Skullcandy returns to the gaming world with three new headsets: SLYR, SLYR Pro and PLYR headphones; all of which are aimed at players of various levels.
It’s been about 10 years since Skullcandy released its last gaming headset, PLYR 2 (opens in a new tab), a device that the company does not officially sell anymore. Since then, gaming headsets have evolved dramatically which means Skullcandy has his job. At least a solution as announced (opens in a new tab)is to offer headsets that have a wide range of multi-platform functionality at a decent price.
Each pair of headphones is currently available for sale Skullcandy online store (opens in a new tab) and are compatible with PCs, mobile devices and game consoles.
Features and specifications
First, you have SLYR ($ 59.99) (opens in a new tab)Headset. Compared to the other two, this device is more of a barebone model. This is an entry-level, entry-level headphone set; great for people who just want to plug in and listen. It houses two 50mm drivers which Skullcandy says provide a wide “frequency range and rich, detailed sound.” There is also a retractable microphone and mute and volume controls on the cups. So, quite a simple headset without bells and whistles.
The SLYR Pro ($ 99.99) (opens in a new tab)as the name suggests, it adds a lot more. It is equipped with an intelligent Clear Voice microphone that filters back noise to keep the sound clear with the help of artificial intelligence. Gamers can calibrate the audio using a combination of Skullcandy’s Enhanced Sound Perception Hearing Test and the new Skull-HQ app. In the app, you can also customize the mix of the game and voice chat, so you can have one louder than the other, and manage your equalization. As for the battery, the SLYR Pro will last, according to Skullcandy. 24 hours. It also has fasting charging.
For PLYR ($ 129.99) (opens in a new tab) headset, it’s hard to understand what guarantees this additional price of $ 30. If you take things at face value, the PLYR headset has two unique features: Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and a built-in Tile feature which is a type of tracking technology. By using the Tile app, you can have the PLYR “ring” so you can locate it if it gets lost. However, looking at the specs of each headset, they all have Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Additionally, SLYR Pro has the same tile tracking feature built in.
We reached out to Skullcandy to clarify what makes PLYR stand over the SLYR Pro. Additionally, we asked how people could download the Skull-HQ app to control audio. As far as we know, it is not publicly available on any online app store.
Decent headphones
All in all, the new Skullcandy headsets look potentially solid, even if two of them are a little too similar for our liking. However, the question remains: is it enough for the Skullcandy to stand head to toe (or ear to ear) with the titans of the gaming headset industry? Probably not, but then again, these headsets are more basic and for gamers who don’t want to mess with the settings too much. They look good enough on this front.
But if you are looking for something stronger, be sure to check it out The best gaming headsets from TechRadar. We love Steelseries’s Arctic Nova Pro. They come with built-in surround sound and low latency. Just be prepared to pay a full penny.