The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC: A Premium Revival Worth the 15 Year Wait
After 15 years in hibernation, Skullcandy's legendary Aviator line has returned and it's brought some serious upgrades. The new Aviator 900 ANC headphones mark Skullcandy's bold entry into the premium audio space at $299.99, and after putting them through their paces (including some unconventional gym testing), I can confidently say the wait was worth it.
The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC: A Premium Revival Worth the 15-Year Wait
Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC Review
From 2010 to 2025: A Glow-Up Story
When the original Aviator headphones launched in 2010, they captured the hearts of tastemakers and celebrities with their unique retro aesthetic. The 2025 revival maintains that classic DNA while packing in cutting-edge technology that transforms them into something entirely new. Think of it as your favorite vintage car with a fancy electric engine under the hood.
Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC Unboxing
Sound That Hits Different
Right out of the box, these headphones deliver impressively balanced audio. The bass is punchy and present without reaching the brain-rattling levels of Skullcandy's Crusher line, a perfect middle ground for those who want impact without overwhelming their eardrums.
But here's where things get interesting: connect them to the Skullcandy app, and the sound quality jumps from good to absolutely amazing. The app unlocks a variety of EQ options and features Personal Sound by Mimi technology, which creates a custom audio profile based on your unique hearing preferences and adapts in real time.
First Gym Session with the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC Headphones
Comfort Meets Premium Design
These headphones nail the comfort factor with a lightweight, over-ear design that you can wear for hours without fatigue or pain. The materials blend vintage-inspired hardware with modern touches like suede and polished finishes, complete with iconic design elements including a knurled thumbwheel and retro-inspired display.
The tactile buttons deserve special mention. They're incredibly responsive and satisfying to use, especially once you customize them through the app to match your preferences.
Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC Gym Test
The Gym Test (Yes, Really)
While the Aviator 900 ANC isn't specifically marketed to the gym crowd, I had to put them through the ultimate test. The results? They absolutely crushed it.
The 6-microphone adaptive noise canceling is powerful enough to drown out the loudest gym environments. We're talking bus or airplane levels of background noise. The adaptive technology works so well that you can focus entirely on your workout without any distractions.
The combination of comfort, sweat resistance (thanks to nano-coating), and that incredible noise canceling makes them surprisingly perfect for fitness use, even if that wasn't the original intention.
Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC Gym Review
Premium Features That Actually Matter
Beyond the impressive sound and comfort, the Aviator 900 ANC packs features that enhance the daily experience:
60+ hours of battery life (50 with ANC on) means you can literally fly around the world without recharging
THX Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive experience that adapts to your head movements
Rapid charging gives you 4 hours of playtime from just 10 minutes of charging
Multipoint pairing lets you seamlessly switch between devices
Collapsible design with included cross-body travel bag for portability
The Bottom Line
The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC represents more than just a product revival. it's proof that great sound and standout design can coexist in the premium headphone space. Whether you're commuting, working from home, or (in my case) crushing a workout, these headphones adapt to whatever you throw at them.
At $299.99, they're positioned perfectly in the premium market without reaching the stratospheric pricing of some competitors. For anyone looking for headphones that combine nostalgic style with modern performance, the Aviator 900 ANC delivers on all fronts.
My recommendation? These headphones work brilliantly in any situation. They’re great in the gym, office, travel, or just vibing at home. Skullcandy has successfully evolved from their bass-heavy roots into the premium space without losing their distinctive character.
Check out my YouTube Review to see them in action.