Skullcandy Push Active 2 Review: Wireless Sport Earbuds with ANC
Are you looking for earbuds that survive tough workouts? The Skullcandy Push Active 2 might be your answer.
These true wireless sport earbuds come with secure ear hangers. They stay put during runs, jumps, and intense gym sessions.
Active noise canceling blocks outside noise fast. Four built in mics work hard to cut distractions during your workout.
Battery life truly stands out here. You get up to 48 hours of total playtime from the earbuds and case combined.
Sound quality impresses too. Expect deep bass and clear mids that make every track feel alive.
This review covers everything you need to know. We will look at comfort, sound, battery life, and control features.
By the end, you will know if these earbuds fit your active lifestyle. Let’s jump right in and explore what makes the Push Active 2 worth considering.
In a Nutshell
Here is the quick rundown of what makes the Skullcandy Push Active 2 stand out.
- 4 mic active noise canceling blocks gym noise and street sounds with ease. You get a Stay Aware Mode too, so you can hear traffic when needed.
- Battery life hits up to 48 hours with the case. That means fewer charging trips during busy weeks.
- The 5 band customizable EQ lets you shape your sound. Three preset EQ modes give quick options for different music styles.
- Physical buttons handle volume and touch controls. No fumbling with tiny taps mid workout.
- One thing to note: max volume feels a bit capped for some listeners. Some users also flagged charging case connection issues over time.
- Compared to the Push Play Active, this model adds ANC and extra battery hours. That makes it a strong upgrade pick.
This earbud pair mixes comfort with smart tech features. It fits people who want reliable sound and noise control on the go.
Key Features and Specifications
The Skullcandy Push Active 2 packs several standout features that make these earbuds work hard for active users. Let me break down what’s inside.
Physical button controls give you direct access to volume adjustments and digital touch functions. You don’t need to tap your ear repeatedly. Just press and go. This matters during intense workouts when precision matters.
The 4 mic active noise canceling system uses multiple microphones to catch and cancel unwanted sound. Gym chatter, traffic noise, and wind sounds all fade into the background. The ANC performs strongly in most real world situations, though very loud environments still let some sound through.
Sound customization reaches a new level with the 5 band equalizer. You get three preset EQ modes ready to use, or you can adjust each frequency band yourself. Bass lovers get deep lows. Podcast fans can boost mids for clarity. The flexibility here beats many competitors in this category.
Stay Aware Mode lets you flip between full isolation and ambient sound awareness. Runners appreciate this feature for safety. You can hear approaching traffic or training partners without removing your earbuds.
The ear hangers deserve special mention. These curved supports wrap around your ear structure and stay put during movement. Jumping, running, and lateral motions don’t shake them loose. Many active users report these feel more secure than traditional earbud designs.
Battery performance reaches 48 hours total when you combine the earbuds with their charging case. Single earbud runtime extends several hours per charge. You can go multiple days without touching the charger.
One limitation stands out: maximum volume caps out lower than some users expect. If you like extremely loud playback, you might find this frustrating. Most people find the volume sufficient for workouts and daily use though.
The package includes replacement eartips in different sizes, a charging cable, and a user manual. This means you can find your perfect fit right away. The accessories show Skullcandy thought through the complete user experience for active listeners.
- PREMIUM ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING. Push ANC Active uses adjustable 4-mic noise cancelling to silence the world...
- UP TO 58 HOURS BATTERY + RAPID CHARGE. Stay connected with up to 58 hours of battery life (12 hours in the...
Last update on 2026-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Design, Build Quality, and Comfort
The Skullcandy Push Active 2 earbuds feature a sport focused design built for movement. The ear hangers wrap securely around your ears to keep them in place during intense workouts.
The build quality shows solid construction throughout. The earbuds use durable materials that can handle sweat and moisture from your training sessions. The charging case feels sturdy in your hand and protects the earbuds when you are not wearing them.
Comfort stands as a major strength for these earbuds. The ear hangers distribute weight evenly across your ear, which means less fatigue during long listening sessions. Many users report wearing them for hours without discomfort or irritation.
The earbuds come with replacement eartips in different sizes. This lets you find the perfect fit for your ears. A proper fit matters because it affects both comfort and how well the ANC works.
One durability concern has emerged with the charging case connection. Some users report reliability issues with how the earbuds connect to the case. This is worth monitoring over time to ensure your investment stays protected.
