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Verdict: The Skullcandy Hesh 540 ANC is a feature-rich over-ear Bluetooth 5.3 headset that is easiest to recommend when long battery life, strong noise reduction, multipoint and app-based EQ matter more than a neutral studio-style tuning. Skullcandy claims more than 50 hours with ANC enabled, more than 65 hours with ANC disabled and about four hours of playback from a 10-minute charge. Independent testing found very good overall sound and very good active noise reduction, but also a prominent, somewhat boomy bass, a congested and hazy midrange, and sizzly, smeared treble. The Hesh 540 ANC can sound engaging, especially after EQ adjustment, yet its fit and ear-pad seal materially affect ANC performance.
This review explains what you get, how the sound and ANC behave, what the battery claims mean, and which listeners should choose it over a more neutral or comfort-focused wireless ANC model.
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The Hesh 540 ANC is a closed, wireless over-ear headphone with active noise cancelling, a 3.5 mm analog input and THX Spatial Audio. It uses Bluetooth 5.3 and is controlled through Skullcandy’s companion app. The product combines a bass-oriented consumer sound with a broad set of convenience features rather than targeting a strictly reference presentation.
- Noise control: adjustable four-microphone ANC, plus a Stay-Aware mode for monitoring surrounding sound.
- Listening controls: a five-band custom EQ, three EQ presets, low-latency mode and app-based controls.
- Everyday features: wear detection, multipoint pairing, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap.
- Connections: Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless use and a 3.5 mm aux input when you want a wired fallback.
- Spatial audio: THX Spatial Audio is included for compatible listening modes.
That combination makes the Hesh 540 ANC more versatile than a basic Bluetooth headset. You can tune its tonal balance, leave a second device connected for calls, switch to a low-latency mode, or use a cable if wireless playback is inconvenient.
#1 Best Overall
- PREMIUM ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING. Hesh 540 ANC uses adjustable 4-mic noise cancelling to silence the world around you.
- UP TO 65 HOURS BATTERY + RAPID CHARGE. Listen to your tunes all-day long with up to 65 hours of battery life with ANC off. Our Rapid Charge feature gives you 4 hours of listening on a quick 10-minute charge.
- THX SPATIAL AUDIO. Experience your audio like never before with fully immersive, 3-dimensional sound. It’s not just hearing music or movies, it’s feeling every detail like you’re right there in the moment.
- WEAR DETECTION. Never miss a beat. With wear detection, your audio will auto-pause when you take your headphones off and auto-play when you put your headphones on.
- PERSONALIZED SOUND IN THE SKULLCANDY APP. Customize your sound with THX Spatial Audio, Personal Sound by Mimi, adjustable hearing modes: Active Noise Canceling, Stay-Aware and Sidetone settings, and more.
How good does the Hesh 540 ANC sound?
Consumer Reports rated the Hesh 540 ANC’s overall sound quality in the “very good” range and said it reproduces music and voice well. The qualification is important: the headphone has a clearly colored response, so listeners who prefer even, highly separated sound should expect to use the EQ.
Bass has impact, but it is prominent
The low end delivers good impact and gives drums, electronic tracks and bass guitars immediate weight. