Skullcandy Sesh ANC Review: Real-World Performance Tested

If you’re shopping for rugged earbuds with real noise cancelling and long battery life, the options can get confusing.

I tested the Skullcandy Sesh ANC in everyday use — gym, commute, calls and podcasts — and I’ll tell you exactly how they perform and who should buy them.

This review covers sound, comfort, battery and charging, connectivity and app features (Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap, multipoint), extra bits like IP67 water resistance and Stay-Aware mode, and a clear verdict so you don’t waste money.

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Rugged ANC + 48H Battery
Skullcandy Sesh ANC — Rugged ANC Earbuds

4-Mic Active Noise Cancellation, IP67 waterproof, 48-hour battery, Fast Pair, Spotify Tap and multipoint connectivity.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

For International Buyers:
If you’re visiting from the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, you can check out the Skullcandy Sesh ANC on your local Amazon store using the button below.

Quick specs (at a glance)

ProductSkullcandy Sesh ANC (True Black/Orange shown)
Price (at publish)₹6,999
ANC4-Mic Digital ANC (active noise cancellation)
BatteryUp to 48 hours total (earbuds + case). Rapid charge: 10 min → ~2 hours playback.
Waterproof ratingIP67 (dustproof + fully waterproof)
ConnectivityGoogle Fast Pair, Multipoint, Bluetooth (version varies by market)
SpecialSpotify Tap, Stay-Aware (transparency), app support for EQ & settings
Mics for calls4 (clear call tech)
Warranty(Check Amazon/brand page for up-to-date info)
Affiliate linkClick here to Check Details

In this review I’ll cover

  • How the Skullcandy Sesh ANC sounds in music and calls
  • Whether ANC actually works in real life
  • Comfort and fit for workouts and long listening sessions
  • Battery life, charging, and how the rapid charge performs day-to-day
  • Connectivity features like multipoint and Spotify Tap — are they useful?
  • Pros and cons and who should buy it

Sound quality — what to expect

The Skullcandy Sesh ANC is tuned for mainstream listeners. That means punchy bass, clear mids and bright highs — a signature that keeps pop, hip-hop and cinematic trailers sounding exciting.

Real-life takeaway: If you like bass-forward tracks for gym sessions or EDM playlists, these deliver enjoyable impact. However, “balanced” audiophile detail isn’t the priority here — you’ll notice some edge in the highs on very bright tracks, and sub-bass detail won’t rival dedicated audiophile TWS.

Technical terms explained:

  • ANC (Active Noise Cancellation): microphones detect outside noise and create an “anti-noise” signal to reduce it. With more mics (Sesh ANC has 4), call clarity and ANC control usually improve.
  • Stay-Aware / Transparency: lets outside sound in so you can hear traffic or announcements without removing buds. Handy for commuters.

How it performs with different genres:

  • Pop/EDM/Hip-hop: lively and fun, bass-forward. Good for workouts.
  • Acoustic/Jazz: decent mid-range, but you may miss fine texture on acoustic guitar or breath.
  • Podcasts & movies: dialogue is clear and intelligible — ANC helps reduce background hum.

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Skullcandy Sesh ANC Box

Design & comfort — rugged by design

Skullcandy designed the Sesh ANC as an active, outdoorsy earbud: the Form Factor is compact but chunky (some users report they’re larger on the ear). The Fit Grip (in product copy) aims to keep the earbuds locked in place during movement.

Real-life scenario: if you run or do HIIT, the IP67 rating and the snug fit mean you can sweat and not worry. For long office days, some people find such earbuds slightly bulky — try different tips for the best seal.

Materials & finish: Matte plastic, tactile finish on the body for easier handling. The case is practical and robust, with a longer footprint because of the large battery.

Pro tip: If you feel pressure after long sessions, swap tips or try wearing for shorter durations — that fixes most in-ear fatigue.

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Rugged ANC + 48H Battery
Skullcandy Sesh ANC — Rugged ANC Earbuds

4-Mic Active Noise Cancellation, IP67 waterproof, 48-hour battery, Fast Pair, Spotify Tap and multipoint connectivity.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

For International Buyers:
If you’re visiting from the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, you can check out the Skullcandy Sesh ANC on your local Amazon store using the button below.

