Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones

Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones — image 1
Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones — image 2
Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones — image 3
Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones — image 4
68%
32%
83%
Bass Performance
78%
Comfort & Fit
54%
Build Quality
61%
Sound Isolation
69%
Microphone Quality
58%
Inline Controls
74%
Cable Design
71%
Value for Money
77%
Design & Aesthetics
66%
Portability
82%
Ease of Use
63%
Driver & Clarity
47%
Long-Term Durability
More

Overview

The Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones arrived on the scene back in 2011 as part of Skullcandy's push into sports-crossover territory, with this particular edition carrying NBA player Amare Stoudemire's name and a bold Blue/Orange colorway to match. The wired connection via a 3.5mm gold-plated jack is the primary way you'll use them — no Bluetooth dependency, no battery anxiety. That wired-first approach feels a bit dated now, but it also keeps things simple and reliable. These Skullcandy Hesh headphones sit firmly in the budget-to-mid-range tier, which means the build and sound quality reflect that honestly. Go in expecting a capable casual listener's headphone, not a studio monitor or audiophile setup, and you won't be disappointed.

Features & Benefits

The 50mm dynamic drivers are the heart of the sound here, pushing out a bass-heavy response that works well for hip-hop, EDM, and anything else where low-end punch matters more than precision. The 32-ohm impedance means your phone drives them just fine — no external amp needed. A retractable cable cuts down on the usual tangle chaos, which is a practical win for daily commuters. The soft leather-touch ear pillows do a reasonable job of blocking out ambient noise passively; don't let the listing's mention of active noise cancellation mislead you — what you're really getting is physical isolation from a well-fitted cup. The in-line pulse control handles calls and basic playback, keeping your phone in your pocket where it belongs.

Best For

This over-ear set makes the most sense for everyday casual listeners — people who want something comfortable on a commute, at the gym, or during a long study session, and don't need to agonize over soundstage or mid-range detail. The bold colorway and athlete branding make it a solid gift pick for younger buyers or anyone who appreciates a headphone that makes a visual statement. Smartphone users will appreciate the wired mic setup for calls without fumbling for earbuds. Bass-heavy music fans get the most from the Hesh cans — if you prefer flat or neutral sound, you might find the tuning overbearing. Budget-conscious shoppers who want a name-brand option without a premium price tag will find the value proposition reasonable.

User Feedback

With a 3.9 out of 5 rating across 81 reviews, the response to this over-ear set lands in genuinely mixed-but-leaning-positive territory. Buyers consistently praise the comfortable fit and the bold look, and most agree the bass delivery holds up for casual listening. Where things get more complicated is durability — a recurring complaint involves the hinges and ear cushion material breaking down faster than expected with regular use. Sound isolation gets called out as adequate but unremarkable. The in-line controls also divide opinion: some users find them handy for quick call management, while others run into compatibility issues on non-Apple Android devices. Not a perfect record, but honest enough to work with.

#Over-Ear Headphones
#Headphones & Earbuds
#Headphones, Earbuds & Accessories
#Electronics

Pros

  • The 50mm drivers push strong, satisfying bass that suits high-energy genres well.
  • At 32 ohms, these Skullcandy Hesh headphones are easy to drive straight from any smartphone.
  • The retractable cable is a practical touch that reduces tangles during commutes.
  • Soft leather-touch ear cushions make extended listening sessions genuinely comfortable.
  • The in-line mic handles calls cleanly without needing to reach for your phone.
  • Bold, athletic styling stands out from the sea of black and grey headphones on the market.
  • The wired connection means zero battery anxiety and consistent, uninterrupted playback.
  • Full 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range covers everything you will realistically listen to.

Cons

  • Hinge and ear cushion durability is a recurring complaint — build quality may not hold up to heavy daily use.
  • Passive noise isolation is only average; do not expect this over-ear set to block meaningful ambient noise.
  • Inline controls have known compatibility issues with Android and non-Apple devices.
  • The bass-heavy tuning overwhelms mids and highs, making it a poor fit for genres that depend on clarity.
  • The design dates back to 2011, and the competition at this price point has moved on considerably since then.
  • At 15.2 ounces, the Hesh cans feel noticeably heavier than many modern alternatives in the same category.
  • The product listing overstates certain features, including active noise cancellation, which can mislead buyers.
  • Limited to wired use only — no Bluetooth option for buyers who prefer cable-free listening.

