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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 earbuds offer better noise isolation compared to the Skullcandy Hesh ANC headphones, which can be crucial for air travel or noisy environments. If you prioritize a compact, more portable option to use on the go, the Pi7 S2's smaller earbud form factor might appeal to you as they also have wireless charging and slightly better overall sound quality. Conversely, the Hesh ANC headphones bring the advantage of longer battery life and the convenience of a detachable cable, making them suitable for extended use without frequent charging. The Hesh ANC also has a sturdy build and a comfortable over-ear form factor, which could be more comfortable for long listening sessions. If budget is a primary concern, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is somewhat less expensive and offers good value for its price. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
- Good for music
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.5
6.7
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is good for music, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
23.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
8.9
7.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has very good build quality, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.3
5.6
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.3
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Skullcandy Hesh ANC to be only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
6.0
5.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 to be only fair for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both very good for noise reduction.
Cost
$127
$135
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has a price of $127 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$127 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 1.6 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 13 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 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) | 7 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Engadget
Billy Steele | March 2023
"While the overall sound quality is great, these earbuds fall short in terms of battery life, customization and ANC performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ ability to consistently deliver pristine sound isn’t enough to make up for what the Pi7 S2 lacks, which is unfortunately quite a bit."
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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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