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Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major consideration for you, the Apple Earpods may be the suitable choice as they are less expensive. However, if you're looking for noise cancellation to block out ambient sound, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC headphones feature active noise cancellation, which the Earpods lack. For those who prioritize sound isolation and a quieter listening environment, this can make a significant difference. The Earpods are more compact and may be more convenient for travel or commuting, while the over-ear Skullcandy headphones may provide better comfort and sound quality for extended listening sessions. Keep in mind that the Earpods are designed specifically for Apple devices, so connectivity could be smoother with those devices compared to others, whereas the Skullcandy headphones are more versatile but might not have the same seamless integration with Apple products. 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 Earpods
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.7
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Gaming
8.3
5.6
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
6.0
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4
5.8
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
23.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$135
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
Build Quality
7.6
7.0
The Apple Earpods and Skullcandy Hesh ANC both have good build quality, though the Apple Earpods has somewhat better build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.6 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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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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.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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