Skullcandy Skullcandy Sesh ANC Noise-Canceling True Wireless Review
The Skullcandy Sesh ANC offer IP67 waterproofing and long battery life at a budget price, but make compromises on sound and noise cancellation. Are they right for you?
The 30-Second Version
The Skullcandy Sesh ANC are tough, waterproof buds with okay noise canceling and great battery life, all for under $100. They scored best for social proof (67th percentile), meaning lots of people like them. Worth buying if you need durability more than audiophile sound.
Overview
The Skullcandy Sesh ANC are true wireless earbuds that promise a lot for under $100. You get active noise canceling, IP67 waterproofing, and a claimed 48 hours of battery with the case. They're built for a casual, active lifestyle where you need something that can take a bit of a beating without breaking the bank.
Performance
Our data shows these are solidly middle-of-the-pack performers. Sound quality lands in the 47th percentile, which means it's fine for podcasts and casual listening, but audiophiles will notice the lack of detail. The ANC is similarly average, sitting in the 40th percentile. It'll take the edge off a bus engine or office chatter, but don't expect it to create a silent bubble. The battery life is decent, and the IP67 rating is a legit highlight for workouts or commutes in the rain.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- IP67 waterproofing is great for workouts and bad weather. 99th
- Battery life with the case is genuinely long-lasting. 89th
- The Fit Grip design keeps them secure during activity. 84th
- The price is very competitive for feature-packed buds. 83th
Cons
- Noise cancellation is just okay and won't block heavy noise.
- Sound quality is average and lacks crispness at high volumes.
- Connectivity and build quality scores are below average.
- The mic quality is middling, so calls can sound muffled.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Dual Ear True Wireless Earbud |
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.1 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 12 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Impedance | 16 |
| Max SPL | 99 |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 7 |
| Fast Charging | 10min=2hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Battery | 21 |
| Case Charging | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | No |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 1 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| App | iOS, Android |
| Volume Limiting | No |
| Water Resistance | IP67 |
Value & Pricing
For around $90, you're getting a feature set that's hard to beat. IP67, ANC, and long battery life at this price is a good deal. You are, however, paying for features over pure performance. The sound and ANC aren't class-leading, but if you need buds that are tough, last all week, and cut some noise, the value is there.
vs Competition
Stacked up against the competition, it's a trade-off. The Anker Soundcore P31i often beats it on pure ANC performance for a similar price. The Nothing Ear (a) might offer better sound tuning for music lovers. The Sesh ANC fights back with its superior waterproof rating and Skullcandy's sporty, durable brand vibe. If you're choosing between these, ask yourself: is absolute sound quality or bone-dry waterproofing more important for your daily grind?
| Spec | Skullcandy Skullcandy Sesh ANC Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ100 Reference-Class True Wireless | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation Apple - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | True Wireless | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 7 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | 21 | 11 | 16 | 25 | 18 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IPX4 | IPX4 | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | true | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: How good is the noise cancellation?
It's decent for the price, scoring in the 40th percentile. It works well for constant low-end noise like fans or traffic, but struggles with sudden, sharp sounds.
Q: Are they really waterproof?
Yes, the IP67 rating means they can handle being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, making them safe for heavy sweat and rain.
Q: How is the call quality?
Microphone performance is below average in our tests (43rd percentile). Your voice might sound a bit muffled or distant in noisy environments.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you're a critical music listener or need top-tier noise cancellation for flights or loud offices. The sound quality and ANC are just average. Also, if seamless connectivity is a must, our data shows these score poorly there. Look at the Anker Soundcore P31i or step up to Sony for better performance in those areas.
Verdict
Buy these if you're on a budget, live an active life, and just want reliable, waterproof earbuds with decent battery and passable noise canceling. They're a practical pick for the gym, commute, or work where you might get them sweaty or wet. They get the job done without fuss.