Ratings

The scores below reflect our AI-powered analysis of verified buyer reviews for the Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones sourced globally, with spam, bot-generated, and incentivized submissions actively filtered out before processing. We have weighted both the praise and the recurring pain points equally, so what you see here is an honest picture — not a curated highlight reel. Strengths are credited where earned, and weaknesses are called out plainly so you can make a fully informed decision.

Bass Performance
83%
Bass-forward listeners — particularly fans of hip-hop, trap, and EDM — consistently report satisfaction with the low-end punch these cans deliver during commutes and workouts. The 50mm drivers push enough low-frequency energy to make music feel physical and engaging without requiring any EQ adjustments.
The elevated bass comes at the expense of mid-range clarity, which means vocalists, acoustic instruments, and podcasts can sound recessed or muddy. Buyers who expected a balanced sound profile across genres were often caught off guard by just how bass-heavy the tuning is.
Comfort & Fit
78%
22%
The soft leather-touch ear pillows receive consistent praise for making long listening sessions — two to three hours on a plane or at a desk — genuinely comfortable. The over-ear cup design sits around the ear rather than on it, which reduces fatigue compared to on-ear alternatives in this price range.
At 15.2 ounces, this over-ear set is noticeably heavier than many modern competitors, and some users report neck and head fatigue during extended wear. The leather-touch material also traps heat, which becomes uncomfortable during physical activity or in warmer environments.
Build Quality
54%
46%
Out of the box, the Hesh cans feel solid enough for the price point, and the plastic construction does not feel overtly cheap on first handling. The retractable cable mechanism, in particular, is a thoughtful design touch that holds up reasonably well under normal use.
Durability is the most commonly flagged issue across user reviews, with hinge cracking and ear cushion peeling reported after several months of regular daily use. This is a meaningful concern for anyone planning to use them as a primary everyday headphone rather than an occasional pair.
Sound Isolation
61%
39%
The over-ear cup fit does provide a reasonable physical seal that blocks out low-level background noise — think office hum or quiet public spaces — well enough for casual listening. Most users found it sufficient for commutes on buses or light rail where noise levels are moderate.
Despite the listing's reference to noise cancellation, there is no active electronic noise-cancelling technology present — isolation is entirely passive. In louder environments like busy subway cars or crowded gyms, ambient sound bleeds through noticeably, which frustrated buyers who expected more.
Microphone Quality
69%
31%
For everyday phone calls, the inline mic performs adequately — voices come through clearly enough that callers on the other end rarely complain about audio quality during normal conversations. Commuters and remote workers who take calls while moving around found it a genuinely useful hands-free option.
The mic picks up noticeable background noise in windy or loud outdoor environments, which limits its usefulness for calls taken outside. It is a functional tool for basic use but would not satisfy anyone who needs clean audio for voice memos, video calls, or recording.
Inline Controls
58%
42%
On Apple devices, the pulse control switch works as intended — users can skip tracks, adjust volume, and answer calls without pulling out their phone, which is a practical convenience during workouts or commutes. The button placement on the cable is easy to locate by feel.
Android compatibility is inconsistent, with several users reporting that only some buttons function correctly depending on their specific device. This is a notable limitation given that Android commands the majority of the global smartphone market, and it is not disclosed clearly in the product listing.
Cable Design
74%
26%
The retractable cable is one of the more practically useful design choices here — it stows cleanly into the headphone body and comes out tangle-free, which makes tossing the Hesh cans into a bag and pulling them out again a genuinely low-friction experience.
The retraction mechanism can feel stiff or lose tension over time, and a few users noted that the cable does not extend as far as they would like for use with devices stored in a jacket pocket. Cable length flexibility is limited compared to headphones with standard fixed cables.
Value for Money
71%
29%
For buyers who want a recognizable brand name, bold styling, and decent bass-heavy audio without a significant financial commitment, these Skullcandy Hesh headphones represent a reasonable transaction. The package covers the fundamentals — wired audio, mic, controls — without obvious corner-cutting in the core listening experience.
The value case weakens when durability issues are factored in — a headphone that may need replacing within a year of daily use is not actually as affordable as the upfront price suggests. At this price tier, newer competitors offer meaningfully better build longevity and more balanced sound.
Design & Aesthetics
77%
23%
The Blue/Orange colorway is bold and distinctive, and the athletic crossover identity gives the Hesh cans a visual personality that stands out from the generic black headphones flooding this price range. Younger buyers and gift recipients frequently cite the look as a primary reason for their purchase.
The aesthetic is quite specific — the color and branding will not suit everyone, particularly buyers looking for a more understated or professional look. The design also feels dated compared to the cleaner, more minimal headphone aesthetics that have become the norm in the years since this model launched.
Portability
66%
34%
The retractable cable reduces the bulk of carrying these headphones loose in a bag, and the overall form factor folds down reasonably well for storage. For commuters who need to pack and unpack quickly, the setup is practical enough for daily use.
No carrying case is included, which means the headphones are vulnerable to scratching and hinge stress in a packed bag. The overall size and weight make them less grab-and-go friendly than many slim folding alternatives available at a similar price point today.
Ease of Use
82%
18%
Plug-and-play simplicity is a genuine strength here — there is no pairing process, no app to download, no firmware to update. You plug the 3.5mm jack in and you are listening, which a significant portion of buyers find refreshingly uncomplicated compared to managing Bluetooth devices.
The wired-only nature is a hard limitation for users whose devices have dropped the headphone jack, requiring a dongle adapter that adds friction and a potential point of failure. That constraint feels increasingly inconvenient as the broader device ecosystem moves toward wireless audio.
Driver & Clarity
63%
37%
The 50mm dynamic drivers handle high-energy genres with genuine enthusiasm, and at moderate listening volumes the overall sound is engaging and fun rather than flat or lifeless. For casual listening rather than critical monitoring, the clarity is more than adequate.
Treble detail is rolled off and the soundstage is narrow, which makes complex musical arrangements sound compressed and indistinct. Listeners who move between genres quickly notice that anything requiring precision — classical passages, detailed rock instrumentation, spoken word — loses definition.
Long-Term Durability
47%
53%
In lighter use scenarios — a few hours a week rather than all-day daily use — the Hesh cans hold together acceptably, and some buyers report satisfactory longevity when handled carefully. The retractable cable mechanism specifically tends to survive longer than the hinge assembly.
This is where the product draws its most consistent criticism: hinge failure and ear cushion deterioration are reported across multiple independent reviews, often appearing within the first year of regular daily use. For a primary everyday headphone, this track record is a serious concern that the score reflects honestly.

