The Session 900 is the practical center of Skullcandy’s Session range. Its useful extras go beyond a bigger power rating, with wired USB audio, a speakerphone, phone charging and detailed EQ. These are good reasons to consider it as one speaker that moves between a desk and a social outing.
It is also a much more substantial object than the Session 540. Choose it for the connections and longer rated runtime, with the understanding that the 40 W specification alone cannot establish sound quality.
Sound
- 40 W output
- Seven-band EQ
- Bass Boost
Skullcandy gives the 900 three preset modes and a seven-band custom equalizer. The presets offer a quick starting point for indoor or outdoor use, while the extra EQ bands allow smaller corrections to a familiar listening position. That flexibility is useful if the same speaker moves from a reflective kitchen to an open patio.
Bass Boost is a separate setting layered onto the active preset. It can add emphasis without requiring an entirely different EQ choice, but the documented feature does not establish bass depth or clarity at maximum volume. Those controls are the documented advantage for an owner who regularly changes listening locations.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth 6.0
- USB-C audio
- Built-in microphone
USB-C wired audio is a meaningful addition for a laptop or other compatible source. It gives the 900 a role beyond phone streaming and avoids making Bluetooth the only route to playback. Multipoint supports switching between paired source devices, while the built-in microphone lets the speaker handle calls.
Party Mode links one host with up to 99 guests from the Session range. Two Session speakers can also be assigned left and right channels. Individual guests retain their own volume and bass controls, so a large group still needs some setup. A second speaker makes most sense when a wider listening area or a deliberate stereo arrangement will actually be used.
Battery & charging
- Up to 30 hours normally
- Up to 49 hours in Battery Saver
- USB-C power bank
The 30-hour normal rating and 49-hour Battery Saver rating describe different sound settings. Battery Saver reduces bass, emphasizes the middle and upper frequencies, and disables both EQ switching and Bass Boost. Its extra hours are therefore a choice about listening priorities. The setting resets after shutdown.
USB-C charging takes about two hours according to Skullcandy, and ten minutes is rated to provide more than two hours of playback. Phone charging shares the speaker’s battery. By default the output stops when the speaker drops below 20%, retaining a reserve for music. The app can override that cutoff if keeping the phone running becomes more useful.
Design
- 1048 g
- IP67
- Phone app control
The roughly 1 kg weight is manageable for a short carry but noticeable alongside a laptop or picnic supplies. IP67 protection covers dust and temporary immersion under the stated test conditions. Shock resistance adds reassurance for everyday handling, though careful placement still matters when the speaker is standing near an edge.
The joystick consolidates many functions into one control, using different presses and holds for pairing, stereo, EQ and resets. That keeps the body tidy, but the support guide is worth keeping available during initial setup. Skullcandy limits its companion app support to iOS and Android phones, which matters if an iPad is the only device you plan to use for configuration.
Alternatives
The Session 540 is much easier to add to a small bag and has a magnetic mount. It is the more focused choice for nearby music and frequent attachment. The 900 earns its greater size when wired playback, calls or a power bank would otherwise require separate devices.
Verdict
The Session 900 has a coherent set of everyday conveniences. Buy it when USB audio, custom EQ and phone charging will see regular use, or when other Session speakers are already part of the plan. Its longest battery claim should be understood as a reduced-bass mode.