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Skullcandy Hesh 2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£60
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 15 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Skullcandy Hesh 2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Good

5.0

Good

8.9

Excellent

5.7
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
2.2
Battery life
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
2.2
Battery life
18.0%
6.1
Weight
16.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
3.4
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
2.2
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
4.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.1
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
2.2
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#21 in Best Skullcandy Headphones
#263 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#397 in Best Wireless Headphones for TV for Seniors
#398 in Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
#443 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#500 in Best Wireless Headphones
#636 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 is a lightweight over-ear headphone featuring 50mm dynamic drivers that deliver 'Supreme Sound' with a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz and 35 ohms impedance. Main characteristics include a durable metal-understructure headband, synthetic leather ear cushions, and 15 hours of battery life with a 2.5-hour recharge time. Pros include the versatility of both Bluetooth and passive wired listening via a detachable 3.5mm AUX cable, easy-to-use on-board controls, and a budget-friendly price point. Available cons are that the circular ear cup design can become uncomfortable or hot during long sessions, the micro-USB charging port is awkwardly placed under the headband, and the sound quality lacks the detail required for audiophile-level listening.

Technical Specifications of Skullcandy Hesh 2

Overall score

5.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.8

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

6.3

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

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Connectivity

4.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

?

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Features

4.0

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

5.9

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

?

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Design

7.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Skullcandy

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Skullcandy Hesh 2 vs the average headphone

Why is Skullcandy Hesh 2 better than the average headphone?

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10 mm larger driver size
Skullcandy Hesh 2 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Hesh 2 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
More flexible connectivity
Skullcandy Hesh 2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.
Importance: HIGH
Skullcandy Hesh 2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
0.2 % lower distortion
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
Quick mic mute
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
17.4% lower weight
Skullcandy Hesh 2 is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Skullcandy Hesh 2 is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.180 g vs 218 g
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
17.4% lower weight
Skullcandy Hesh 2 is lighter than the average headphone (180 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
0.8 lower clamp force
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
10 mm larger driver size
Skullcandy Hesh 2 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.2 % lower distortion
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Rechargeable battery
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Play while charging
Skullcandy Hesh 2 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
More flexible connectivity
Skullcandy Hesh 2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Skullcandy Hesh 2 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Skullcandy Hesh 2 worse than the average headphone?

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8 mm tighter earcup width
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
5 mm tighter earcup height
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
15 hours shorter battery life
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
0.5 hours longer charging time
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
5 years older release date
Skullcandy Hesh 2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
May 2012
15 hours shorter battery life
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >45 hours
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a lower battery life than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.15 hours vs 30 hours
0.5 hours longer charging time
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=2 hours
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.2.5 hours vs 2 hours
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
8 mm tighter earcup width
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.35 mm vs 43 mm
5 mm tighter earcup height
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Hesh 2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.55 mm vs 60 mm
5 years older release date
Skullcandy Hesh 2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
May 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Skullcandy Hesh 2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Hesh 2 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Hesh 2?

Affordable price point for wireless Bluetooth headphones
Strong, distortion-free audio with punchy bass
Solid battery life, typically lasting around 15 hours
Lightweight and generally comfortable for short to moderate listening sessions
Simple and easy-to-use control buttons on the earcups
Includes a detachable cable for passive, wired listening when battery is low

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Hesh 2?

Can become uncomfortable or cause 'clamping' fatigue during long periods
Poor noise isolation; significant sound leakage at higher volumes
Micro-USB charging port is placed in an awkward, hard-to-reach location
Build quality feels somewhat cheap or plasticky
Sound profile can feel 'sculpted' or lacking in fine detail for critical listening
Large, circular ear cups may feel small or awkward for some users

Expert reviews

majorhifi.com

20/09/2017

Skullcandy Hesh 2 vs. Hesh 3 Comparison

The Skullcandy Hesh 3 improves upon the Hesh 2 by offering significantly better battery life (22 hours vs. 15 hours), rapid charging, noise isolation, and a more balanced, clear sound profile. Its design features a modern, matte aesthetic with slim, oval ear pads and polished controls. Sonically, it cleans up the muddy low-mids of its predecessor, creating a wider stereo field with...Read more

rtings.com

23/03/2018

Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones Review Would you like to compare the battery life or audio performance between the wired and wireless versions o...