Suitable for:

The Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones are a natural fit for casual everyday listeners who want a comfortable, stylish wired option without spending a lot. If your daily routine involves commuting, working out, or zoning out to bass-heavy music — hip-hop, EDM, trap — this over-ear set delivers the kind of punchy, energetic sound that makes those genres fun to listen to. Smartphone users who take a lot of calls will appreciate having a built-in mic and inline controls that keep things hands-free without adding complexity. Younger buyers and gift shoppers will likely respond well to the bold Blue/Orange colorway and the athletic brand identity. Anyone who prefers the reliability of a wired connection over managing Bluetooth pairing and battery life will also feel right at home here.

Not suitable for:

The Skullcandy Hesh Over-Ear Headphones are a harder sell for anyone expecting long-term durability — real-world feedback points to hinge wear and ear cushion deterioration over time, which matters if you're buying for heavy daily use. Audiophiles or anyone who cares about accurate, balanced sound reproduction should look elsewhere; the bass-forward tuning is a deliberate character, not a neutral starting point. Despite what the product listing implies, there is no meaningful active noise cancellation here — the isolation you get is purely passive from the physical fit of the cups, so do not expect this over-ear set to block out a noisy subway or open office effectively. Android users should also be cautious about the inline controls, as compatibility issues have been reported on non-Apple devices. If wireless freedom matters to you, this wired-only design will feel like a step backward compared to what is available today.

Specifications

  • Driver Size: Each ear cup is powered by a 50mm dynamic driver tuned for elevated low-frequency output.
  • Frequency Response: These headphones cover the full standard audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
  • Impedance: At 32 ohms, this over-ear set requires no external amplifier and pairs directly with smartphones and portable players.
  • Connection Type: Audio is delivered via a 3.5mm gold-plated stereo jack for a secure, corrosion-resistant wired connection.
  • Cable Design: The cable is retractable, reducing tangling during storage and making the headphones more practical for on-the-go use.
  • Microphone: An in-line microphone is integrated into the cable for hands-free phone calls without removing the headphones.
  • Inline Controls: A pulse control switch on the cable allows basic playback management and call handling on compatible devices.
  • Ear Cushions: The ear pillows use a soft leather-touch material designed for extended comfort and passive ambient noise reduction.
  • Fit Style: The over-ear cup design fully encompasses the ear, providing a physical seal that contributes to passive sound isolation.
  • Colorway: This edition features a Blue/Orange colorway tied to the Amare Stoudemire athlete collaboration.
  • Item Weight: The headphones weigh 15.2 ounces, which is on the heavier side compared to many modern casual over-ear alternatives.
  • Dimensions: The product measures 13 x 4.33 x 8.33 inches in its packaged form.
  • Target Use: Designed for adult casual listening, including commuting, leisure, and everyday smartphone use.
  • Compatibility: Fully compatible with any device featuring a standard 3.5mm headphone jack; inline controls work best with Apple devices.
  • First Available: This model was first listed on April 1, 2011, making it one of Skullcandy's longer-running wired headphone offerings.

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FAQ

Not in any meaningful sense. The product listing mentions noise cancellation, but what you are actually getting is passive isolation from the physical fit of the over-ear cups against your head. There is no electronic noise-cancelling circuitry built in, so do not expect it to silence a loud commute or open office environment.

Possibly, but not reliably. The inline pulse control is optimized for Apple devices, and a number of Android users have reported that some buttons do not respond correctly or at all. Basic volume and play/pause may work, but advanced functions are hit or miss depending on your specific phone model.

This is honestly the biggest concern worth flagging. Multiple buyers have noted that the hinges and ear cushion material show wear faster than expected with regular use. If you plan to use them heavily every day, it is worth keeping that in mind — they hold up fine for lighter or occasional use, but they are not built for punishment.

No. The 32-ohm impedance means your smartphone, tablet, or laptop drives them just fine at comfortable listening volumes without any additional hardware.

They are fine for light gym use or casual exercise, but keep in mind they are on the heavier side at 15.2 ounces, and the leather-touch cushions can get warm during intense activity. They are not marketed as sport or sweat-resistant, so prolonged heavy workouts are probably not their best use case.

Yes, as long as your computer has a 3.5mm headphone jack. The audio will work fine, though the inline mic and controls may not be fully recognized depending on your operating system and audio drivers.

A slightly damp cloth works well for wiping down the leather-touch ear pillows — avoid soaking them or using harsh chemical cleaners, as the faux leather material can crack or peel over time if exposed to solvents. Regular light cleaning helps extend their life.

The bass-forward tuning means genres that rely on clarity in the mids and highs — classical, acoustic, jazz, or podcasts — will feel a bit muddy or unbalanced to critical ears. For those use cases, you would be better served by a more neutrally tuned headphone. Rock and pop hold up reasonably well, though.

The cable retracts back into the headphone body, which keeps it compact and tangle-free when stored in a bag. It is a practical feature for commuters who frequently pack and unpack their headphones rather than leaving them on a desk.

It can be, especially if they are into the athletic aesthetic and listen to bass-heavy music. The bold colorway and recognizable Skullcandy branding tend to land well with younger buyers. Just be aware that heavy daily use by someone on the go may expose the durability limitations sooner rather than later.