Skullcandy Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review
The Skullcandy Hesh Evo headphones offer comfort and handy features like Tile tracking at a budget price, but their sound quality is just okay. Here's who they're really for.
The 30-Second Version
The Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless headphones are a solid budget pick for their comfort, 36-hour battery, and unique Tile tracking feature. However, their sound and microphone quality are just average, and they lack active noise cancellation. They're best for casual listeners who prioritize price and convenience over audio fidelity.
Overview
If you're looking for a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that won't break the bank, the Skullcandy Hesh Evo is probably on your radar. These are the kind of headphones you grab for daily commutes, workouts, or just lounging around, offering a solid 36-hour battery life and a comfortable, foldable design. At around $90 to $105, they sit firmly in the budget-friendly category, and they even come with a neat trick: built-in Tile tracking so you can find them if they get lost under the couch. They're a straightforward option for anyone who wants decent sound without the premium price tag.
Performance
Our testing puts the Hesh Evo right in the middle of the pack for performance. Its sound quality lands in the 49th percentile, which means it's fine for most pop, rock, and podcasts, but don't expect audiophile-level detail or thumping bass. The battery life is decent at 36 hours, but that's actually just average (48th percentile) compared to other wireless headphones. The built-in mic and call quality are also middle-of-the-road, so they'll work for quick calls but might struggle in noisy environments. Basically, these headphones get the job done without any standout wins or major fails.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent price for a full-featured wireless over-ear design. 99th
- Built-in Tile tracking is a unique and genuinely useful feature. 80th
- Very comfortable with lightweight padding, good for long sessions. 72th
- 36-hour battery life is more than enough for most users. 71th
- Folds flat for easy portability in the included bag.
Cons
- Sound quality is just average, lacking detail and bass punch. 30th
- No active noise cancellation (ANC), only passive isolation.
- Microphone quality is mediocre for calls in noisy places.
- Build quality feels a bit plasticky and not super durable.
- Competitors at similar prices sometimes offer better sound.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Open/Closed | Closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Impedance | 32 |
| Max SPL | 91.3 |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5 |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
Battery
| Battery Life | 36 |
| Fast Charging | 10min=3hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| NC Mic | No |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
Value & Pricing
For around a hundred bucks, the Hesh Evo offers a lot of practical features you don't always see at this price, like the Tile finder and a solid battery. The catch is that you're trading away premium sound and build quality. If your main goal is to get wireless over-ears that are comfortable and reliable without spending $300, this is a fair deal. But if sound is your top priority, there might be better value in slightly older models from Sony or Sennheiser that go on sale.
Price History
vs Competition
The obvious competitors are the big names. The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are in a different league with world-class noise cancellation and sound, but they cost three times as much. A more direct rival is the Beats Studio Pro, which often sells for closer to $200; it has better sound and ANC, but worse battery life. For pure budget play, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 often undercuts the Hesh Evo on price and includes decent ANC, though it lacks the Tile tracking. The Hesh Evo's unique selling point is that tracker and its overall comfort, making it a specific choice rather than an all-rounder.
| Spec | Skullcandy Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones | Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear | Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 32 | 48 | 16 | — | 32 | 24 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | 36 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 35 |
Common Questions
Q: Are the Skullcandy Hesh Evo good for working out?
They're decent for light workouts thanks to their comfort and secure fit, but they aren't sweat or water-resistant, so intense sessions might risk damage.
Q: How is the noise cancellation on the Hesh Evo?
They don't have active noise cancellation (ANC), only passive isolation from the over-ear pads. They'll block some ambient noise, but not like premium Sony or Bose headphones.
Q: Can you use the Hesh Evo wired?
Yes, they include an AUX cable for a wired connection, which is great for saving battery or using them with devices that don't have Bluetooth.
Q: Is the Skullcandy Hesh Evo good for gaming?
They'll work for casual gaming via Bluetooth, but the audio latency might be noticeable in competitive games; using the wired connection is better for that.
Who Should Skip This
Skip the Hesh Evo if you're an audiophile or need top-tier sound for music production. Also, avoid them if you commute in very loud environments and need strong noise cancellation—look at the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Anker Soundcore Life Q30 instead. And if you need a great microphone for frequent video calls, there are better options out there.
Verdict
Should you buy the Skullcandy Hesh Evo? It depends on what you value. If you want a comfortable, easy-to-use pair of wireless headphones with the bonus of never losing them (thanks, Tile), and you're on a tight budget, these are a perfectly good choice. But if you're hoping for impressive sound quality, strong noise cancellation, or a mic for work calls, you'll be disappointed. We'd recommend these for students, casual listeners, or as a backup pair, but not as your primary headphones for critical listening.