Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds with 3.5mm AUX Plug - Black Review

Overview

The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds are a simple, no-fuss set of in-ear headphones built around the classic 3.5 mm connection. Skullcandy positions the Ink’d+ as an everyday wired option for people who want plug-and-play listening without charging, pairing, or dealing with Bluetooth dropouts. The product includes a noise-isolating in-ear design, an in-line microphone, and basic call and track controls.

Aggregate feedback suggests this is one of the more consistently well-liked budget wired earbuds. On Amazon, the Ink’d+ holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating across a large number of reviews. Best Buy customer ratings show the same 4.4 average, with 89 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend the product. A third-party data-driven review from Electronics Ranker gives the Ink’d+ an overall score of 71 out of 100, praising value and portability while flagging build quality and reliability as weaker points.

That mix captures the product well. The Ink’d+ is not trying to be a high-end audiophile earphone. It is a lightweight, practical wired earbud for commutes, school, work, gaming, and everyday phone calls. Pricing varies, so shoppers should check the product page for the current offer.

Design and Build

The Ink’d+ uses a traditional in-ear shape with a rounded housing and angled nozzle. The design is deliberately understated, especially in the black finish reviewed here. The cable terminates in a standard 3.5 mm AUX plug, which keeps the earbuds compatible with a broad range of older and current devices.

Skullcandy describes the Ink’d+ as having a sleeker design than previous versions. The package includes two sizes of silicone ear gels, small and medium, so most users can find a better seal than they would with a single fixed tip. The earbuds are lightweight, and the listing highlights an easy, comfortable fit.

Customer observations about build quality are more mixed than the design itself suggests. Many owners describe the Ink’d+ as well built for everyday use, and several say they buy the same model repeatedly after losing or damaging pairs. Others report issues such as a microphone stopping after a few months or a button not working out of the box. One owner noted that the earpieces are essentially symmetrical rather than clearly marked left and right, which may be a minor ergonomic consideration if you are used to heavily contoured earbuds.

Expert scoring also reflects a middle-of-the-road build impression. Electronics Ranker rates the Ink’d+ build quality at 58 out of 100 and durability at 52 out of 100. Those numbers are far from premium, but they are not unusual for budget wired earbuds. The same reviewer pattern appears in customer feedback: some people use a single pair for years, while others replace them within months.

Fit and Comfort

Comfort is one of the strongest parts of the Ink’d+ ownership experience. The in-ear design is light enough that many users say they barely notice the earbuds during long listening sessions. The two included ear gel sizes help customize the fit, although Skullcandy only includes small and medium, so people who need large tips may find the package limiting.

Several Amazon reviewers specifically praise the fit. They describe the Ink’d+ as comfortable enough for extended use, with a secure feel that works for gaming, calls, and daily music playback. One reviewer says they use the earbuds almost constantly and find the comfort acceptable, though wearing any in-ear product literally all day can become fatiguing.

The noise-isolating fit also contributes to the comfort story. Because the earbuds seal against the ear canal, they block a meaningful amount of outside noise. The amount of isolation depends heavily on tip size and insertion depth. One owner said the smallest tips reduced outside sound less, which they actually preferred for situational awareness.

Best Buy reviewers rate comfort highly, listing it as one of the product’s main strengths. The lightweight design makes the Ink’d+ practical for commutes and workouts. Reviews from the third-party write-ups also note that the earbuds stayed comfortably in place during daily commutes and exercise.

Sound Quality

For a budget wired earbud, the Ink’d+ delivers a clear and balanced sound that most casual listeners find satisfying. Skullcandy does not market these as neutral studio monitors, and the sound signature leans toward a mainstream presentation with clear mids and vocals.

The audio driver is listed as a dynamic driver with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. That is a standard specification for inexpensive in-ear models and does not tell the whole story, but the customer consensus is that the Ink’d+ sounds better than many similarly positioned wired earbuds.

Owners frequently describe the sound as clear, balanced, and enjoyable. Some compare the audio favorably to other budget earbuds and even to more popular wireless options. One reviewer said the Ink’d+ sounds far better than their Apple earbuds, while another said the sound is balanced rather than overly bright. Vocals and midrange come through clearly, which helps for podcasts, YouTube, and phone calls.

The bass response is a common point of debate. Some users find the low end punchy enough for casual listening, while others say bass is more restrained than they would like. Third-party coverage notes that bass could be more pronounced for bass-heavy genres. At the same time, treble can become a little sharp or piercing at higher volumes, especially for listeners who prefer a warmer sound profile. The overall result is an engaging but not perfectly refined sound, which is a reasonable trade-off for a wired earbud in this class.

