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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality is paramount and you need active noise cancelling for quieter listening, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC headphones would be better, but they are bulkier, making them less ideal for exercising. Google Pixel Buds A Series earbuds are more portable, comfortable for longer wear, and have features optimized for Android users; they're better for phone calls and have a lower latency suitable for gaming. However, they lack active noise cancelling and fall short in sound isolation, so they might not be the best for air travel or noisy environments. Consider these factors in relation to your primary listening environments and activities. 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 Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.6
5.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Phone Calls
8.5
5.3
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
6.0
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
5.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good for noise reduction, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
23.0 Hours
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$58
$135
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
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Key similarities
Music
6.4
6.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both only fair for music.
Build Quality
7.4
7.0
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Skullcandy Hesh ANC both have good build quality.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Skullcandy | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 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 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
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 Google Pixel Buds A Series or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
About Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android 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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