The first impression of Skullcandy‘s wireless headphones, the Hesh 3, is their stylish design and remarkably light weight. Upon handling, their featherlight feel is immediately apparent, noticeably lighter than the editorial team’s previous lightweight favorites, the SteelSeries Arctis 5. While Skullcandy is known for vibrant headphones featuring their signature skull logo, the Hesh 3 exhibits a more refined aesthetic, aligning with expectations for a professional-grade headphone. Priced around 1300 SEK at the time of this review, it’s evident that their target market is not the high-end professional segment, but rather the popular and competitive mid-price category. In this segment, they perform admirably, although there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Complementing the headphones’ light weight are comfortable over-ear earcups featuring memory foam. These earcups provide a secure and comfortable fit while effectively isolating a significant amount of ambient noise. However, the editorial team noted a consensus – across both male and female testers – that the earcups exert a slightly excessive clamping force, potentially causing fatigue during extended listening sessions. This contrasts with the Arctis 5 (which is not wireless), which provides a looser fit. This is a notable drawback, as the Hesh 3 otherwise ranks among the lightest and most comfortable headphones we’ve evaluated.
In terms of technical specifications, the Hesh 3 presents a standard configuration: a microUSB cable for charging and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired connectivity (useful when the battery is depleted). In an era of iPhones lacking a 3.5mm jack, wireless technology is a key consideration, even with the inherent benefits of wired connections (discussed later). The Hesh 3 features a quick-charge function, providing four hours of listening time with just ten minutes of charging. Impressively, a full charge offers up to 22 hours of battery life, according to the specifications, enabling all-day use even at high volume levels. Internally, the headphones incorporate two 40mm dynamic drivers and a sound processor, details of which are limited from Skullcandy. Let’s proceed with a rigorous audio performance evaluation.
Skullcandy Hesh 3 Audio Performance
The Hesh 3’s sound profile can be characterized as accessible and engaging, featuring emphasized bass and well-defined high frequencies (treble). While the midrange is somewhat less prominent, it remains competent. The Hesh 3 demonstrates a commendable ability to separate the soundstage into distinct components. We employed reference tracks, starting with True Detective season 1’s evocative Far from Any Road by Handsome Family. The distinct vocals were presented with clarity, while subtle details in the mixing were highlighted in a pleasing manner, complemented by the song’s prominent stereo effects. When presented with electronica, such as The Knife’s Silent Shout, the bass exhibited a slight looseness in certain passages, but the overtones and treble frequencies within the mix were rendered with increased sharpness.
Ultimately, perceived “good sound” is subjective and dependent on individual preferences. The Skullcandy Hesh 3 is clearly geared toward a broad audience favoring a bass-rich sound signature akin to Dres Beats, rather than audiophiles seeking a more neutral and accurate headphone sound, such as that offered by the Blue Microphones Ella. We can conclude that the Skullcandy Hesh 3 generally reproduces audio accurately, incorporating a flattering EQ profile that caters to a wide range of listeners, particularly those who enjoy pop, electronic music, and bass-driven genres such as dubstep and hip hop.
As with many headphones, the Skullcandy Hesh 3 exhibits a slightly enhanced audio performance when connected via a wired connection compared to wireless operation. A direct power source provides greater drive, resulting in improved performance. However, much of the perceived difference relates to volume levels, which are inherently lower in wireless mode.
A notable omission in the Hesh 3 is the absence of aptX codec support for Bluetooth connectivity, which would enhance wireless audio quality, especially considering the headphones’ market positioning. Another peculiarity is the lack of clear markings for the left and right earcups (although present upon closer inspection). This is surprising, given its importance for both comfort and accurate soundstage reproduction. We can confirm that the earcup with the connections should cover the right ear, a determination that required some experimentation.
Summary: The Skullcandy Hesh 3 presented several unexpected attributes. Our prior association with the brand primarily involved younger users seeking fashionable, colorful, and affordable headphones. The Hesh 3 boasts a stylish design (in our case, black, although other basic colors are available) with a subtly incorporated skull logo. While the lightweight construction initially imparts a slightly “plasticky” feel, it quickly becomes apparent that high-quality plastics are used, and the audio quality is commendable for the price range. The headphones feature a foldable design for enhanced portability, although the inclusion of a protective carrying case would have been a welcome and reasonable addition given the price point.
The sound signature is characterized by rich bass, warmth, and an overall easy-listening experience, making the Hesh 3 suitable for a wide audience, with the possible exception of highly discerning audiophiles (who typically expect a significantly higher price point). While the absence of aptX and the somewhat tight fit are notable drawbacks, they are not deal-breakers. For those seeking a pair of fun, lightweight, and wireless headphones with generous bass response, the Skullcandy Hesh 3 is a strong contender. It has the potential to become a popular headphone choice at an attractive price.
Så här sätter vi betyg på Senses