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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and a secure fit for activities like working out, then the Beats Powerbeats Pro, though more expensive, are the better choice for their in-ear design and hook that keeps them in place. However, if you prefer over-the-ear comfort for longer listening sessions and want active noise cancellation to block out ambient sounds, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC may be more suitable despite being less portable. Also, consider battery life; earbuds typically offer shorter playtime per charge compared to over-ear headphones but usually come with a charging case for on-the-go recharging. 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 Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.0
5.3
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
6.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
23.0 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$124
$135
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
Build Quality
8.8
7.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.5
6.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.5
5.6
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.8
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$124 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.6 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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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 Powerbeats Pro 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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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.
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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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