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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
To decide between the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and Skullcandy Hesh ANC, consider that the AirPods offer a more seamless experience for iPhone users with features like quick pairing and iCloud integration, but they don't isolate noise as effectively without active noise cancellation (ANC). Conversely, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC provides ANC which is better for noise isolation in noisy environments, they also tend to have a longer battery life and can be a better value if that's a priority. However, they may not integrate as well with Apple devices and could be bulkier than the sleeker AirPods. If you prefer convenience and integration with Apple products, go for the AirPods, but if you're looking for effective noise cancellation and longer playtime at a lower price, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC could be a better choice. 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 Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6
5.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
6.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
23.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$169
$135
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $169 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
Build Quality
9.0
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
6.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to be good for music, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
5.6
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.8
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$169 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.6 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
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 Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their 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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