Skullcandy Hesh 2 vs. Hesh 3 Comparison

Skullcandy’s new release of the Hesh 3 wireless headphone is a different shape and price than the Hesh 2. This leaves us wondering how these two are related and how they compare. So what should you consider when trying to choose between the two? Let’s take a closer look by performing a Skullcandy Hesh 2 vs. Hesh 3 Comparison review to see what the biggest differences are.

Package and Features Comparison:

Design Comparison

The first noticeable difference between the two wireless headphones is the headband.  I actually enjoy the feeling of the Hesh 2 more than the other. The headband is coated with soft and smooth rubber. It is rounded and sits comfortably on my head. It also feels sturdy and has more weight to it than the Hesh 3. In comparison, the Hesh 3’s plastic headband feels more fragile, like it might crack over time if it is not taken care of properly. It is lighter, which might be attractive to some folks. It’s headband is a narrower shape and it really hugs the ear pads onto the ears. It is snug but comfortable, although I could see it becoming uncomfortable if one were to wear them for a long period of time.

The Hesh 2 has pronounced “left” and “right” markings in addition to it’s metallic logo. The Hesh 3 has understated markings and logos, using a dark black on matte black design. This feels classier to me than the Hesh 2.

The overall shape of the two ear pads are quite different. The Hesh 2 has round pads that are thick and protrude outward from the ear. Meanwhile the Hesh 3’s are slimmer and more oval shaped. They look better on my head when I look in the mirror but that is just my preference. I could see some folks enjoying the more prominent look of the Hesh 2.

Both headphones have the same buttons and controls but they are shaped differently. You’ll see a theme continuing here but you’ll notice that the Hesh 2’s buttons are big, pronounced, and immature, while the Hesh 3’s are tactful and polished. But again, they are two different aesthetics and I’m sure some folks will like the Hesh 2’s bombasticness.

Sound

Bass

Both headphones have boosted low-mids. The Hesh 2 boost feels like it is centering around 300Hz-400Hz. This boost feels overwhelming and borderline muddy, even for types of songs that benefit from having a little bass boost like hip hop and rock. In comparison, the Hesh 3 feels much more balanced. The bass boost sounds like it is around 150Hz which leaves space for clarity in the mid-range.

Midrange

The Hesh 2 midrange feel a bit congested.That aforementioned boost in the low-mids has an adverse effect to the detail in the midrange as a whole. There also seems to be another boost around 5kHz or so. It makes the vocals sit more forward than the Hesh 3 which might attractive to some folks. There is a slight boxiness that bothers me a bit, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Hesh 3’s midrange has more clarity. There seems to be a little cut around 1kHz-3kHz which bothered me at first when I listened to the headphones alone, but compared to the Hesh 2 I’m finding it leaves more space for the treble and I find myself appreciating it.

Treble

Hesh 2 has a boost around 10kHz which gives the high-end frequencies a modern vibe. There aren’t many extra details higher above but there is a snappiness and crispness that might make some folks happy. To me it feels a bit fatiguing. Hesh 3’s high-end has much more space around it and it sounds pleasant. I hear an element of airiness that the Hesh 2 is missing, making the stereo field feel wider and less crowded. The Hesh 3 gives a more full image of the stereo field. I especially like songs recorded with roominess like classical, jazz, or even garage-rock. They sound more alive since there is space for those wide reverb tails to decay.

Overview

Skullcandy’s Hesh 2 and 3 have a lot of similarities but they are also quite different in sound quality. And while the aesthetic of each design might attract different folks to either, spending the extra $30 on the Hesh 3 will give you a better listening experience.

It is worth trying both headphones because I could imagine the tightness of the Hesh 3 becoming uncomfortable if worn for an extended period of time.

Below are links to these headphones at their best prices:

Skullcandy Hesh 2 – Audio 46

Skullcandy Hesh 2 – Amazon

Skullcandy Hesh 3 – Audio 46

Skullcandy Hesh 3 – Amazon

MajorHiFi may receive commission through retail offers.