Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

Skullcandy Hesh ANC Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£70Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:22 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Skullcandy Hesh ANC Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

7.1

Technical score

20%

9.1

User score

â–²Better than 83% of headphones
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

52%

7.9

Sound

20%

5.4

Features

10%

7.0

Design

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

6.4

Battery

4%

9.4

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 77% of headphones
9.1

User score

User score
9.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.7

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 25,444 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 94% of headphones
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Skullcandy Hesh ANC

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

52%

7.9

Sound

20%

5.4

Features

10%

7.0

Design

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

6.4

Battery

4%

9.4

Calls & Controls

7.1
User score
User score
9.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.7

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 25,444 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.1
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Skullcandy Hesh ANC has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

7.5

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.2
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Driver size
40 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
4
Number of microphones
4
This pair of headphones has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88% of headphones and equal to 5.1% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5
Bluetooth version
5
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5, newer Bluetooth version than 70.9% of headphones and equal to 13.1% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
169 ms
Audio latency
169 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 169 ms, higher audio latency than 59.8% of headphones.
Multipoint support
no
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
22 hours
Battery life
22 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 22 hours, lower battery life than 62.8% of headphones and equal to 2.2% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
22 hours
Battery life with ANC
22 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 22 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 69.6% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Charging time
2 hours
Charging time
2 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 47.8% of headphones and equal to 39% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
560 mAh
Battery capacity
560 mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 560 mAh, lower battery capacity than 50.4% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Skullcandy
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
228 g
Weight
228 g
This pair of headphones weighs 228 g, heavier than 53.5% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
5.3
Clamp force
5.3
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 5.3, higher clamp force than 72.3% of headphones and equal to 6.5% of headphones.
Show more

Skullcandy Hesh ANC vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Quick charge support
    Quick charge
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    4 vs 1
  • 13.9% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Skullcandy Hesh ANC
    the average pair of headphones
    Skullcandy Hesh ANC has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.11 vs 8.000).
    9.11 vs 8
  • 70.4% more popular
    Skullcandy Hesh ANC is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 13.3% better value for money
    Skullcandy Hesh ANC has better value for money than the average pair of headphones (8.23 vs 7.3).
    8.23 vs 7.27
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Quick charge support
    Quick charge
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • USB-C charging
    USB Type-C
    yes
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Play while charging
    Play while charging
    yes
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Has a rechargeable battery
    yes
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AAC codec support
    AAC
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    4 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • Find-my-headphones feature
    Find my headphones
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports find-my-headphones features, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.7% of headphones support Find My Headphones.
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    3 %
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    3 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 8 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    22 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    22 hours vs 30 hours
  • 2.37 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    99.63 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99.6 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99.63 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 higher clamp force
    Clamp force
    5.3
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.3 vs 4.3
  • 8 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    22 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    22 hours vs 30 hours
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 19 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    169 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (169 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    169 ms vs 150 ms
  • 1 higher clamp force
    Clamp force
    5.3
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.3 vs 4.3
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    Earcup inner width
    40 mm
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    3 %
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    3 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2.37 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    99.63 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99.6 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99.63 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 10.37 dB lower max SPL
    Max SPL
    99.63 dB
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (99.6 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    99.63 dB vs 110 dB
  • 8 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    22 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    22 hours vs 30 hours
  • 8 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    22 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    22 hours vs 30 hours
  • 19 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    169 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (169 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    169 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
hanscox.substack.com
10/09/2023
Summary of the review
W
whatgadget.net
05/03/2021
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E
eftm.com
08/03/2021
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D
digitalreviews.net
26/03/2021
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H
headphonecheck.com
20/05/2021
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A
au.pcmag.com
19/08/2021
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uk.pcmag.com
18/08/2021
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pcmag.com
18/08/2021
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t3.com
18/10/2021
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S
soundguys.com
02/10/2024
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R
rtings.com
17/03/2026
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B
beyondpixels.de
11/11/2024
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K
kopfhoerer.de
17/05/2021
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M
mac4ever.com
14/03/2021
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C
charlestech.fr
25/05/2024
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L
lesnumeriques.com
18/01/2021
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E
es.gizmodo.com
29/06/2021
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R
revista-gadget.es
Date not specified
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G
gadgetgear.nl
28/02/2021
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Third-party reviews

Based on 25,444 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Skullcandy Hesh ANC

  • Excellent value for the price point
  • High comfort levels with memory foam ear pads for long listening sessions
  • Strong, punchy bass performance ideal for EDM and hip-hop
  • Effective battery life with convenient rapid charging (10 mins for 3 hours)
  • Lightweight, foldable design that is highly portable
  • Built-in Tile tracker to help locate misplaced headphones
  • Simple, intuitive physical button controls

What we don't like about Skullcandy Hesh ANC

  • Noise cancellation struggles with high-frequency and sudden loud sounds
  • Plastic build quality can feel somewhat 'cheap' compared to flagship models
  • Microphone quality is considered poor for professional calls or noisy environments
  • Lack of companion app support for EQ customization or firmware updates
  • No auto-pause feature when removing the headphones from the head
  • Some users report the ear pads are prone to peeling over time
  • Potential for a faint high-frequency hiss or ringing when ANC is active in quiet rooms

Verdict

The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is an over-ear wireless headphone featuring 40mm drivers and 4-mic Active Noise Canceling (ANC) designed to reduce ambient background noise. It delivers up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC active, supported by a Rapid Charge feature that provides 3 hours of playback from a 10-minute USB-C charge. Key characteristics include Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, integrated Tile finding technology, and a collapsible, flat-folding design for enhanced portability. Main pros include its lightweight, comfortable fit for long listening sessions and a bass-forward sound profile that appeals to fans of modern genres. However, notable cons include a lack of companion app support for EQ customization, a somewhat plasticky build quality, and audio performance that can occasionally feel muddy in the mid-range frequencies.

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