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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro are a premium choice offering active noise cancellation, a customizable fit with their ear tip design, and integration with the Apple ecosystem which is great for iPhone users. Their compact, true wireless form factor makes them convenient for on-the-go use and they provide good sound quality. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC headphones, on the other hand, are over-ear headphones that also offer active noise cancellation at a lower price point. The over-ear design can be more comfortable for long listening sessions and often delivers better battery life and enhanced bass. They may, however, be bulkier and less portable than the AirPods Pro. If budget is a concern and you prefer over-ear comfort with prolonged usage, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC may be the way to go. However, if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and value portability with advanced features, the AirPods Pro could justify their higher cost. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro.
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.4
5.3
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
6.0
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
23.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$135
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
Build Quality
9.0
7.0
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
6.7
The Apple Airpods Pro and Skullcandy Hesh ANC are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.1
5.6
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.8
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to be excellent for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.6 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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Headphonecheck
Maike Paeßens | 2021
"Skullcandy’s Hesh ANC are compact, wireless over-ears for everyday use that are tuned for bass and designed to suppress or amplify ambient noise as required. In addition to Bluetooth 5.0, optional tracking via the Tile app is supported so that these headphones can be found if they get lost."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Skullcandy
Skullcandy is an American, consumer-oriented, earbuds and headphones manufacturer with 20 years of market experience. They sell a wide variety of, budget-friendly and unique, wired and wireless products that are sure to please the vast majority of users. Among their most popular offerings, the Crusher headphones, includes a pair of actual subwoofers inside the cups which makes the bass extra prominent for a unique and extra fun sound.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
108
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11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
124,100
Recommendations made
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Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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