Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review: Silence on a Budget, The In-Depth Verdict

In a world that never seems to stop talking, finding a moment of pure, uninterrupted focus can feel like a luxury. I remember my daily commute on the train; the rumble of the tracks, the cacophony of a dozen different conversations, the tinny bleed from someone else’s earbuds. It was an assault on the senses that left me drained before my workday even began. Trying to focus in an open-plan office or unwind at home with roommates presents a similar challenge. The hunt for a pair of headphones that can build a wall of silence around you is a modern-day necessity. But premium noise-cancellation often comes with a premium price tag, pushing it out of reach for many. This is the precise problem we set out to solve: Can we find effective, comfortable, and great-sounding noise-cancelling headphones that don’t require a second mortgage? The **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** believe they have the answer.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones is more than just an audio accessory; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your personal space and enhancing your listening experience. Whether you’re a frequent flyer trying to drown out engine drone, a student needing to concentrate in a bustling library, or a music lover wanting to hear every nuance of a track without interruption, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is a game-changer. By using microphones to detect and counteract ambient sound waves, these headphones create a bubble of tranquility, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your audio or simply enjoy the silence. This not only improves audio fidelity but can significantly reduce mental fatigue caused by constant background noise.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who regularly finds themselves in noisy environments and values audio immersion and concentration. Commuters, office workers, students, and travellers will see an immediate benefit. However, they might not be the best fit for those who need to maintain situational awareness at all times, like cyclists or runners on busy streets (though many models offer an “ambient” or “transparency” mode for this). For those seeking a more discreet option or something specifically for intense workouts, compact wireless earbuds with ANC might be a more suitable alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Comfort & Fit: You’ll likely be wearing these for hours. Look at the materials used for the earcups and headband—memory foam and plush faux leather are common choices for comfort. Consider the clamping force; too tight can cause headaches, too loose and they’ll slip off and compromise noise isolation. The weight is also a factor, as heavier headphones can cause neck strain over time.
• ANC Performance & Audio Quality: Not all ANC is created equal. High-end models excel at cancelling a wide range of frequencies, while budget-friendly options are typically best at mitigating low-frequency, constant noises like engine hums. For audio, consider the sound signature you prefer. Brands like Skullcandy are known for a bass-forward, energetic sound, while others aim for a more neutral, audiophile-grade profile. Look for driver size (40mm is a solid standard) and frequency range.
• Battery Life & Connectivity: The last thing you want is for your headphones to die mid-flight. A good benchmark for over-ear ANC headphones is 20+ hours of playback with ANC on. Also, look for a quick-charge feature, which can provide several hours of use from just a few minutes of charging. Bluetooth version (5.0 or higher is ideal) affects connection stability and range, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm jack for wired listening is a valuable backup.
• Build Quality & Portability: Your headphones will be a travel companion, so durability is key. Check for sturdy hinges and a robust headband. A foldable or collapsible design, often accompanied by a carrying case or pouch, makes them much easier to pack and protect. While many are made of plastic to keep them lightweight, the quality of that plastic can vary significantly.

After weeks of testing, we found the Skullcandy Hesh ANC offers a compelling blend of these features at a price point that makes them accessible to a much wider audience. It’s an excellent entry point into the world of noise cancellation, and you can see its full feature set and current price online.

While the Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Skullcandy Hesh ANC

The unboxing experience for the **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** is straightforward and reflects the brand’s modern, no-fuss aesthetic. The headphones come in a vibrant, branded box, nestled securely inside. Pulling them out, the first thing we noticed was their weight—or lack thereof. At just over 228g (the listed 590g is the boxed weight), they feel remarkably light, which immediately signals potential for long-term comfort. The ‘True Black’ finish is matte and understated, resisting fingerprints well. The build is primarily plastic, which is expected at this price point, but it feels solid enough for daily use. The hinges for the flat-folding and collapsible design feel sturdy, clicking into place with a satisfying firmness.

The earcups are padded with a soft, pliable faux leather that feels pleasant against the skin. We were particularly impressed by the generous padding on the headband. In the box, you’ll find the headphones themselves, a very short USB-C charging cable, a backup 3.5mm AUX cable for wired listening, and in this specific bundle, an extra, longer USB-C cable—a thoughtful inclusion that addresses a common user complaint about the standard cable’s length. There are no complex setup procedures; a long press on the power button puts them into pairing mode, and our phone found them instantly. The tactile, physical buttons for power, volume, and track control are a welcome feature, providing reliable feedback that touch controls often lack.

Performance Deep Dive: Living with the Hesh ANC

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product, you have to integrate it into your daily life. We put the **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** through their paces for several weeks, using them for commuting, office work, gym sessions, and relaxing at home. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how they performed in the areas that matter most.