Best Buy customer ratings are strong for sound quality, with a 4.5 out of 5 feature score. That suggests most buyers are happy with how the Ink’d+ performs across music, calls, and video.

Noise Isolation

The Ink’d+ relies on passive noise isolation rather than active noise cancellation. The ear gels create a seal that reduces ambient sound, making the earbuds useful in moderately noisy environments such as busses, offices, or while mowing grass.

Customers describe the noise-blocking performance as surprisingly good for the earbud’s size. One reviewer mentioned that the earbuds blocked outside noise well enough during lawn mowing. Another said they kept out almost all ambient sound, helping with movies and phone conversations that have quiet passages.

There is no adjustable noise-canceling mode, transparency mode, or app EQ. The isolation is purely physical, and it only works as well as the ear-tip seal. If you use tips that are too small, you will get less isolation and less low-end presence. That is not a flaw unique to the Ink’d+; it is how all passive in-ear designs behave.

Microphone and In-Line Controls

The Ink’d+ includes an in-line microphone that lets you take calls from a smartphone and switch between audio and calls. The product listing highlights play/pause and track-skip controls, so the remote is intended for basic command without pulling out your phone.

Microphone quality is generally well regarded in customer reviews. Owners describe the mic as crisp, clear, and sensitive enough for voice calls and gaming chat. One reviewer tested the mic with a friend and said their voice came through clearly even at a very quiet speaking level. Another work-from-home user said the mic sounded good during voice chat without static.

The in-line controls are a little more inconsistent in real-world reports. The official feature set covers call and track control, but it does not explicitly list volume adjustment. One Amazon review said there is no volume control, while another owner said they liked being able to control volume on the cord. This may reflect differences between product revisions or devices, but the safest summary is that the remote handles calls, play/pause, and track skip, while volume control may not be present on every version or device.

The most common hardware complaint tied to the remote is reliability. Some owners received units where the multi-function button did not work at all. Another reviewer reported that the microphone on a second pair stopped working after a few months even though sound quality remained good. These are not universal failures, but they are frequent enough to appear in customer feedback.

Compatibility and Setup

The Ink’d+ is a wired earbud, so setup is about as simple as audio gets: plug the 3.5 mm connector into a compatible device and start listening. There is no pairing process, no companion app, no firmware update, and no battery to manage.

The product is compatible with smartphones, laptops, tablets, and computers that include a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. That covers a wide range of older Android phones, many laptops, desktop front-panel jacks, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox controllers, and other audio gear. Owners using newer phones without a headphone jack will need a USB-C or Lightning adapter, which is a normal consideration for any wired earbud today.

A reviewer using a Galaxy S9+ noted that the 3.5 mm plug fit tightly, which they appreciated compared to some higher-end earbuds that felt loose. Another buyer used the Ink’d+ as a wired headset for work calls and said it plugged in and played without any issue.

Electronics Ranker gives the Ink’d+ a setup score of 84 out of 100 and a compatibility score of 74 out of 100. The strong setup score makes sense given the zero-friction wired connection. The lower compatibility score likely reflects the reality that built-in headphone jacks are no longer universal on flagship phones.

Durability and Reliability

Durability is the largest caveat with the Ink’d+. Customer experiences span both ends of the reliability spectrum. Some owners are repeat buyers who use a single pair until they lose it or a pet chews it. Others report failing microphones, buttons, or audio after a few months of regular use.

The Amazon review set illustrates this split well. One reviewer said they bought two pairs in July and by November the first had died after two to three months, while the second had a non-working microphone. Another reviewer said the Ink’d+ lasted a predictable number of months under near-constant use and considered that acceptable for the product class. Several other owners say they have purchased the model for years and only replace it when the cable is damaged or the earbuds disappear.

Electronics Ranker scores reliability at 56 out of 100 and durability at 52 out of 100. Those are relatively weak scores and should temper expectations. The Ink’d+ is not a heavy-duty or high-durability product, but it is also inexpensive to replace if it does fail. Customers who treat wired earbuds gently and store them properly are likely to get more life than those who wrap the cable tightly or toss the buds into a bag.

The cable is another minor point of disagreement. Some owners miss the flat cable used on the older Ink’d 2, saying the round cable on the Ink’d+ tangles more readily. Others say the cable has held up without kinking, even with daily use.

What Customers Are Saying

Customer sentiment on the Ink’d+ is overwhelmingly positive by volume, with many five-star reviews focusing on sound, comfort, and overall value. Buyers frequently call the Ink’d+ their go-to wired earbud, and several say they purchase multiple pairs at once or keep a spare on hand.