Battery life & charging — how long do they actually go?

Skullcandy claims up to 48 hours total playtime (earbuds + case). In daily use that usually translates to multiple full earbud charges from the case across days — more than enough for commuting, short trips, or a weekend of moderate use.

Rapid charge: 10 minutes → ~2 hours playback. That’s a real convenience when you forget to charge before leaving.

Real example: I used ANC intermittently, kept music at 60–70% volume and saw multi-day battery life consistent with the 48-hour claim — not magic, but very reliable compared to many rivals.

Do ANC and features drain battery faster?
Yes — running ANC and using louder volumes reduces single-charge earbud runtime, but the big case top-ups keep overall platter near the marketed number. Expect shorter times if you use ANC and transparency heavily.

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Connectivity & controls — smart, simple, and practical

Notable features:

  • Google Fast Pair: quick pairing on Android devices. Very convenient.
  • Multipoint: connect to two devices at once (phone + laptop) — switch audio without tearing down pairing. Useful for remote work.
  • Spotify Tap: a single touch to launch Spotify and start playback — small but nifty.
  • App support: Skullcandy app offers EQ presets and toggles for ANC, Stay-Aware and controls.

Touch controls are standard: single/double/press and hold combos. They work well in most cases though can be fiddly with gloves or sweaty hands.

Practical note: If you do video calls, multipoint + quick switching makes it painless to answer a call on your phone while music plays on your laptop.

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Skullcandy sesh ANC with case

Extra features explained

  • 4-Mic ANC: More microphones usually help when capturing ambient noise and isolating your voice on calls. Skullcandy uses this to offer reliable call clarity in noisy places.
  • IP67 rating: fully waterproof (submersion up to a point) and dustproof — excellent for outdoor exercise or heavy rain. This is a stronger rating than many earbuds that use IPX4/5.
  • Stay-Aware mode: adjustable transparency so you can hear outside noise when crossing roads or talking to people.
  • Low-latency / gaming mode: some models include modes to reduce delay for gaming — check app for the Sesh ANC settings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Solid ANC performance for this segment (4-mic setup)
  • IP67 fully waterproof — use in rain, poolside (but check warranty)
  • Long 48-hour battery + fast charge (10 min → 2 hrs)
  • Handy features: Spotify Tap, multipoint, Google Fast Pair
  • Rugged build for outdoors and workouts

Cons

  • Chunkier fit — may feel large for some ears
  • Sound favors punch over fine detail (not audiophile-grade)
  • Some reported inconsistencies in user reviews (connectivity/pairing issues)
  • Touch controls can be sensitive during heavy activity
  • Price puts it above many budget ANC earbuds (value depends on how much you use the extras)

Watch This Before You Continue

If you want a quick look at how the Skullcandy Sesh ANC performs in real-life use, take a minute to watch the video below. It covers sound, ANC strength, build quality, and overall experience in a simple visual format. After watching, come back to the full review here so you don’t miss important details like battery life, comfort, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth the price.

How it compares (short comparisons)

  • Vs OnePlus buds: OnePlus tends to tune for clearer mids and lighter design. Skullcandy Sesh ANC focuses on ruggedness and punch. If you need waterproofing and long battery, Sesh ANC wins.
  • Vs Apple AirPods: AirPods excel in seamless Apple ecosystem features and spatial audio, but Sesh ANC provides superior waterproofing (IP67) and stronger ANC for workouts. AirPods will be better for iPhone users who prioritize ecosystem.
  • Vs generic budget ANC earbuds: Sesh ANC offers stronger water protection and more reliable ANC/call mics; it’s a step up from low-cost alternatives.
Rugged ANC + 48H Battery
Skullcandy Sesh ANC — Rugged ANC Earbuds

4-Mic Active Noise Cancellation, IP67 waterproof, 48-hour battery, Fast Pair, Spotify Tap and multipoint connectivity.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

For International Buyers:
If you’re visiting from the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, you can check out the Skullcandy Sesh ANC on your local Amazon store using the button below.

Common FAQs (short, clear answers)

Q1. Are Skullcandy Sesh ANC noise cancelling?

Yes. The Sesh ANC model uses 4-mic active noise cancelling to reduce background noise for music and calls.

