Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds vs 7HZ Salnotes Zero
Buy the 7HZ Salnotes Zero if sound quality matters most. It is a wired IEM with a neutral, detailed tuning that beats most budget wireless earbuds. Buy the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT if you want no cable, a charging case and sweat resistance for workouts. On price, the Smokin' Buds XT is $19.88 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026, and the Salnotes Zero last sat at $17.84 as of November 1, 2026, so the two are close.
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Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds
4.4$19.88at WalmartObserved at 7:56 PM
Choose the Smokin' Buds XT if you want true wireless freedom, a charging case, IPX4 sweat resistance and touch controls for the gym or commuting.
Pros
- True wireless with a charging case
- Up to 20 hours total playtime and fast 10-minute top-ups
- IPX4 rating suits workouts and light rain
- Mic in each earbud for calls
- Cheap at $19.88 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026
Cons
- Bluetooth only, so no wired fallback
What separates them
| Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds | 7HZ Salnotes Zero | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Bluetooth 5.1, true wireless | Wired 3.5mm jack |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours with case, 10 min charge gives 2 hours | No battery, powered by the source device |
| Sound tuning | Bass-forward consumer tuning | Balanced neutral tuning with 10mm dynamic driver |
| Microphone | Mic in each earbud for calls | No mic on the standard version |
| Cable | None | Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin, replaceable |
| Water resistance | IPX4 sweat and water resistant | Not rated |
| Fit | Noise-isolating in-ear tips | Angular metal-faced shell; short nozzle can seal poorly in deep ears |
Price history
$17.84$12.99
- Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds: lowest $12.99 on Nov 1 at eBay; $14.88 on Nov 3.
- 7HZ Salnotes Zero: lowest $17.84 on Nov 1 at Linsoul Audio; $17.84 on Nov 2.
Prices at every store
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds
- WalmartNew
In stock
$19.88+ $6.99 shippingObserved at 7:56 PM - RushOrderTeesNew
In stock
$28.18Free shippingObserved at 7:56 PM - eBayNew
In stock
$30.00Observed at 7:56 PM - Microless.comNew
In stock
$32.88+ $32.04 shippingObserved at 7:56 PM
Also available at
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- MercariCheck price at Mercari
Specs compared
| Spec | Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds | 7HZ Salnotes Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB-C | Wired |
| Microphone | Microphone in Each Earbud | No |
| color | Black | — |
| actual_color | Black | — |
| Wireless technology | Bluetooth | — |
| Battery playtime | Up to 20 Hours Playtime | — |
| Bluetooth version | v5.1 | — |
| Water resistance | IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant | — |
| Rapid charge | 10 min = 2 hrs | — |
| Charging cable | USB-C Charging Cable | — |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for the gym?
- The Smokin' Buds XT. It is true wireless with an IPX4 sweat rating and no cable to snag. The Salnotes Zero has no water rating and a cable.
- Which sounds better?
- The Salnotes Zero. Its neutral tuning and 10mm dynamic driver give more detail and clarity than the bass-forward Smokin' Buds XT.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Salnotes Zero has no battery to wear out, but its cable is a known weak point. The Smokin' Buds XT battery degrades over time and cannot be replaced.
- Is the Salnotes Zero worth it over the cheaper wireless buds?
- If you listen wired and care about sound, yes. At $17.84 as of November 1, 2026 it costs about the same as the $19.88 Smokin' Buds XT at Walmart as of November 3, 2026.
- Can I take calls on the Salnotes Zero?
- Only if you buy the version with a microphone. The standard version has no mic. The Smokin' Buds XT has a mic in each earbud.
- Do I need an adapter for the Salnotes Zero?
- Yes, on most modern phones. It uses a 3.5mm jack, so you need a USB-C or Lightning dongle if your phone lacks a headphone port.
More comparisons
- Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds vs Sony MDR-ZX110 Wired On-Ear Headphones
- Apple EarPods In-Ear Earbuds with 3.5mm Headphone Plug vs Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds
- Sony MDR-ZX110 Wired On-Ear Headphones vs 7HZ Salnotes Zero
- Apple EarPods In-Ear Earbuds with 3.5mm Headphone Plug vs 7HZ Salnotes Zero
