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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize noise isolation and want to save money, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC might be your choice; however, for better mic quality, build, and overall sound quality, consider the Sony WH-1000XM5, although it is pricier. The Sony also offers longer battery life, app customization, and is optimized for both Android and Apple devices, traits that the Skullcandy lacks. If active noise cancelling and long listening sessions are important, Sony excels, but if price is a major concern and you’re okay with good but not top-tier performance, the Skullcandy could be sufficient. 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 Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.7
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Battery
23.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$135
$398
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has a price of $135 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
Build Quality
7.0
8.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.6
5.6
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.3
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Skullcandy Hesh ANC are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.0
6.0
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Skullcandy Hesh ANC are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.8
5.8
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.7
9.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-1000XM5 to be excellent for noise reduction, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good.
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How the Skullcandy Hesh ANC and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Skullcandy Hesh ANC | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$135 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Skullcandy | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 23 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.6 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
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."
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Skullcandy Hesh ANC or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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