Skip to content
HearWiki

Sennheiser HD 25 vs Skullcandy Riff® Wireless 2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 25 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 25 - Outstanding overall at around $110.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • Sennheiser HD 25
  • Skullcandy Riff® Wireless 2
HearWiki score
81
60
Sound
7.8
6.2
Battery
-
8.0
Calls
-
6.3
Value
8.0
3.8
Price (USD)
$110
$100

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Sennheiser HD 25 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Skullcandy Riff® Wireless 2 adds USB-C.

  • HD 2520242 yr newer
  • Riff® Wireless 22022
What differsHD 25Riff® Wireless 2

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

HD 25Riff® Wireless 2
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$110
$100
HearWiki score
81
60
Released
2024
2022
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
40 mm
Drivers per side
-
1
Frequency response
16 Hz - 22 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
70 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
120 dB/mW
-
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
120.4
-
Bluetooth
-
5.2
Codecs
-
SBC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Battery life
-
34 h
Quick charge
-
10 min → 4 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Companion app
-
Yes
Controls
none
buttons
Weight
140 g
153 g
Water resistance
-
IPX4
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

Sennheiser HD 25

The Sennheiser HD 25 is a lightweight, wired on-ear headphone built for professional tasks like DJing, broadcasting, and field recording. It offers a neutral, accurate sound with good separation and a durable, modular design, though its lack of ANC and limited passive isolation make it less suited for travel or office use. Comfort can be an issue during long sessions, and the cable connection at the earcup is a known weak point.

  • Pro:Accurate, neutral sound with good separation
  • Pro:Lightweight and stable fit for active use
  • Pro:Durable, modular build with detachable cable
  • Con:Comfort declines during extended wear
  • Con:Weak passive isolation without ANC
  • Con:Cable connection at earcup is fragile

Skullcandy Riff® Wireless 2

The Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are lightweight, on-ear wireless headphones with a lively, bass-forward sound profile that adds punch and energy to music, though it can make higher frequencies a bit sharp. They offer a long 34-hour battery life, quick charging, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint, and an IPX4 rating for sweat and light rain resistance, making them a decent budget option for casual listening and active use. However, they lack active noise cancellation and are better suited for home or gym rather than noisy commutes or focused office work.

  • Pro:Long 34-hour battery life with quick charge
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Pro:IPX4 water resistance for workouts and light rain
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so outside noise leaks in
  • Con:Sibilant sounds (like cymbals) can be piercing at times
  • Con:Only SBC codec, no AAC or aptX support

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonSennheiser HD 25Skullcandy Riff® Wireless 2