Skullcandy’s Rail earbuds now come in two versions — the regular Rail and the Rail ANC, and there’s only a $20 difference between them. It sounds like a simple choice, but once you actually use both, the story gets a lot more interesting.
I’ve been testing the two side by side, and there are more differences than just noise cancellation. Some of them genuinely affect the experience, and depending on what you care about, they can push you in either direction.
If you’re considering purchasing one but can’t decide which version suits you best, this article will break down everything you need to know before making that choice.
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Unboxing & Included Accessories
Both models ship with identical items:
- User manual + quick start guide
- Multiple silicone ear tips
- USB-C charging cable
- The buds + the charging case
Simple, clean, and exactly what you expect from Skullcandy.
Design, Fit & Build Differences
At a glance, both earbuds look nearly identical. Same shape, same layout, and the same style of charging case.
The only cosmetic change is the glossy lid on the Rail ANC case, which sets it apart from the matte finish of the standard Rail.
But once you handle them, the differences become clearer. The ANC model is slightly larger, partly because of the extra microphones placed on the outside of each earbud.
You can feel that size difference in-ear — not enough to cause discomfort, but enough to notice.
Interestingly, the standard Rail earbuds fit loosely inside the ANC case, which tells you everything you need to know about their size difference.
Comfort is solid on both pairs. Long five-to-six-hour sessions weren’t an issue, and neither produced ear fatigue.
During workouts, both performed fine for walking and jogging, though they did start to slip once sweat built up — not surprising since neither model includes hooks or stabilizing wings.
The regular Rail does get the advantage in durability with an IP55 rating, while the ANC version settles for IPX4.
Connectivity & Controls
Both models run Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint pairing and support single-earbud use.
The one thing neither includes is a low-latency gaming mode, which means they aren’t the ideal pick for competitive mobile gaming.
For everyday video watching, though — YouTube, Prime Video, Netflix — sync was consistent on both iPhone and Galaxy devices.
Touch controls are identical and customizable through the Skull-iQ app, which remains one of the standout features of the entire Rail lineup.
The voice commands (“Hey Skullcandy”) have improved noticeably and actually work reliably this time around. Features like Spotify Tap, Tile tracking and photo controls are supported on both models.
Transparency mode is also available on each pair, and performance is surprisingly strong. When set to the maximum level, both let in enough outside sound to clearly hear what’s happening within a small radius. There’s no meaningful difference in transparency quality between the two.
ANC Performance
Noise cancellation is where the Rail ANC obviously separates itself, and the performance is better than you might anticipate at this price. Low, constant sounds — things like air conditioners, fans, or bus engines — are handled especially well.
The ANC doesn’t eliminate medium or loud conversations, but it does noticeably reduce nearby voices unless someone is standing extremely close.
You’re not getting flagship-level cancellation, but the performance is absolutely above average for this class and perfectly suitable for commuting, lawn work, or simply finding quiet at home.
Call Quality
Call performance is roughly equal on both versions. Voices remain clear in quiet rooms, and background noise suppression reaches the same level on each.
The additional ANC hardware doesn’t make a difference in this area, which means call quality is not a deciding factor.
Sound Quality
This is where the two models finally diverge in a meaningful way.
The Rail ANC uses larger 12mm drivers compared to the 6mm drivers in the standard Rail, and that single design change immediately affects the sound.
The ANC model delivers the fuller, richer, more dynamic presentation. Bass hits harder, but not messily or exaggeratedly.
The mids and highs have more space, more detail, and more control. Because the ANC cuts out some of your surroundings, the clarity naturally improves as well.
The standard Rail still sounds good — better than many earbuds in its price bracket — but it doesn’t match the presence or punch of the ANC version.
If sound quality is your highest priority, the Rail ANC is easily the better choice.
One thing worth noting: both models are extremely sensitive to EQ changes. Pushing the sliders to the extreme can introduce distortion. Keeping your adjustments moderate produces the best results.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is one of the areas where the standard Rail still has an edge. Without ANC to power, it reaches up to ten hours per charge and about forty-two hours total with the case.
The Rail ANC lands closer to seven hours with noise cancellation on, and around thirty-eight hours in total. Both get rapid charging, and both deliver two hours of playback from just a ten-minute top-up.
The real upgrade on the ANC model is wireless charging — the first Skullcandy earbuds this year to support it.
If you’re used to dropping your earbuds on a bedside charging pad, this is a meaningful addition and one that makes the ANC version feel more modern.
Skullcandy Rail ANC vs Rail – Specs Comparison
| Features | Rail (Standard) | Rail ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79 | $99 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes (adjustable 4-mic ANC) |
| Driver Size | ~6 mm | 12 mm |
| Battery | ~9–10 hr per charge — **42 hr total** with case | ~7 hr (ANC on) / ~10 hr (ANC off) — **38 hr total** with case |
| Charging | USB-C, rapid charge (10 min → ~2 hr) | USB-C + **Qi wireless charging**, rapid charge (10 min → ~2 hr) |
| IP / Water resistance | IP55 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| App | Skull-IQ app | Skull-IQ app |
| Call & Mic | Good for calls in quiet; mics integrated | 4 external mics to support ANC and calls |
Which One Should You Buy?
If you want the best Skullcandy has to offer right now, the Rail ANC is the clear pick. You’re getting effective noise cancellation, wireless charging, noticeably better sound quality, and access to all of the Skull-iQ features that already made the standard Rail appealing. For the extra $20, it’s hard to argue against the upgrades.
The regular Rail still makes sense only if you truly don’t care about ANC, wireless charging, or bigger drivers. It’s not a bad product at all — it was a strong option before the ANC version arrived — but now it feels overshadowed.
In day-to-day use, there was rarely a scenario where the standard Rail felt like the better choice. The Rail ANC improves the listening experience across the board, while keeping the price within reach.
Skullcandy didn’t reinvent anything here, but it did refine everything that mattered. And if you’re deciding between the two, the safer choice — and the better long-term value — is the Rail ANC.
Best Deal:
- Rail ANC: View on Skullcandy
- Rail: View on Skullcandy
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
