Review: Skullcandy Jib True 2 Transparency Series

We've ranted, raved, and reminisced on times when tech was cool-looking and not industrial. It was colorful, unique, and, in its best form, it was clear. Somewhere along the way, someone decided we were no longer deserving, and now we have boring-looking cell phones and headphones for true-crime podcast listening. We're so desperate for personality, some people have taken to converting retro MacBooks into iPad cases … for $1,000. Would I sell a kidney for a chunky clear iPhone? Yes (someone forward this to Tim Cook). Will I pay a grand for a case? No. 

When an email came across my inbox from Skullcandy touting earbuds made to raise awareness about environmental impact, and those earbuds came in a “nostalgic clear color,” my eyes glazed over. Could it possibly mark the return of good, cool-looking tech?

The answer: kind of. The Jib True 2 Transparency Series buds are adorable in their blindingly bright green. I want to chew on them. And when I'm not debating putting them in my mouth, I'm pretty happy to put them in my ears. Besides a subpar microphone and the fact that I want a touch more visual clarity in their inner workings, these are solid earbuds.

Photograph: Skullcandy

As much as I love the way the Jib True 2 Transparency look, it does feel a bit like a swing-and-miss when compared to other clear plastic products I've loved. It feels like Skullcandy could have knocked the opacity down a few hundred notches, maybe even add colored wires like the world's best landline phone. This limited-edition series (the standard True 2 buds are available long-term), also includes the Hesh Evo over ears, and while they are equally as adorable, they're even less see-through.

While I think they could be more transparent physically, I do appreciate the idea behind this limited line: more transparency about the company's impact on the environment. As long as people want things like phones, computers, and even headphones that are made from rare Earth materials and plastic, there's going to be waste and an impact on an already struggling environment.

Skullcandy says it's continuing to reduce its carbon footprint and has recycled nearly 650,000 headphones so far (saving around 544,000 pounds of landfill trash). If you return your old Skullcandy buds to the company, you'll get a 30 percent discount for a new pair. All of the brand's packaging is 100 percent recyclable, and the Jib True 2 contains a carbon emissions equivalent of 5.70 kilograms. Skullcandy purchases carbon offset credits to neutralize that. In addition, a portion of the profits from the Jib True 2 goes to Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit working to act against climate change.

Is this going to heal the world? No, of course not. But it's time big brands own up and make some sort of commitment. You don't see anything similar from any other major headphone brands.

Photograph: Skullcandy

Looks and environmental efforts aside, the Jib True 2 buds sound good. I used to be a person who never used headphones that didn't come in the box with her cell phone. Then last year I bought myself a pair of Beats Solo Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and realized I was missing out a little bit.

For me, these buds are just what I need. The six-millimeter drivers don't deliver excellence, but I can clearly hear Dax Shephard's banter with Monica Padman while listening to Armchair Expert, and it comes through while I go from my office to the kitchen. If you're an audiophile with high expectations, you probably already own fancy headphones that highlight every sound. These aren't that, but for $50, they're accessible to a whole lot more people. 

At this price, you don't usually get great sound and a great mic, and the mic is lacking here. My colleagues told me my voice was muffled on a Zoom call, as if I were on the other end of a phone line. The Jibs weren't great for phone calls either. I was able to be understood, but my husband said I sounded robotic. To be fair, when I wear my Beats Solo Pro on Zoom, I sound like I'm underwater, but they're better at phone calls.

These are IPX4 rated, so you can work out in them and they'll be OK, but they shouldn't be submerged in water. The Bluetooth connection was seamless with a MacBook, iPhone 11, and an Android tablet, and they get 50 percent more battery life than the original Jib True buds—the case offers 24 hours while the actual buds hold an impressive nine.

They work with the Tile app too, without having to buy anything extra. Just set them up and you can use it to find your buds with a chirping sound or the location on a map.

Photograph: Skullcandy

I've never loved the way earbuds feel in my ears, but I got used to these ones pretty quickly. You'll get three sizes of eartips in the box, which means a few chances to find your perfect fit. If you're into transparent looks and want more comfort, look at the Hesh Evo over-ear headphones. They're super light, and are more comfortable to wear for a long period of time than my Beats, which can start to feel increasingly squeezy on my brain after a few hours. I like that the ear cups can rotate independently of the headband, so when they did start to feel apparent on my ears, I angled them slightly to let the front of my ears breathe.

For a regular person who just needs capable earbuds, I think the Jib True 2 are a solid choice for not a lot of money. They’re reminiscent of the ’90s enough to make my heart happy, but visually I wish Skullcandy went a step further and really stuck their whole foot into the clear nostalgic waters, instead of just their toes. Someday I’ll get perfectly see-through gear that’s also this good.