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless are considered a mediocre, budget-friendly, over-ear option suitable for casual listening, offering wireless Bluetooth connectivity and a lightweight design with decent battery life. However, they suffer from poor, bass-heavy audio reproduction and a cheap, all-plastic build that can feel uncomfortable over time. Significant drawbacks include weak...Read more

whathifi.com

27/01/2017

Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless review

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless are large, chunky, all-plastic over-ear headphones that serve as an aggressive, entry-level option for those on a tight budget. On the positive side, they are highly affordable, retailing for as little as £50, and offer a generally smooth, unchallenging listen that avoids harsh or sibilant high frequencies. They also boast a respectable 15-hour battery...Read more

pcmag.com

21/08/2015

Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Review

The PCMag review of the $99.99 Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless headphones highlights their stylish design, strong, distortion-free audio with robust bass, and a detachable cable for passive, wired listening. These over-ear, budget-friendly headphones are lauded for their 15-hour battery life and clear, high-frequency performance. However, the review notes that the heavily sculpted sound...Read more

cnet.com

02/03/2015

Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless review: A decent budget Bluetooth headphone option

Summary of the Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Review The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless is a budget-friendly, over-ear Bluetooth headphone option priced at $100 USD that delivers a reasonably good experience for less-critical listeners. On the positive side, the headphones offer a comfortable fit with decent head-hugging snugness, effective noise isolation, and a solid 15-hour battery life....Read more

uk.pcmag.com

20/02/2013

Skullcandy Hesh 2 - Review 2013

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones offer a refined, distortion-free audio experience with clear mid-range and high frequencies, representing a strong budget value starting at $59.95. While the sound signature is reminiscent of professional studio monitors by focusing on crisp vocals and punchy percussion, the deep sub-bass reproduction is more conservative and lacks the booming...Read more

t3.com

20/07/2012

Skullcandy Hesh 2.0Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. review

The Skullcandy Hesh 2.0 headphones are an updated mid-range model priced at £64.99, designed to improve upon the audio pitfalls of their predecessor. A major strength of this version is its vocal clarity, which makes classical and indie tracks sound impressive and mature for sub-£100 cans. Additionally, the thick plastic build and rubberized headband make these headphones highly...Read more

appgefahren.de

05/06/2026

Skullcandy Hesh Review: Affordable Over-Ear Headphones Prove Impressive

The Skullcandy Hesh 2.0 is a budget-friendly over-ear headphone that offers a solid price-to-performance ratio, particularly when purchased in its standard color profile for around €33.90. Designed to fully enclose the ear, it provides high-quality isolation from environmental noise, though users with larger ears might find the smaller ear cup openings slightly restrictive for...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

12/08/2016

Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Review on kopfhoerer.de

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless is a robust, over-ear, closed-back headphone designed to transition smoothly from a teenager's room to an office environment. In terms of daily handling, it earns praise for its highly tactile, three-button physical control layout that remains easy to operate even with messy or oily fingers. It provides effortless Bluetooth pairing and automatic...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

N/A

Skullcandy Hesh 2: best price - Les Numériques

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 is a circum-aural wireless Bluetooth headphone that weighs 180 grams. The expert review awards it a moderate score of 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting a straightforward build and basic functional capabilities. Notably, the device lacks built-in active noise cancellation (ANC) and does not feature an integrated hands-free kit. The product's main strengths lie in...Read more

01net.com

06/09/2012

Review: Hesh 2.0, a comfortable headset that lacks treble

The review by 01net.com evaluates the Skullcandy Hesh 2.0, an over-ear (circum-aural) closed-back wired headphone released as an updated version of the original 2003 model. Priced attractively at 70 euros, the review notes that the headphone is constructed entirely out of plastic with thick 5.5 cm ear cups, which makes it feel less sturdy but keeps it highly comfortable to wear....Read more

id.nl

22/11/2017

These are the best wireless over-ear headphones

The ID.nl review compares older wireless over-ear models, highlighting the ultra-lightweight (167.5g) Philips SHB7250 and the active noise-cancelling Sony MDR-770BN. The Philips offers 11-hour battery life and voice assistant support, yet suffers from a fragile, plastic build and a lack of a storage case. ID.nlThe Sony MDR-770BN provides superior isolation with a 50-Ohm impedance,...Read more

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