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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For a high-quality audio experience and if budget is less of a concern, the Focal Elex would be better due to their open-back design which typically offers a more natural sound and a wider soundstage; they're well-suited for critical listening in quiet environments. However, they lack noise isolation and are not ideal for noisy settings or on-the-go use. On the other hand, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC are closed-back, which provides good noise isolation thanks to their active noise cancelation feature, making them suitable for commuting or use in noisy environments. They are far more affordable and have added conveniences like wireless connectivity, which the Elex lacks. If you're looking for versatility and value or often find yourself in noisy places, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC could be a better 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 Focal Elex
- Good for music
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7
6.7
The Focal Elex is good for music, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Gaming
6.9
5.6
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.3
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
6.0
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
TV and Video
8.3
5.8
The Focal Elex is very 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 Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
N/A
23.0 Hours
The Focal Elex does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$749
$135
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
Build Quality
9.0
7.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality.
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How the Focal Elex and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 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 | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | 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 | 9/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
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 Focal Elex or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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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