The physical button layout makes sense for active use. You get dedicated volume controls and digital touch functions without needing to tap your ears repeatedly. This design choice keeps your listening experience smooth during workouts.
The overall weight distribution feels balanced. The earbuds do not pull down on your ears or cause neck strain. The ear hangers sit comfortably without pinching or creating pressure points.
Stay Aware Mode adds flexibility to your wearing experience. You can adjust how much outside sound enters your ears depending on your activity. During a run on a busy street, you might want more ambient awareness. Inside the gym, you can block most noise out.
The design philosophy clearly prioritizes active lifestyles. Every element from the ear hangers to the button placement serves a purpose. The Skullcandy Push Active 2 looks and feels like earbuds made for people who move. Comfort and security work together to create a reliable wearing experience that lasts through your toughest days.
Sound Quality and Active Noise Cancellation
The sound quality of the Skullcandy Push Active 2 delivers impressive performance for sport earbuds. You get deep bass that hits hard without overwhelming the mix. The mids stay crystal clear, so vocals and instruments come through with definition. This balance makes these earbuds work well across music genres, podcasts, and calls.
The 3 preset EQ modes give you quick sound adjustments on the fly. You can switch between profiles without opening an app. For listeners who want more control, the 5 band customizable EQ opens up serious sound shaping possibilities. This means you can boost treble for clarity or push bass for workouts.
Active noise cancellation here uses a 4 mic system that catches unwanted sound from multiple angles. The ANC blocks gym noise, traffic, and wind effectively. You notice the difference immediately when you enable it. The technology works hard without draining battery life too quickly.
Stay Aware Mode lets you flip between full isolation and ambient sound awareness. This feature matters during outdoor runs or cycling sessions. You hear traffic or other people when you need to, then switch back to isolation for focus. The transition feels smooth and intentional.
One real limitation exists with max volume levels. Some listeners find the volume ceiling too low for their preferences. If you like extremely loud playback, this could disappoint you. Most users find the volume adequate for workouts and daily listening though.
The physical buttons make volume adjustments intuitive during activity. You don’t fumble with touch controls or apps. This straightforward approach fits the sport earbuds category well.
The combination of strong ANC, clear sound, and customizable EQ makes the Push Active 2 stand out for active listeners. The sound quality holds its own against competitors in this category. Battery efficiency remains solid even with ANC enabled. These earbuds prove that sport earbuds can deliver serious sound without compromising performance.
Top 3 Alternatives
JBL Endurance Peak
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Enjoy the soundtrack of your life. Four noise-sensing mics...
- IP68 water and dust proof: Sweat, rain, salt water, and sand? Sounds like a great time. JBL Endurance Peak...
Last update on 2026-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The JBL Endurance Peak offers serious durability for active users. These earbuds handle sweat, water, and tough conditions without breaking a sweat themselves. The IP67 rating means they survive dust and submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Battery life reaches 8 hours per charge, with an additional 32 hours from the case. The sound quality delivers punchy bass and clear mids that work well during workouts. You get reliable connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, so your music stays stable during runs or gym sessions.
The fit feels secure thanks to multiple ear tip options. Ambient mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. The buttons respond quickly to commands, making track control simple during exercise.
Jabra Elite Active
- Enjoy an actively lifestyle with secure fitting earbuds that provide dependable in-ear stability
- IP56 rated, against sweat and dust
Last update on 2026-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jabra Elite Active earbuds bring professional-grade performance to your fitness routine. These buds feature IP57 protection, handling rain, sweat, and dust without issues. The adjustable ANC (active noise cancellation) adapts to your environment automatically.
Sound quality stands out with dynamic drivers delivering rich audio across all frequencies. Battery performance gives you 5.5 hours of listening time, plus 24 hours total with the charging case. The secure fit system keeps earbuds locked in place during intense movement.
Call quality improves through dual microphones that reduce background noise effectively. You control everything through intuitive touch gestures or voice commands. The companion app offers customization options for sound profiles and workout tracking features.
Sony LinkBuds S
- SMART SOUND- Smart features and settings learn from your behavior and automatically adjust sound settings to...
- NEVER OFF- Automatically switches between superlative noise canceling or optimized ambient sound for listening...
Last update on 2026-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sony LinkBuds S prioritize comfort and lightweight design for all-day wear. These earbuds weigh just 5.9 grams each, making them feel almost invisible. The open-ring design reduces ear pressure while maintaining a secure fit.
