The Skullcandy Crusher 2014 is the original wired version of Skullcandy’s bass-forward, over-ear headphone line—the model that introduced the adjustable “Sensory Bass” slider you can literally feel. More than a decade after launch it still has a following among bass lovers and shows up regularly on the used market. This review covers its design, that signature adjustable bass, sound quality, comfort, battery, and whether the Crusher 2014 is still worth buying today.
Verdict: Are the Skullcandy Crusher 2014 Still Worth It?
If you love big, physical bass and want it on a budget, the Crusher 2014 still delivers a genuinely unique experience: a slider that lets you dial haptic bass from subtle to chest-thumping. For casual listening to hip-hop, EDM, and pop, that is a lot of fun. Just go in with realistic expectations—these are consumer bass headphones, not neutral audiophile cans, and the wired-only design plus AAA-battery bass amp feel dated next to the newer Crusher Wireless and Crusher Evo. As an inexpensive used pickup for bass-heavy music, they remain a solid pick.
Skullcandy Crusher 2014 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear, closed-back, wired |
| Drivers | Dual 40mm drivers plus a dedicated haptic bass driver |
| Signature feature | Adjustable Sensory Bass slider (haptic vibration) |
| Connection | Wired 3.5mm, detachable cable |
| Power | 1x AAA battery (powers the bass amp only) |
| Controls | In-line microphone and remote for calls and playback |
| Design | Foldable, cushioned synthetic-leather earcups and headband |
Design and Comfort
The Crusher 2014 has a clean, understated look for a bass headphone—no flashy lighting, just a matte finish with a subtle Skullcandy logo. Build is mostly plastic, which keeps weight down but feels more budget than premium. The plush, synthetic-leather earpads and padded headband make them comfortable for long listening sessions, and the closed-back design provides decent passive noise isolation. They fold up for storage and travel, which is a nice touch for headphones this size.
The Sensory Bass Slider: The Main Event
The defining feature is the adjustable Sensory Bass control on the left earcup. Rather than just boosting low frequencies electronically, the Crusher uses a haptic driver that physically vibrates in sync with the music. Slide it up and you feel the bass in your ears and skull; slide it down for a more restrained sound. At maximum, it is intense—club-like rumble that fans of EDM and hip-hop love and neutral-sound purists will find overwhelming. The best part is the control: you can tune it per track, keeping it low for podcasts and cranking it for bass drops.
Sound Quality
Even before you touch the bass slider, the Crusher 2014 leans warm and low-end-forward. Bass is deep and punchy, mids are a little recessed, and the highs are clear but not especially detailed. This is a fun, consumer-tuned signature built for modern bass-heavy genres rather than critical listening. Vocals and acoustic tracks sound fine, but you will not get the neutral accuracy of studio headphones—and that is by design. For the music most buyers reach for these headphones to play, the tuning works.
Wired Connection and Battery
The Crusher 2014 is a wired headphone that connects over a standard 3.5mm cable, so there is no Bluetooth pairing or latency—plug in and play with phones (with a headphone jack or adapter), laptops, and consoles. A single AAA battery powers the haptic bass amplifier and lasts a very long time (on the order of dozens of hours of use). Importantly, the headphones still play audio if the battery dies—you simply lose the adjustable haptic bass until you replace it.
Microphone and Calls
An in-line microphone and remote let you take calls and control playback without reaching for your device. Call quality is fine for casual use, and the remote is handy for pausing music or skipping tracks. It is a basic but welcome inclusion.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique adjustable haptic bass you can genuinely feel
- Fun, powerful low end for hip-hop, EDM, and pop
- Comfortable for long sessions; foldable and portable
- Wired 3.5mm means no pairing or latency
- Still plays audio even with a dead battery
- Affordable, especially used
Cons:
- Bass-heavy tuning is not for neutral or audiophile listening
- Mostly plastic build feels budget
- Wired-only and AAA-battery design is dated
- Superseded by Crusher Wireless and Crusher Evo
Skullcandy Crusher 2014 vs. Newer Crusher Models
Skullcandy has since released the Crusher Wireless and Crusher Evo, which add Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, and (on the Evo) Personal Sound tuning. If you want wireless convenience and a more refined experience, the newer models are the better buy. The 2014 original’s appeal today is purely value: the same core Sensory Bass thrill at a used-market price, if you do not mind a cable.
Who Should Buy the Skullcandy Crusher 2014?
These are for bass lovers on a budget—people who listen mostly to bass-driven genres and want a fun, physical low end without spending much. If you value a neutral, detailed sound signature, want wireless freedom, or need a premium build, look elsewhere (including Skullcandy’s own newer Crushers). But for cheap, feel-it-in-your-chest bass over a wire, the Crusher 2014 still earns its fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Skullcandy Crusher 2014 wireless?
No. The original 2014 Crusher is a wired headphone that connects over a 3.5mm cable. Bluetooth arrived later with the Crusher Wireless and Crusher Evo models.
Why do the Skullcandy Crusher 2014 need a battery?
The single AAA battery powers only the haptic bass amplifier that drives the Sensory Bass vibration. The headphones still play normal audio without a working battery—you just lose the adjustable haptic bass until you replace it.
Are the Crusher 2014 good for gaming?
They can be fun for immersive, explosion-heavy games thanks to the strong bass, and the wired connection means no latency. However, they lack a boom mic and the bass-forward tuning can muddy positional audio, so dedicated gaming headsets are better for competitive play.
Is the bass adjustable on the Skullcandy Crusher?
Yes. A slider on the left earcup lets you dial the haptic Sensory Bass from off to maximum, so you can tune the amount of physical rumble to your taste and to each track.
Are the Skullcandy Crusher 2014 still worth buying?
As a low-cost, used purchase for bass-heavy music, yes—they deliver a genuinely unique adjustable-bass experience. If you want wireless, rechargeable convenience or neutral sound, choose a newer Crusher or a different headphone.
