# Skullcandy vs Sound XP

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sound XP at none against Skullcandy's 3. Sound XP also leads on rating (3.2 vs 2.8) and review sentiment (33% vs 18%). Skullcandy's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months) and chart position (#32 vs unranked). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Skullcandy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Sound XP asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sound XP holds the better App Store score, 3.2 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 212 and 126 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 18% of Skullcandy's written reviews are positive against 33% of Sound XP's.

Skullcandy ships an update every 6 weeks, Sound XP every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Skullcandy | Sound XP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (212 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skullcandy/id1466689851/reviews) | **[3.2 (126 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-xp/id1496116365/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **212** | 126 |
| Positive reviews | 18.1% of reviews | **33.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#32** | — |
| Size | 210 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Skullcandy, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/331039953) | [ION Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/456471027) |

## What reviewers say

### Skullcandy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skullcandy/id1466689851)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Free · Music (US App Store)

Customize your audio with personalized sound profiles and adjustable equalizers. Keep your devices updated with the latest firmware and access user guides for optimal performance. Enhance your listening experience with tailored audio settings.

**Highlights:** Personal Sound profiles, Customizable Equalizers, Firmware Updates, User Guides & Support, Hearing Modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Skull-AI Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Skull AI Yearly | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great app when it works
- 👍 Useful features like personal sound and EQ
- 🚀 Enhances headphone capabilities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connection issues
- 🐛 App crashes or fails to connect
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with many Skullcandy products
- 🔋 Drains battery life
- 👎 Limited customization options

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to connect to compatible headphones
- Personal sound setup frequently interrupted
- Headphone controls not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add support for more Skullcandy products
- Improve app stability and reliability
- Implement custom EQ settings
- Add dark mode option


### Sound XP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-xp/id1496116365)

Control your compatible ION speaker remotely to adjust volume, lighting, and equalizer settings. You can also change input sources, check battery status, and manage radio stations and presets from up to 100 feet away. This app enhances your audio experience by providing convenient access to speaker functions.

**Highlights:** Remote speaker control, Volume adjustment, Lighting control, Equalizer settings, Input source selection, Battery status check, Radio station management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to navigate interface
- 🎵 Good FM radio control through app
- 🔊 Allows EQ adjustment via phone
- 💡 Convenient remote control of speaker features
- 🎨 Light control customization options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent Bluetooth connection failures
- 🐛 App crashes regularly
- 🔄 Requires constant reconnection after closing app
- 📍 Invasive location permission requirement
- 🔌 Requires internet connection to function

**Reported bugs**

- App won't connect to speaker despite Bluetooth being enabled
- Connection drops after a few seconds
- App crashes on launch
- Settings reset when speaker is powered off
- EQ changes don't save or apply correctly

**Requested features**

- Power on/off button in app
- Battery percentage display
- Save custom EQ presets
- Save light settings and voice prompt preferences
- Dark mode background option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Skullcandy free?

Skullcandy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Sound XP free?

Sound XP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Skullcandy or Sound XP?

Sound XP is rated higher. Skullcandy averages 2.8 out of 5 from 212 ratings, while Sound XP averages 3.2 from 126 ratings.

### Do Skullcandy or Sound XP have ads?

Neither Skullcandy nor Sound XP shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Skullcandy or Sound XP?

Skullcandy ships an update every 6 weeks, and Sound XP every 4 months. Most recently, Skullcandy was updated on October 26, 2026 and Sound XP on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*