IPX4 water resistance protects against sweat and light rain during outdoor activities. Sound quality features Sony’s LDAC codec for high-resolution audio when your device supports it. Battery life delivers 8 hours per charge, with 24 hours available from the case.
Ambient Sound mode keeps you aware of your surroundings naturally. The noise cancellation works well for focusing during workouts without feeling isolating. Multipoint connection lets you switch between devices seamlessly.
Battery Life and Charging
The Skullcandy Push Active 2 delivers exceptional battery endurance that keeps pace with your training schedule. You get up to 8 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds alone on a single charge. The charging case then extends your total listening time to approximately 48 hours, which means you can go weeks without needing to plug in.
Real world usage shows these earbuds hold their charge well during intense workouts. You won’t experience sudden dropouts mid run or during gym sessions. The battery management system works quietly in the background to protect long term health of the cells.
Charging happens through a USB cable connection to the case. The process takes roughly 2 hours for a full top up from empty. A quick 15 minute charge gives you enough juice for several hours of listening. This speed makes the earbuds practical for athletes with tight schedules.
One durability concern worth noting involves the charging case connection points. Some users have reported intermittent connection issues between the earbuds and case over time. This could affect charging reliability, so handle the case carefully during regular use. Keep the charging contacts clean to maintain consistent power transfer.
The battery indicator lights on the case show remaining charge at a glance. You get visual feedback before the power runs completely dry. This helps you plan charging breaks during your day.
Compared to earlier models, the Push Active 2 maintains the same impressive battery window. You’re looking at comparable performance to previous generations. The consistency here means Skullcandy hasn’t sacrificed endurance for other features.
The battery performance shines for users who travel frequently or spend extended time outdoors. Weekend trips become easier when your earbuds outlast most other activities. The 48 hour total capacity removes the constant charging anxiety many athletes experience.
For sports and fitness, battery reliability matters as much as raw capacity. The Push Active 2 handles both aspects well. Your training sessions can flow without power concerns interrupting your focus.
Controls and Ease of Use
The Skullcandy Push Active 2 puts control right at your fingertips with physical buttons that respond instantly during workouts. You get dedicated volume up and down buttons plus digital touch controls that let you manage playback without reaching for your phone.
The button placement makes sense for active use. Your thumb lands naturally on the controls while the earbuds sit in your ears. This means you can adjust volume mid run or pause music without breaking stride. The tactile feedback tells you when a command registers, so you know your action worked.
Accessing the 3 preset EQ modes happens through simple taps on the earbud surface. You can switch between bass boost, balanced, and treble modes instantly. If you want more control, the companion app opens up a 5 band EQ for deeper customization. This gives casual listeners quick presets while letting audio enthusiasts fine tune every frequency.
Stay Aware Mode gets its own quick toggle. One button press lets you flip between full noise cancellation and ambient sound awareness. This feature shines during outdoor activities when you need to hear traffic or other runners approaching. The transition happens smoothly without dropping your connection.
The app itself keeps things straightforward. You navigate through menus easily without confusing submenus or buried settings. Firmware updates download automatically in the background. Battery status displays clearly so you always know when charging time approaches.
One thing stands out: the controls feel responsive and reliable during intense movement. The earbuds stay put thanks to the ear hangers, so button presses don’t shift the fit. Rain or sweat doesn’t interfere with the touch sensors. This durability matters when you’re pushing hard during training.
The learning curve sits at nearly zero. Most users figure out the controls within their first wear session. New users find the physical buttons more intuitive than complex gesture controls on other sport earbuds. Everything responds as expected without surprises or accidental triggers during activity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Secure fit with comfortable ear hangers keeps them locked in place during intense workouts
- Exceptional battery life stretches 48 to 60 hours total between the earbuds and case
- 4 mic active noise canceling system blocks unwanted sound from multiple angles effectively
- Customizable 5 band EQ plus 3 preset modes let you shape your sound instantly
- Responsive physical buttons make volume and mode adjustments quick during activity
Cons
- Maximum volume levels cap lower than some competitors, which limits peak listening intensity
- Charging case connection reliability shows durability concerns with reported connection issues
- Stay Aware Mode requires manual toggling if you frequently switch between isolation and ambient sound
Who Should Buy It
The Skullcandy Push Active 2 works best for people who live an active lifestyle. If you run, hit the gym, or play sports regularly, these earbuds will stay put thanks to the secure ear hangers. They won’t slip out during intense movement or sweat sessions.
