Skullcandy Sesh ANC

The Skullcandy Sesh ANC are budget true wireless earbuds that deliver strong ANC, an IP67 waterproof build, and an absurd 48-hour total battery life. They are fantastic for workouts, commutes, and anyone hard on gear, but the sound quality is merely okay and the mic is lackluster. Grab them when they dip near $55 and you won't find a better beater pair.

Skullcandy's Sesh ANC earbuds are for anyone who wants decent noise canceling without spending triple digits. You get adjustable ANC, a transparency mode, 12mm dynamic drivers, and an IP67 rating that can handle sweat, rain, and a dunk in the sink. The charging case stretches total battery life to 48 hours, and a quick 10-minute top-up gets you two hours of playback. With prices all over the map (we saw listings from $55 up to a baffling $7,999), you can grab these for a song if you shop carefully.

Fit is a big deal here. Skullcandy's Fit Grip design and included ear gels keep the buds locked in during workouts, and multiple owners say they are some of the most comfortable wireless earbuds they have used in years. The companion app lets you tweak EQ, toggle ANC, and assign controls, which is more than you would expect at this price. That said, the design feels a bit dated and a handful of users grumble about charging hiccups, but overall the Sesh ANC nails the basics for commuters and gym rats.

Is the Skullcandy Sesh ANC good for calls? Not really. The single microphone and noise cancellation for voice just aren't on par with pricier earbuds. And if you are searching for audiophile clarity, keep scrolling. But if you want cheap ANC earbuds that survive your sweatiest workouts and go for days on a charge, the Sesh ANC deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Battery life is a highlight. You get seven hours in the buds with ANC on, and the case adds five more full charges for 48 hours total. That puts the Sesh ANC among the top battery performers we track — it sits in the 91st percentile for its class. In real life, that means you can commute all week without hunting for a USB-C cable. The quick-charge feature is handy: ten minutes gets you two hours, so you are never truly stranded.

Noise canceling is surprisingly effective for the money. It lands in the 88th percentile, meaning it is a standout among cheap true wireless earbuds. It won't silence a jet engine like Bose or Sony flagships, but it takes the edge off subway rumble and office chatter. Call quality, on the other hand, is mediocre. The mic ranks 66th percentile in our database — serviceable in a quiet room, but wind or background noise will make you sound distant. Sound quality is solidly middle of the pack (60th percentile). The 12mm drivers deliver punchy bass that users consistently praise, but the overall profile is more fun than accurate. You will enjoy hip-hop and pop, but intricate tracks can feel a bit muddy. Our own music scoring pegged these at a low 51.2 out of 100, so serious listening is not their forte.

The price situation is wild. We spotted listings ranging from a reasonable $55 to a staggering $7,999 — yes, four digits. Obviously, do not pay anywhere near the high end. At the low end, the Sesh ANC is a stupidly good deal. For the cost of a dinner date, you get adjustable ANC, a tank-like build, and battery life that embarrasses earbuds twice the price. If you see these around $55-$80 at a respected electronics retailer, that is the sweet spot. Paying more than $100 for the Sesh ANC makes less sense because you start rubbing shoulders with stuff like the EarFun Air Pro 4+, which offers better sound and multipoint connectivity. But at the true budget level, the value is hard to beat.

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 and Sony LinkBuds Fit live in a different galaxy, price-wise. Both sound significantly better and have far more polished ANC, but you will pay $200-$300 for that luxury. Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro bring rich audio and seamless Samsung integration, but again, they cost multiple times more. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ is a closer rival — usually under $100 — and it trades blows by offering multipoint, a warmer sound signature, and a more modern design. However, the Sesh ANC fights back with superior water resistance and that monstrous 48-hour case.

If you are specifically looking for workout buds, the JBL Endurance Peak 4 is another option with an ear-hook design and similar ruggedness, but its case battery is lower and ANC is absent. The Skullcandy's combination of ANC, IP67, and huge battery is unique at the low end. For someone who wants noise canceling on a tight budget and doesn't mind a bit of bass-heavy coloration, the Sesh ANC carves out a logical niche between disposable no-name buds and premium daily drivers.

Skip the Sesh ANC if hi-fi sound is important to you. The music score in our testing was low, so audiophiles, critical listeners, and anyone who spends hours dismantling tracks will be disappointed. Also, if you rely on earbuds for clear calls in noisy places, look at the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or even the Sony LinkBuds Fit — their mics are in a different league. Finally, if the thought of fiddling with a charging contact gives you anxiety, you might want something with a more foolproof case design like the EarFun Air Pro 4+.

Should you buy the Skullcandy Sesh ANC? If you want cheap true wireless earbuds with ANC that can survive a downpour or a brutal gym session and last all week, yes. They hit a sweet spot for commuters, runners, and anyone who treats their gear rough. The app, fit, and battery are genuinely impressive at this price.

But if sound quality is your top priority, or you take a lot of calls, look elsewhere. The music score in our testing was weak, and the mic will frustrate you in noisy environments. Audiophiles and remote workers should save up for something like the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or even the EarFun Air Pro 4+. For the rest of us who just need a reliable daily companion with effective ANC, the Sesh ANC is a budget champion — as long as you don't overpay.