Audio Performance: The Signature Skullcandy Sound

Putting on the **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** and pressing play for the first time is a familiar experience for anyone who knows the brand. The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver Skullcandy’s signature sound profile: it’s energetic, warm, and unapologetically bass-forward. Testing them with bass-heavy genres like electronic music and hip-hop, the low-end is prominent and punchy, providing a satisfying thump without becoming overly muddy or distorted. This is the kind of sound that makes listening fun and engaging, perfect for powering through a workout or getting lost in a beat on your commute.

This was confirmed by numerous users, with one noting they were searching for headphones with “Prominent bass, punchy/smooth mids, clear highs,” and found the Hesh ANC checked that box. Another simply stated, “the bass is JUST RIGHT.” However, this emphasis on the low end means they aren’t the most neutral-sounding headphones on the market. While the highs are clear enough to prevent the sound from feeling muffled, the mid-tones can sometimes feel a bit recessed. As one user compared them to a more expensive model, “The sound… is not as clear especially in the midtones.” This isn’t a pair for critical audiophile listening, but for the average person looking for a lively, powerful sound for everyday music, podcasts, and movies, the audio quality is excellent for its price class. We did find, as a few users mentioned, that they don’t get exceptionally loud, but the volume was more than sufficient for immersive listening in most environments, especially with ANC enabled. For those who enjoy a vibrant, bass-rich audio experience, these headphones deliver in spades.

Active Noise Cancellation: Your Personal Bubble on a Budget

The marquee feature here is Active Noise Cancellation, and this is where the **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** genuinely impressed us. At this price point, expectations have to be managed, but Skullcandy has implemented a surprisingly competent 4-mic ANC system. Activating it with a quick double-press of the power button, there’s an immediate and noticeable reduction in ambient noise. It excels at cancelling out low-frequency, constant drones. On our train commute, the deep rumble of the engine was reduced to a faint hum. In the office, the persistent whir of the HVAC system and the drone of computer fans melted away, making it significantly easier to focus.

This capability was a highlight for many users. One parent bought them for their son at noisy swim meets, noting, “The biggest thing is how well they cancel out the noise – it’s amazing how much of a difference that makes for his focus.” Another user shared how it helped with their social anxiety in a loud school crowd. However, it’s important to be realistic. This isn’t the absolute silence offered by headphones costing three or four times as much. Higher-frequency, unpredictable sounds like nearby conversations or keyboard clicks are muffled rather than eliminated entirely. As one reviewer aptly put it, “it does not block out all noise, The sound is muffled slightly but very much still there.” For the price, the ANC performance is not just acceptable; it’s a standout feature that adds immense value and makes these a compelling choice for anyone looking to escape distractions without emptying their wallet.

Design and All-Day Comfort

Skullcandy absolutely nailed the comfort on the Hesh ANC. This is arguably one of their strongest attributes and a recurring theme in user feedback. The lightweight construction is the foundation of this success; you can wear them for hours without feeling any significant neck strain. We found them to be incredibly accommodating for various head sizes, a sentiment echoed by users who identify as having “a L/XL head” or a “big head lol” and found the fit perfect. The clamping force is gentle, providing a secure fit without creating uncomfortable pressure points on the temples or jaw. This is a critical factor for glasses-wearers, and we experienced no issues during extended use.

The plush, soft faux leather earcups create a great seal around the ears, which not only aids passive noise isolation but also feels comfortable and doesn’t get overly hot. As one user stated, “The design is super comfortable, it doesn’t bother the ears at all, since there are very tight headphones that cause discomfort, these don’t.” The foldable design is also a huge practical win, allowing them to shrink down for easy storage in a backpack. The one area of concern we share with a user is long-term durability. After several months of heavy use, one owner reported that the ear cup cushioning fell off and was difficult to reattach. While our test unit showed no signs of this, the all-plastic build and the adhesive on the earpads are areas where costs were likely cut, and they should be treated with reasonable care.

Battery Life, Connectivity, and Features

In terms of endurance, the **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** are a reliable workhorse. The advertised 22 hours of battery life with ANC on proved accurate in our testing. This is more than enough to get through several days of commuting and office use before needing a recharge. We could easily go a full work week with moderate use without ever plugging them in. When the battery does eventually run low, the Rapid Charge feature is a lifesaver. We verified that a quick 10-minute charge via USB-C indeed provides around 3 hours of playback, which is perfect for those moments you realize you’ve forgotten to charge them right before heading out the door.

Connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 was rock-solid, maintaining a stable connection with our phone and laptop without any frustrating dropouts. We also appreciate the inclusion of a 3.5mm AUX cable for a wired connection, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare but is invaluable for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems or if the battery dies completely. One of the biggest feature omissions is the lack of Skullcandy App support. This means you can’t customize the EQ or access other features like a “find my headphones” function, a con noted by a user who wished for app integration. Another drawback is the microphone quality. In our test calls, recipients reported that our voice sounded distant and that a significant amount of background noise was picked up. They function for a quick call, but they are not ideal for important meetings or frequent phone conversations. However, for a user primarily focused on listening, the core features of battery and connectivity are excellent.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across a broad spectrum of feedback, the sentiment towards the **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** is overwhelmingly positive, particularly when factoring in the price. Many users, like one who was on their “5th attempt in over a year” to find the right headphones under $100, found that the Hesh ANC checked nearly all their boxes for sound, comfort, and features. Comfort is a consistent point of praise, with one user noting after five months of use, “Very comfortable on your ears. They do not hurt your ears.” The effectiveness of the noise cancellation is another highlight, with one person saying “el ANC es extraordinario” (the ANC is extraordinary) and another stating they “really cancel the external noise” in a loud gym and office.

However, the critiques are just as consistent and provide a clear picture of the product’s trade-offs. The most significant complaint revolves around the microphone. One user who was otherwise happy after a year of daily use stated, “mic voice quality on phone calls/recording is poor (my biggest complaint, may be the reason I upgrade).” Another noted that while they could be heard on calls, external noise was easily filtered in. A few users also mentioned a desire for more volume, wishing the headphones “were louder.” These pieces of feedback solidify our own findings: the Hesh ANC excels as a personal listening device for music and media but falls short as a communication tool.

How Does the Skullcandy Hesh ANC Compare to the Alternatives?

The **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** occupy a strong position in the budget ANC market, but the audio space is crowded with alternatives that serve different needs. It’s crucial to understand how it stacks up against other options you might be considering.

1. ZUMUSEN Bluetooth Sleep Headphones Headband

This is a highly specialized alternative. The ZUMUSEN Headband isn’t designed for critical listening or blocking out the roar of a jet engine; it’s designed for comfort while sleeping, meditating, or relaxing. Its soft, flat design allows you to lie on your side without the painful pressure of traditional earcups. While it offers some passive noise isolation, it lacks the active noise cancellation of the Hesh ANC. If your primary goal is to listen to calming sounds or podcasts as you drift off to sleep, the ZUMUSEN is a far superior choice. However, for commuting, office work, or immersive music listening, the superior audio quality and powerful ANC of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones make them the clear winner.

2. soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

The soundcore Liberty 4 Pro represents a step up in terms of audio fidelity and feature set, but in a completely different form factor. These are premium true wireless earbuds aimed at users who prioritize sound quality above all else. With their advanced driver system and Hi-Res audio support, they will deliver a more detailed and customizable sound experience than the Hesh ANC, thanks to soundcore’s robust companion app. Their noise cancellation is also highly adaptive and effective. The choice here comes down to form factor and primary use case. If you need a discreet, pocketable option with top-tier audio for critical listening and great call quality, the Liberty 4 Pro is a fantastic pick. If you prefer the comfort and immersive feel of over-ear headphones and are working with a tighter budget, the Hesh ANC provides a better value proposition.

3. soundcore Space A40 Wireless Earbuds 50H Playtime ANC

The soundcore Space A40 earbuds are perhaps the closest competitor in spirit, offering a budget-friendly ANC experience in an earbud format. They boast an incredible battery life (up to 50 hours with the case) and very effective adaptive noise cancelling that rivals more expensive models. Like the Liberty 4 Pro, they benefit from the soundcore app for EQ customization. Someone might choose the Space A40 over the Hesh ANC if portability is their absolute top priority. They are tiny, fit in any pocket, and are more suitable for workouts. However, the **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** will win for users who dislike the feeling of in-ear buds or who find the larger, softer earcups of an over-ear design more comfortable for long listening sessions.

Our Final Verdict: A Triumph of Value

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the **Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones** is overwhelmingly positive. This is a product that understands its audience perfectly. It doesn’t try to compete with premium, high-end audiophile headphones. Instead, it focuses on delivering the features that matter most to the everyday listener—effective noise cancellation, long-lasting comfort, and a fun, energetic sound—at a price that is incredibly difficult to beat. The long battery life and quick charging add a layer of practical convenience that makes them easy to live with day-to-day.

Of course, there are compromises. The microphone is not suitable for anyone who takes frequent calls, the lack of app support limits customization, and the plastic build requires a degree of care. But these trade-offs feel reasonable and calculated for the price. We recommend the Hesh ANC wholeheartedly to students, commuters, gym-goers, and anyone looking for their first pair of ANC headphones. It’s for the person who wants to silence the world and enjoy their music without spending a fortune. If you value comfort, competent ANC, and a lively bass response, these headphones represent one of the best values on the market today. You can check the latest price and find more user reviews here.