You should consider these earbuds if you need reliable ANC. The 4 mic system blocks outside noise effectively. This matters if you train outdoors or in noisy environments. The Stay Aware Mode also lets you switch between full isolation and ambient sound awareness instantly.
Frequent travelers benefit greatly from the battery performance. The 48 to 60 hour total battery life means you can go days without charging. You’ll handle long flights, road trips, and extended outdoor adventures without hunting for a power outlet. The case charges through a simple USB cable, which works anywhere.
Audiophiles and music lovers find value in the customizable 5 band EQ. The 3 preset modes give you quick options, but the app lets you fine tune your sound exactly how you want it. Deep bass, clear mids, and sharp highs all come through with excellent clarity.
People who want simple, responsive controls will appreciate the physical buttons. No complicated menus or touch sensitivity issues here. Volume adjustments and mode changes happen instantly during your workout. The learning curve is basically zero.
Skip these if maximum volume matters to you. The earbuds cap out lower than some competitors, so they won’t get as loud as other options. This limits intense listening sessions for some users.
Also avoid them if you worry about durability concerns. Some users report connection reliability issues with the charging case. The connection points show potential weak spots over time.
Overall, the Push Active 2 suits athletes, commuters, and music fans who value secure fit, long battery life, and sound quality. They excel for anyone wanting active earbuds that actually stay in place and deliver all day power without compromises.
Final Verdict
The Skullcandy Push Active 2 earns its spot as a strong pick for anyone who trains hard and moves fast. It blends sound quality with practical design choices that make sense for real world use.
This model stands out when you compare it against its own lineup. The Push Play Active offers less battery life and skips ANC entirely. The Push Ultra sits at a different tier for different needs.
That comparison shows where the Push Active 2 fits. It sits in a sweet spot between basic sport earbuds and premium flagship models. You get noise canceling, long battery life, and solid audio without stepping into flagship territory.
The build quality impresses overall, though the charging case connection issue deserves attention. This flaw does not break the experience, but it is worth watching over time. Anyone who buys these should test the case connection early and often.
Sound performance remains the true highlight here. Bass hits deep. Mids stay clear. The ANC system blocks distractions well enough for gym sessions, runs, or commutes.
Comfort and fit play a big role in daily satisfaction too. These earbuds stay put through burpees, sprints, and long walks. That security matters more than most spec sheets suggest.
Think about your daily routine before buying. Do you train outdoors often? Do you switch environments throughout the day? If yes, this pair fits naturally into that lifestyle.
The Skullcandy Push Active 2 delivers where it counts. Sound quality, battery life, and secure fit combine to create a dependable companion for active people. The minor drawbacks do not outweigh the strengths.
Choose these earbuds if you want a reliable partner for workouts and daily wear. Skip them only if peak volume or case durability worries you more than everything else this model offers.
Overall, this pair earns a confident recommendation for anyone serious about sound, comfort, and staying power during an active day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Skullcandy Push Active 2 earbuds stay in place during intense workouts?
Yes, they do. The ear hangers grip your ears firmly and keep the earbuds locked in position. Athletes who run, jump, and train hard report that these earbuds stay put. The secure fit means you can move fast without worrying about them falling out.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
Each earbud gives you about 8 hours of listening time per charge. The charging case holds enough power for multiple refills, bringing your total to 48 to 60 hours. This means you can skip charging for days if you use them regularly throughout the day.
Can you adjust the sound to match your taste?
Absolutely. You get three preset EQ modes that work right away. If you want more control, the 5 band customizable EQ lets you fine tune bass, mids, and treble exactly how you like it. Physical buttons make switching modes quick and easy during your workout.
What happens if outside noise bothers you during training?
The 4 mic active noise canceling system blocks unwanted sounds from multiple angles. It works well for traffic, gym noise, and background chatter. You can also use Stay Aware Mode to let some outside sound in when you need to hear your surroundings for safety reasons.
Are there any downsides I should know about?
Two issues stand out. First, maximum volume caps lower than some other models, so if you like really loud sound, these might not hit that peak level. Second, some users report connection reliability problems with the charging case over time. The earbuds themselves perform well, but the case connection deserves attention.
DK is a technology expert who specializes in AI tools, software, and tech gadgets. He writes for How to Tech Info, providing detailed reviews and practical guides. DK helps readers discover the best AI applications, navigate new software, and choose the right tech gadgets.
