like Kesariya or Shayad, where the earbuds handle Arijit Singh's voice with clarity. Highs are decent, though slightly rolled off at higher volumes—noticeable in tracks like Jhoome Jo Pathaan. Overall, the sound is pleasant for casual listening and holds up well across genres.
Skullcandy Rail ANC earbuds battery
Skullcandy claims over 30 hours of total battery life with the Rail ANC, including the case, and for the most part, that holds true. With moderate volume and mixed usage of ANC, the earbuds manage around 6–7 hours on a single charge, with the case offering roughly three additional full top-ups. It's a reliable performance for daily use, and quick charging support adds convenience when you're running low.
Verdict
At Rs 8,999, Skullcandy Rail ANC brings together a solid mix of features—active noise cancellation, voice-enabled smart controls, and even Tile tracking. The sound is tuned for easy listening with a bass-leaning profile, and battery life is dependable enough for everyday use. While there are some trade-offs—like extra app setup for Indian users—the Rail ANC still manages to offer a well-rounded experience in the crowded mid-range segment.