Hesh ANC is a wireless headphone model by Skullcandy that features active noise cancellation technology. These headphones are designed to provide an immersive audio experience by blocking out external noise, allowing users to enjoy their music or other media content fully. They are the ANC variant of the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Bluetooth headphones, which doesn’t have the ANC technology.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the review, specifications, and other features of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.
Skullcandy Hesh ANC Specifications
- Headphone Type: Over-Ear & Closed-Back
- Connection Type: Bluetooth 5.0
- Impedance: 32 Ω ±15%
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
- Driver Diameter: 40mm
- THD: <3%
- Sound Pressure Level: 99.63dB SPL
- Weight: 228g
- Foldable: Yes
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 22 hours (ANC ON) + 30 hours (ANC OFF)
- Fast Charging Time: 10 mins for 4 hours
Key Features
- Active noise cancellation and ambient mode
- Bass-heavy and sculpted sound signature
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection with SBC and AAC codecs
- USB-C fast charging and 3.5mm wired option
- Comfortable and foldable design
Design and Comfort
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless have a simple and sleek design that won’t draw much attention. They come in three colors: black, gray, or white. The earcups are generously padded with memory foam and a leather-like lining, and the headband is also well-cushioned. The earcups can swivel 180 degrees and fold up toward the headband for easy portability. The headphones feel comfortable even over long listening sessions, but they might not fit well for people with larger ears, as the ear pad openings are quite small.
The controls are located on the right earcup and consist of three buttons: a central playback button that doubles as the power and call management button and two plus/minus buttons that control both volume and track navigation. There’s also a dedicated ANC on/off button that can switch to ambient mode with a double press. The buttons are easy to feel and use, but I don’t like the fact that volume and track navigation are combined, as it can lead to accidental skips or changes in volume.
On the bottom of the right earcup, you’ll find a USB-C port for charging and a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. Skullcandy includes a USB-A to USB-C cable and a 3.5mm cable in the box, but they’re both very short and flimsy.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless delivers a powerful and bass-forward sound that will appeal to fans of genres like hip-hop, EDM, or rock. The bass is boosted and punchy, but it can also sound boomy and muddy at times. The midrange is crisp and clear, with good vocal presence and detail. The treble is bright and sparkly, but it can also sound harsh and sibilant on some tracks. The soundstage is fairly wide for closed-back headphones, but it lacks depth and realism.
The headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 and have a stable wireless connection. However, they only support the SBC and AAC codecs, which means no aptX or LDAC for higher-quality streaming. This is disappointing for a pair of headphones in this price range.
The active noise cancellation feature is decent for the price, but it’s not very impressive compared to more expensive models. It can reduce some low-frequency noises like engine hums or fans, but it struggles with higher-pitched sounds like voices or sirens. It also slightly affects the sound quality, making it more compressed and less dynamic. The ambient mode works well to let you hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones, but it also amplifies some background noises.
Battery Life and Microphone
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless has a good battery life of about 22 hours with ANC on and 36 hours with ANC off. They also support fast charging, giving you three hours of playback from a 10-minute charge. However, there’s no battery level indicator on the headphones or the app, so you’ll have to rely on voice prompts or your phone’s notification bar to know how much juice is left.
The microphone quality is mediocre at best. It can pick up your voice clearly in quiet environments, but it also sounds thin and muffled. In noisy situations, it can hardly isolate your voice from background noises, making it hard for the other person to hear you.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price for noise-canceling headphones
- Powerful and punchy bass
- Comfortable fit and long battery life
- Simple and sleek design
Cons:
- No aptX or LDAC codec support
- No EQ or ANC controls
- Mediocre microphone quality
- Boomy and muddy bass, harsh and sibilant treble
What’s inside the box?
Here’s what is included in the Skullcandy Hesh ANC’s box:
- 1 X Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless headphones
- 1 X USB-C Charging Cable
- 1 X Backup AUX Cable
- 1 X User Guide
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Conclusion
Normally headphones with ANC technology come at a higher price point, but the Skullcandy Hesh ANC offer great value for their affordable price. They have a bass-heavy sound, a comfortable fit, and a good battery life. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as limited codec support, no EQ controls, and a microphone that could be better. If you’re looking for an affordable pair of noise-canceling headphones and don’t mind the sound signature, you might like the Skullcandy Hesh ANC headphones. But if you want more features or a more balanced sound, you might want to look elsewhere.
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