Skullcandy is entering new territory with the launch of the Aviator 900 ANC, its most feature-rich and design-forward headphones to date. Priced at $299 / £249 / €299 (around AU$520), the new model is aimed directly at a competitive segment long dominated by Sony and Bose, without attempting to match them dollar for dollar.
The Aviator 900 ANC introduces several upgrades that position it as a serious contender in the active noise-cancelling (ANC) category. These over-ear headphones offer adaptive noise cancellation powered by six microphones, a choice that allows the headphones to dynamically respond to ambient sound. Skullcandy claims up to 50 hours of playback with ANC activated, and over 60 hours with it off. A rapid charging feature adds another layer of convenience—ten minutes plugged in delivers up to four additional hours of playback.
Connectivity is built around Bluetooth 5.3 and includes support for LE Audio, multipoint pairing, low-latency mode, Google Fast Pair, and Google’s Find My Device. On the audio front, the headphones are equipped with THX Spatial Audio enhanced by head tracking, promising an immersive experience especially for media consumption and gaming. Personalized sound profiles via Mimi technology and customizable EQ settings are also part of the package, giving users more control over their listening experience.
One of the more unusual additions is the included cross-body travel bag—a departure from the typical hard case provided with most premium headphones. While it won’t appeal to everyone, the soft-shell bag with Skullcandy’s logo leans into lifestyle branding and may resonate with users looking for gear that doubles as a fashion accessory.
The design itself revives the retro styling of the original Aviator headphones released back in 2010 but updates it with modern materials and a more refined build. While this version of the Aviator drops celebrity endorsements in favor of practical upgrades, it retains the silhouette that made the original a pop culture favorite.
Feature-wise, the Aviator 900 ANC also supports Spotify Tap for instant music playback, customizable button mapping via the Skullcandy app, and three preset EQ modes in addition to a five-band customizable equalizer. The headphones also include a low-latency gaming mode, further broadening their appeal beyond casual listening.
At $299, the Aviator 900 ANC slots in below the flagship Sony WH-1000XM6 ($399) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, giving it a pricing edge. Whether it can match those brands in sound fidelity and ANC performance remains to be seen, but on paper, Skullcandy has put together a compelling package with wide feature support and long battery life.
For listeners who want many of the features offered by top-tier headphones but at a more accessible price, the Aviator 900 ANC represents Skullcandy’s most credible offering yet. It’s a shift toward premium without shedding the brand’s youthful, style-conscious identity.
