Skullcandy launches the 'Indy' earbuds, an $80 alternative to Apple's AirPods

[Polycount]

Apple's AirPods are one of the best-selling wireless earbud devices on the market, and for good reason - the audio quality is solid, they're easy to use (there's no wires connecting one bud to the other), and they tend to last for quite a while, assuming they don't get damaged by the user.

The AirPods' success has led many of Apple's competitors to follow in its footsteps, coming up with their own wireless earbud alternatives. Samsung's Galaxy Buds are one example and Microsoft is reportedly working on Surface-branded earbuds of its own.

Unfortunately, while the Galaxy Buds are cheaper than the AirPods (which cost $199), they're still decidedly high-end at $129.99. We don't know how much Microsoft's buds will cost, but we don't expect them to be much more affordable than either of these offerings.

However, for those who want a truly wireless earbud experience but can't afford either of the previously-mentioned options, there's good news now: audio device maker Skullcandy has revealed its "Indy" earbuds, and they seem perfect for budget-conscious users. The Indy buds more closely resemble the AirPods than the Galaxy Buds, due to their dangling antennas - which could prove to be a somewhat polarizing design decision among Skullcandy faithfuls.

Regardless, the Indy's low price tag may just make up for its potentially-controversial aesthetic: it will run you just $79.99, which is less than half the price of Apple's popular alternative. The Indy also ships with its own charging case, the promise of "up to" 16 hours of battery life, and IP55 sweat, water, and dust resistance).

If the Indy buds sound like your cup of tea, you can snag them now from Skullcandy's official website.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/80021-skullcandy-launches-indy-earbuds-80-alternative-apple-airpods.html

 

[QuantumPhysics]

I remember back in the day where everyone was insulting Apple claiming "this will never work"..."people will lose them"..."this makes no sense"..."corded earbuds never run out of power..." blah blah blah blah blah blah blah...

And then...suddenly...everyone started copying Apple.


Not that I care but how many "earpod" clones are there now?

Galaxy Buds??? really???

I'm disgusted.

 

[Panda218]

Not that I care but how many "earpod" clones are there now?

Galaxy Buds??? really???

I'm disgusted.

Clearly you care or you wouldn't be disgusted!

*baa baaa baaaaaaa

 

[warmonked]

I remember back in the day where everyone was insulting Apple claiming "this will never work"..."people will lose them"..."this makes no sense"..."corded earbuds never run out of power..." blah blah blah blah blah blah blah...

And then...suddenly...everyone started copying Apple.


Not that I care but how many "earpod" clones are there now?

Galaxy Buds??? really???

I'm disgusted.

I mean... there are clones because the airpods actually work... They're not perfect, but of course people are going to start copying them AND trying to improve on them. Duh?

 

[VitalyT]

One of the biggest caveats about such devices - the speed of establishing a connection. The latest iPods are brilliant in this area, they connect instantly, just as you put them into your ear, and the whole thing works as one. And this is why any third-party replacements are not as good.

I too was skeptical for a long time, until finally decided to buy iPods. That was one of the best purchases I ever did. Not only it worked perfectly, and still does, but it all works with my old iPhone 6S, today still.

 

[Axiarus]

One of the biggest caveats about such devices - the speed of establishing a connection. The latest iPods are brilliant in this area, they connect instantly, just as you put them into your ear, and the whole thing works as one. And this is why any third-party replacements are not as good.

I too was skeptical for a long time, until finally decided to buy iPods. That was one of the best purchases I ever did. Not only it worked perfectly, and still does, but it all works with my old iPhone 6S, today still.

My Ankers connect right as I pull them out of the case to my Pixel.

 

[Uncle Al]

Of course there is a NEWLY set standard for quality on these things. They are going to have to have one of their scientists swallow a couple, poop them out, then prove they still work .... hopefully they will clean them up before sticking them back in their ears ......

 

[VitalyT]

My Ankers connect right as I pull them out of the case to my Pixel.

That's no good. iPods are switched on when you are putting them into your ear, as they have a sensor for that. Just as you pull them out, they disconnect, and they do so independently for the left and right ones. No need putting them back into the case, they won't be draining power while just laying on the desk, which in my use happens all the time. Better still, the moment you pull them out, you know the phone instantly switches to its own speaker. Those things are all important. If your Ankers are activated and connected when removed from the case, that's crap.

