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Skullcandy releases EcoBuds: An environmentally-friendly true-wireless solution?
- Skullcandy launched its latest true wireless earbuds, the EcoBuds, and, as the name suggests, they are their most sustainable earbuds yet, featuring a batteryless charging case.
- Made with 65% certified recycled plastics and 57% less heavy metals, the EcoBuds claim to have a 50% lower carbon footprint than similar products.
- Priced at $39.99, the EcoBuds offer eight hours of battery life and charge from an attached USB-C cable.
E-waste is a growing problem, with discarded electronics exceeding 347 million tons this year. Unfortunately, trends in the audio industry haven’t always contributed for the better. For instance, a pair of wired headphones using a headphone jack can last you well over a decade, whereas most wireless Bluetooth earbuds will only last two to five years due to battery degradation. Even worse, it’s estimated that less than 20% of electronics are recycled properly.
For consumers who don’t want to shell out $200 for earbuds they will inevitably throw away in a few years, Skullcandy has a new solution: the EcoBuds True Wireless Earbuds. These earbuds are marketed as the brand’s most environmentally friendly product, made of 65% certified recycled plastics, which they claim amounts to a 50% reduction in carbon footprint compared to similar market offerings.
How did Skullcandy achieve this? Well, it’s no secret that lithium batteries are one of the worst carbon offenders for true wireless electronics. So, Skullcandy made earbuds with a battery-free charging case. Instead, the EcoBuds case uses a built-in and rather short USB-C cable to charge, offering eight hours of battery life once full. They can also reverse charge from your phone with Rapid Charge, and Skullcandy claims 10 minutes of charging gives you 2 hours of playtime.
Skullcandy was able to cut down on the amount of plastics with an open-case design. The tradeoff here is that without a lid to enclose your earbuds, they can be more prone to falling out and getting lost. I hope the magnets are strong enough to keep the buds secure in the case. They will also support various EQ modes, Bluetooth 5.2, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, and touch controls.
The Skullcandy EcoBuds True Wireless Earbuds are available now for $39.99 and only come in the Glacier colorway, which I suppose is reminiscent of the melting ice caps.
