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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP is an on-ear option, which makes them more compact but could be less comfortable over long periods compared to the over-ear Skullcandy Hesh ANC, which enclose the ears for potentially better comfort and sound isolation. If active noise cancellation (ANC) is a priority for travel or noisy environments, go for the Skullcandy Hesh ANC as the Beats EP doesn't have this feature. Additionally, the Skullcandy headphones offer more modern features like wireless connectivity, which the Beats EP lacks. If budget is your main concern and you prefer a wired connection, the Beats EP might be the right choice. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.7
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.6
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.3
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
6.0
The Beats EP and Skullcandy Hesh ANC are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.6
5.8
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
23.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$135
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
Build Quality
8.0
7.0
The Beats EP has very good build quality, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | N/A | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
See more
Dig into reviews and images
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 Beats EP or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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