 

[Fearghast]

Oh no, another TWS disaster.
Guys take a look at QCY T1c - 14$ or T2c - 30-40$, you can thank me later.
Sometimes they are sold as Dodios.

They are cheap, but even at that price you get better sound than Airpods and even better range/stability.
On the other hand, mics are not good and the case is much bigger than the apple one.

Man TWS market as a whole just sucks. Even Sennheisers attempt is just plain pathetic.

 

[Adi6293]

I still cant believe people pay $200 but iPods.......

 

[Kibaruk]

My Ankers connect right as I pull them out of the case to my Pixel.

That's no good. iPods are switched on when you are putting them into your ear, as they have a sensor for that. Just as you pull them out, they disconnect, and they do so independently for the left and right ones. No need putting them back into the case, they won't be draining power while just laying on the desk, which in my use happens all the time. Better still, the moment you pull them out, you know the phone instantly switches to its own speaker. Those things are all important. If your Ankers are activated and connected when removed from the case, that's crap.

I too have an Anker one and although they sound amazing and have had almost 0 issues with them, what you describe does sound awesome -no pun intended-, however doesn't justify in my head paying an extra $100+ just for that feature.

I have yet to try a couple that will truly isolate call sound, so far none of the ones I've tried does this well, and I've heard some people with airpods having the same issue.

 

[gusticles41]

I remember back in the day where everyone was insulting Apple claiming "this will never work"..."people will lose them"..."this makes no sense"..."corded earbuds never run out of power..." blah blah blah blah blah blah blah...

And then...suddenly...everyone started copying Apple.


Not that I care but how many "earpod" clones are there now?

Galaxy Buds??? really???

I'm disgusted.

Why you no want competition?

 

[Axiarus]

My Ankers connect right as I pull them out of the case to my Pixel.

That's no good. iPods are switched on when you are putting them into your ear, as they have a sensor for that. Just as you pull them out, they disconnect, and they do so independently for the left and right ones. No need putting them back into the case, they won't be draining power while just laying on the desk, which in my use happens all the time. Better still, the moment you pull them out, you know the phone instantly switches to its own speaker. Those things are all important. If your Ankers are activated and connected when removed from the case, that's crap.

I haven't had a problem with them and I use them 8+ hours a day. The moment I pull them out they go in the case, so I don't notice it. Everyone has different uses I guess.

 

[VitalyT]

I haven't had a problem with them and I use them 8+ hours a day. The moment I pull them out they go in the case, so I don't notice it. Everyone has different uses I guess.

Consider this: You get them out of the box, but not put them in the ear. They connect to the phone regardless, and you start missing calls into your phone in the meantime, plus drain power.

 

[Mikael_r]

I remember back in the day where everyone was insulting Apple claiming "this will never work"..."people will lose them"..."this makes no sense"..."corded earbuds never run out of power..." blah blah blah blah blah blah blah...

And then...suddenly...everyone started copying Apple.


Not that I care but how many "earpod" clones are there now?

Galaxy Buds??? really???

I'm disgusted.

I mean... there are clones because the airpods actually work... They're not perfect, but of course people are going to start copying them AND trying to improve on them. Duh?

You know what else works? Corded earbuds. No need to worry about connection speed, no charging, don't get lost as easy as airpods, 75-80% cheaper than airpods. Why spend 200 bucks on what I see as a downgrade? I'm on QuantamPhysics' side on this one

 

[Axiarus]

You know what else works? Corded earbuds. No need to worry about connection speed, no charging, don't get lost as easy as airpods, 75-80% cheaper than airpods. Why spend 200 bucks on what I see as a downgrade? I'm on QuantamPhysics' side on this one

I prefer the convenience of wireless. Also, don't lose stuff you pay for. Simple.

 

[Mike89]

I don't wear ear buds so could care less. The only time I care is when my grand daughter wants me to buy her some. Then I look at Apple's inflated prices and just shake my head again, "No grand daughter, can't do it". I don't own an Apple phone and never will. Just can't bring myself to give Apple my money and this goes all the way back to when Jobs first started this closed, price gouging company.