Open-ear earbuds let you hear your music and the world at the same time: no seal, no isolation, and no disconnect from what's happening around you. Skullcandy makes two open-ear earbuds built for different lifestyles: the Push 540 Open for active-use and high-intensity movement, and the Push 720 Open for everyday life, casual wear, and all-day comfort. Here's a breakdown of every use case where each one shines.
WHAT MAKES OPEN-EAR EARBUDS DIFFERENT?
Open-ear earbuds sit just outside your ear canal instead of sealing inside it. Rather than blocking the world out, they use directional audio to deliver clear sound while keeping your surroundings fully audible. You hear your playlist and the car horn, your podcast and your coach's call, your music and your friends, all at the same time.
Both the Push 540 Open and Push 720 Open use this approach. The difference is in how they fit, how they're built, and who they're designed for.
PUSH 540 OPEN: BUILT FOR ACTIVE-USE
$99.99 | Over-Ear Hanger Fit | 42 Hours Total Battery | IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant
The Push 540 Open is Skullcandy's active-wear open-ear earbud. Secure over-ear hooks lock each bud in place through movement, and a detachable magnetic neckband adds an extra layer of security when you're going full send. It's built for people who move hard and need their audio to keep up.
PUSH 540 OPEN USE CASES
Running Outdoors. The over-ear hanger keeps the Push 540 Open locked in through every stride, while the open-ear design keeps you tuned into traffic, trail hazards, and other runners around you. Whether it's a city run through crosswalks or a trail run through the woods, you hear your music and your environment simultaneously. Safety and sound, no compromise.
Gym Workouts. In a gym setting, the Push 540 Open is the ideal companion. You can follow your playlist, hear a spotter, catch a trainer's cue, or respond to a friend without pulling out an earbud. The over-ear hooks stay put through lifts, jumps, and transitions. The sweat resistance handles everything your workout throws at it.
Group Workouts and Fitness Classes. Boot camps, group fitness classes, CrossFit boxes, cycling studios, any environment where you need to hear an instructor while still being motivated by your music is exactly where the Push 540 Open earns its place. The open-ear design means you never miss a countdown, a direction, or a correction from a coach.
Outdoor Cycling and Mountain Biking. On a bike, hearing traffic and road conditions isn't optional; it's essential. The Push 540 Open lets you ride with music while staying fully aware of what's ahead, behind, and beside you. The neckband adds security, so a hard corner or a bump in the trail won't shake a bud loose.
Hiking and Trail Running. On the trail you need to hear your footing, wildlife, weather changes, and fellow hikers. The Push 540 Open's open-ear design keeps ambient awareness fully intact while the IPX4 rating handles sweat and light rain. Long hikes are covered by the 42 total hours of battery; your earbuds will outlast the trail every time.
Morning Runs with a Partner. Nothing is more frustrating than having to pause music or pull out a bud every time your running partner says something. The Push 540 Open solves this completely. Hear your music and your conversation partner simultaneously, without missing a beat or a breath.
PUSH 720 OPEN: BUILT FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
$149.99 | Ear Clip/Cuff Fit | 30 Hours Total Battery | IP67 Waterproof
The Push 720 Open is Skullcandy's casual, everyday open-ear earbud. Instead of over-ear hooks, it uses a clip-on/ear cuff-style fit that sits securely around the outer-ear with fewer touch points, making it lightweight, low-profile, and exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear. The IP67 rating makes it fully waterproof, and the clip design is a natural fit for glasses or sunglasses wearers who find over-ear hooks uncomfortable.
PUSH 720 OPEN USE CASES
Wearing With Glasses or Sunglasses. This is the Push 720 Open's biggest differentiator. The clip-on ear cuff design doesn't compete with glasses or sunglasses frames the way over-ear hooks can. If you wear prescription glasses, cycling sunglasses, or regular shades, the Push 720 Open fits comfortably alongside them without pressure or awkward layering behind the ear.
All-Day Office or Work From Home. Hours of back-to-back calls, meetings, and deep work sessions demand an earbud that stays comfortable across the entire day. The Push 720 Open's lightweight clip fit creates minimal pressure, so you can wear it from your morning stand-up to your evening wind-down without fatigue. Stay aware of your environment, take calls clearly, and keep the music going all day long.
Commuting and Public Transit. On a bus, train, or subway, staying aware of your stop announcements, your surroundings, and the people around you matters. The Push 720 Open lets you listen to a podcast or playlist while staying tuned into the world around you; no pulling out an earbud every time you need to hear a station announcement.
Casual Outdoor Hangouts. BBQs, beach days, outdoor markets, park hangs: the Push 720 Open is the earbud you wear when you want your music in the background of your social life, not blocking it out. You stay present in the conversation while still having your soundtrack. The IP67 waterproofing means a surprise sprinkler or a light drizzle is never a problem.
Walking the Dog. An everyday activity that genuinely benefits from open-ear awareness. Hear the leash, hear other dogs, hear traffic, and hear your dog when they need your attention, all while your podcast or playlist keeps rolling. No pausing, no popping a bud, just uninterrupted walks.
Light Workouts and Casual Gym Sessions. For a casual gym session, a yoga class, a walk on the treadmill, or a light lifting day, the Push 720 Open's clip-on fit delivers comfortable, stable wear without the added structure of over-ear hooks. It's the right fit when the workout is part of the day, not the entire focus.
Errands and On-The-Go Listening. Grocery runs, coffee shop stops, driving, picking up the kids: any situation where you're moving in and out of conversations and environments throughout the day is where the Push 720 Open lives. Stay connected to your audio and your life simultaneously.
PUSH 540 OPEN VS PUSH 720 OPEN: WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU?
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|
Push 540 Open |
Push 720 Open |
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Fit Style |
Over-ear hanger + detachable neckband |
Clip-on ear cuff |
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Best For |
Active workouts, running, gym, sport |
Everyday wear, commuting, casual use |
|
Battery |
42 hours total |
30 hours total |
|
Water Resistance |
IP44 sweat and water resistant |
IP67 fully waterproof |
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Glasses Friendly |
Works for most, minimal pressure |
Ideal for glasses and sunglasses wearers |
|
Price |
$99.99 |
$149.99 |
Choose the Push 540 Open if your primary use is active, athletic, or sport-driven. The hanger fit is more secure at high intensity, and the neckband adds peace of mind during hard sessions.
Choose the Push 720 Open if your primary use is every day, casual, or all-day comfort. The clip-on fit is lower profile, works seamlessly with eyewear, and is built for all-day wearability from morning to night.
Both earbuds deliver the same core promise: great sound, full situational awareness, and the freedom to stay connected to your world without sealing yourself off from it.
Shop Skullcandy open-ear earbuds at skullcandy.com