The most common praise includes clear and balanced sound, strong passive noise isolation, a comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes, and a microphone that works well for calls and gaming. Many reviewers also appreciate that the earbuds do not need charging. For people who listen throughout the day, wired earbuds remove the battery anxiety that comes with wireless buds. One customer said they own wireless earbuds but still prefer the Ink’d+ because there is no battery to charge multiple times a day.

Repeat buying is a clear theme. Several Amazon reviewers mention buying the Ink’d+ for themselves, friends, or family members over a period of years. The product’s low cost and consistent sound signature make it an easy choice when a previous pair is lost or worn out.

Complaints are less frequent but fairly consistent. The most common specific issues are the multi-function button failing, the microphone quitting after a few months, and the lack of a clearly labeled left-right distinction. Some owners wanted volume control on the remote and were disappointed to find only track and call controls. A few reviewers noted that the cable tangles more than the flat cable on older Skullcandy models.

There is also a small but noticeable group of owners who see the Ink’d+ as a disposable product. That is not necessarily a criticism. Some buyers say the lifespan is predictable and acceptable, especially because replacement is easy and relatively inexpensive. Once again, pricing varies, but the product’s broad reputation is built on value.

Expert and Third-Party Impressions

Electronics Ranker gives the Ink’d+ an overall score of 71 out of 100. The review calls the earbuds strongest in value, portability, setup simplicity, and customer satisfaction. It specifically notes that the Ink’d+ is aimed at simple everyday listening, video playback, and basic calls. The main limitations listed are mixed reliability and some inconsistent feedback on sound and microphone performance.

The expert score breakdown helps identify strengths and weaknesses. Portability scores 88 out of 100, value scores 88, and setup scores 84. Customer satisfaction is rated 86, which aligns with the high aggregate buyer ratings. On the other hand, build quality is rated 58 out of 100, durability 52, and reliability 56. Warranty support is scored only 50 out of 100, even though Skullcandy advertises a 1-year USA limited warranty.

ReviewsInside describes the Ink’d+ as a light, comfortable, budget-friendly option with a secure in-ear fit and clear audio. In real-world testing, setup was straightforward and the microphone picked up voice commands and calls without issue. The write-up says the remote allowed easy track changes during commutes, though the product listing focuses on play/pause and skip rather than full volume control. The same review notes that bass could be stronger and treble may feel sharp at higher volumes, which matches some buyer feedback.

Best Buy’s customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 across 1,799 reviews reinforces the general impression. Buyers rate sound quality and comfort at 4.5 and value at 4.4. The most frequently mentioned positives are sound quality, comfort, and value. A smaller set of complaints mentions cord length. The Ink’d+ appears to work best for people who want a dependable wired backup or a primary earbud for everyday casual use.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable in-ear fit
Two ear gel sizes included for better seal
Clear, balanced sound with good vocal presence
Passive noise isolation works well for a passive design
In-line microphone handles calls and gaming chat clearly
Simple wired setup with no charging or pairing
Broad 3.5 mm compatibility
Strong repeat-purchase reputation
One-year USA limited warranty included

Cons

Durability and reliability are inconsistent
Build quality is average for the category
No dedicated volume control on all versions
Bass can feel limited for bass-heavy listeners
Treble may be sharp at higher volumes
Round cable can tangle more than older flat-cable models
Some users report button or microphone failures

Verdict

The Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds are best understood as a dependable budget workhorse rather than a premium audio product. The performance strengths are clear: they are light, comfortable, easy to use, and sound better than many people expect from a simple wired earbud. The passive noise isolation is effective enough for commutes and noisy rooms, and the in-line microphone makes the Ink’d+ useful beyond music.

Durability is the main reason to keep expectations realistic. Expert scores and customer reviews both suggest that not every pair will last for years. Some owners report months of heavy use without problems, while others encounter button or microphone failures early. If you need a pair of earbuds

Skullcandy Ink’d+ Wired Earbuds with 3.5mm AUX Plug - Black | Noise Isolating Fit, Wired Connection, In-Line Microphone Call and Track Control, Ear Gel Sizes for Custom Fit, Travel Ready

NOISE ISOLATING FIT. Experience pure comfort and effortless sound. Ink’d+ comes with 2 different-sized ear gels (S, M) to help you find your perfect fit
CONVENIENT FOR TRAVEL WITH 3.5MM AUX CONNECTION. Plug in for a direct connection every time
IN-LINE MICROPHONE. Take calls directly from your mobile device. Easily switch between audio and calls