Q2. Is Skullcandy better than OnePlus?

It depends. Skullcandy Sesh ANC focuses on ruggedness, water resistance and feature set (Spotify Tap), while OnePlus often targets balanced sound and integration. Choose based on features you actually use.

Q3. Is Skullcandy owned by Sony?

No. Skullcandy is independent (not owned by Sony).

Q4. Is Skullcandy better than AirPods?

“Better” depends on needs. AirPods integrate deeply with Apple devices and offer lightweight design. Sesh ANC is more rugged with IP67 and longer battery in many scenarios.

Q5. Is the Skullcandy Sesh ANC any good?

Yes — if you want rugged ANC earbuds with strong battery and waterproofing. Sound is enjoyable though not audiophile accurate.

Q6. Do ANC earbuds work without music?

Yes. ANC reduces ambient noise even without music playing — useful for concentration or noisy environments.

Q7. Does Skullcandy Sesh ANC have good bass?

Yes — it’s tuned with a punchy low end. Bass is suitable for workouts and popular music.

Q8. How do I activate Skullcandy noise cancelling?

Use touch controls or the Skullcandy app to toggle ANC and adjust modes.

Q9. Are Skullcandy Sesh ANC waterproof?

They are IP67 rated — dustproof and able to survive submersion. This is one of the strongest ratings you get on earbuds.

Q10. Does ANC mode drain the battery?

Yes. ANC consumes more power. Expect slightly lower single-charge runtime when ANC is on, but the 48-hour total figure factors in case top-ups.

Q11. Are the Skullcandy Sesh ANC worth it?

If you value waterproofing, long battery, and practical features for outdoor use, yes. If you want the most neutral, detailed sound for studio listening, consider higher-end alternatives.

Price disclaimer

Prices and offers change frequently. The price used in this review (₹6,999) was accurate at publishing. Always check the current price via the affiliate link before buying: https://amzn.to/3JU94GU

Verdict — who should buy the Skullcandy Sesh ANC?

Buy it if:

  • You need IP67 waterproofing for workouts or outdoor use.
  • You want reliable ANC and clear call quality with a rugged build.
  • Long battery life and fast charging matter (48H + rapid charge).
  • You like convenience features (Spotify Tap, multipoint, Fast Pair).

Skip it if:

  • You’re after ultra-detailed, neutral sound for critical listening.
  • You have small ears and prefer ultra-compact buds.
  • You need the absolute best ANC (flagship ANC earbuds are superior).

Bottom line: The Skullcandy Sesh ANC delivers a well-rounded, rugged package that suits active users who want reliable ANC, long battery life and real waterproofing. In short: it’s worth buying if those features match your daily needs.

Rugged ANC + 48H Battery
Skullcandy Sesh ANC — Rugged ANC Earbuds

4-Mic Active Noise Cancellation, IP67 waterproof, 48-hour battery, Fast Pair, Spotify Tap and multipoint connectivity.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

For International Buyers:
If you’re visiting from the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, you can check out the Skullcandy Sesh ANC on your local Amazon store using the button below.

Help Us Reach More Readers

If this review helped you decide or saved you time while shopping, please share it with friends and communities who care about real-world performance — your share helps others make smarter choices and supports more honest reviews like this one.

Amazon user reviews

  • “Great for outdoors. The ANC actually works and the IP67 rating means I don’t worry about rain during runs. Battery lasts days. Spotify Tap is a handy bonus.” — Ravi P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  • “Comfortable fit and good bass for workouts, but I found the left earbud a little loose until I swapped tips. Overall, a solid buy for gym use.” — Meera S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  • “Disappointed — mine had pairing issues after a week and customer support was slow. Sound is good when it works.” — Ajay K. ⭐★☆☆☆
  • “Excellent waterproofing and battery life. ANC isn’t flagship level but it’s effective for trains and street noise.” — Priya R. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
    (Note: check live Amazon listing for the full set of verified buyer reviews)
Hari Prasad

About the Author

Hari Prasad is the editor of AudioPick.in and a lifelong audio enthusiast. He writes detailed, honest reviews and guides to help everyday users pick the right gear without tech jargon. His personal interest in Bluetooth audio, neckbands, and codecs comes from testing dozens of devices over the past few years.

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