Skullcandy Hesh Evo Review: Comfort Wins, Isolation Lags
Digging into user reports, the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones present a curious case: while marketed as “wireless simplicity with superior sound,” feedback reveals a product that excels in comfort and battery life but struggles with noise isolation and durability perceptions. Based on cross-platform data, the Hesh Evo earns a solid 7.3/10—a strong mid-range pick for casual listeners, but less convincing for commuters or audiophiles.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—excellent for long listening sessions at home or in low-noise environments, but not ideal for high-volume commuters or those needing premium build quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 44-hour real-world battery life exceeds claims | Poor noise isolation in bass-heavy environments |
| Comfortable, plush fit for long sessions | Audio leakage at high volumes |
| Simple, intuitive controls | Plastic build feels cheap to some users |
| Balanced sound with bass emphasis | No EQ or app support |
| Integrated Tile™ tracking | Fit may be too small for larger heads |
| USB-C rapid charge (10 min = ~3 hrs) | Bulky for portable use |
Claims vs Reality
One of Skullcandy’s boldest claims is “superior sound” refined over four generations. Marketing emphasizes powerful 40mm drivers, clear acoustics, and bass you can “feel.” While many users agreed on strong bass and clarity, others found it overwhelming. Quora’s RTINGS review noted: “They deliver intense thump and boom, while vocals and lead instruments are bright… some users may find it overwhelmingly bass-heavy and piercing,” contrasting with the “clear, rich sound” promise.
Battery life is advertised at 36 hours with rapid charge. Reality? Trustpilot and Reddit users consistently reported exceeding this figure. Reddit user Ames*** wrote: “It’s been about a year… sound quality hasn’t changed… I could easily wear them for hours.” RTINGS measured ~44 hours, confirming the underpromised/overdelivered battery claim.
The “noise-isolating fit” is another marketing point. However, C.T.M. on Trustpilot admitted: “Connections are consistent… highs and lows are well defined… but I have wireless units with better sound,” and isolation tests showed minimal bass-range blocking. RTINGS scored noise isolation at a poor -12.89 dB overall attenuation—fine for high-pitched noise but ineffective against low engine hum.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised Comfort emerges as the standout strength. The ultralight headband and plush ear pads win over long-session listeners, gamers, and even those with hearing aids. Miranda Jackson-Boone on Trustpilot shared: “Being deaf I need volume control, clear, loud sound and comfort… I am able to hear out of these… light and comfortable to wear for long periods.” For glasses wearers, Jasmine on Trustpilot confirmed: “Glasses approved!!!”
Battery performance is another universal win. While Skullcandy claims 36 hours, multiple users surpass it. C.T.M. reports “better battery life than listed,” and Anand from India praised its longevity and quick charge: “Battery lasts really long… charges very quickly… you can use aux if you’re out of juice.”
Ease of controls also impresses. Katherine L. on Trustpilot highlighted the intuitive design: “When I push the + button once the volume goes up… most Bluetooth headphones skipped to the next song… this design is very human.”
Common Complaints Noise isolation is the Achilles’ heel. RTINGS and Trustpilot note it “blocks very little bass-range noise like bus engines” and leaks audio at high volumes, making it unsuitable for office or commute. G.K. on Trustpilot criticized fit and sound: “Ear cup openings are too small for male adult ears… single control switch… very difficult to use… sound quality is not impressive.”
Build quality perceptions are mixed. While Ames*** found the plastic “rather sturdy,” Jasmine felt it “light and plasticy… a little cheap.” Occasional squeaks in the hinge after long-term use were also reported.
Some users faced fit issues—Keppy Lopez remarked: “slightly snug fit… not designed to work with the Skullcandy app… overall good sound quality… but if it synced to more than one device at a time, it would get five stars.”
Divisive Features Sound profile divides opinion sharply. Bass lovers appreciate the punch—Corey Horton noted it’s “crisper… bass is here… these sound better overall” compared to older Hesh models. Others, like Amely Castellanos, returned the set due to low perceived volume: “On loudest setting… really disappointed… even AirPods were twice as loud.”
Tile™ tracking is praised for functionality but questioned for necessity. Keppy Lopez said: “I got the Tile app set up… worked with no issues,” yet some see it as a novelty feature rather than essential.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability stories offer mixed confidence. Ames*** reported a year of consistent performance aside from a minor squeak, while G.K.’s negative experience with fit and fragile-feeling plastic raises concerns. No widespread reports of catastrophic failure surfaced, but build quality skepticism is common.
Trustpilot patterns show buyers confident in warranty support but aware of limitations—several mention the 1-year coverage as a safety net for a mid-range product.
Alternatives
Within the Skullcandy lineup, the Hesh ANC offers active noise cancellation for those needing better isolation, but at a higher price and slightly reduced battery life. Bass enthusiasts might prefer the Crusher Wireless for an even more pronounced low-end, though at the expense of neutrality. Anand’s comparison to “cheaper brands” reinforces Hesh Evo as a durability upgrade, but commuters may benefit more from ANC models.
Price & Value
Prices vary widely—Amazon listings hover ~$99-$119 new, while eBay shows certified refurbished units as low as $34.19. Resale value holds modestly; pre-owned true black units fetch $47-$59.88. Community buying tip: look for sales or refurbished deals to maximize value, as Corey Horton picked his up for $60 and deemed it “more than for the bill for the price range.”
FAQ
Q: Does the Skullcandy Hesh Evo have active noise cancellation?
A: No. It relies solely on passive isolation from ear pad padding, which users report is ineffective against low-frequency noise.
Q: Can it connect to multiple devices at once?
A: No. Bluetooth 5.0 is supported but lacks multi-device pairing and NFC quick connect.
Q: Is the Hesh Evo suitable for gaming?
A: Wired gaming works well across PC and consoles, but wireless gaming suffers from latency issues, especially on PC.
Q: How accurate is the battery claim?
A: Multiple users and RTINGS testing confirm up to 44 hours—exceeding the official 36-hour claim under typical use.
Q: Does it work well with hearing aids?
A: Yes. At least one hearing-impaired user reported clear, loud sound and comfortable fit with hearing aids.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want a comfortable, long-lasting wireless headphone for home listening, casual gaming, or office use in low-noise settings. Avoid if you commute daily in noisy environments or require premium build quality. Pro tip from the community: seek refurbished deals to get the most value—performance remains strong, and battery life impresses well beyond marketing promises.
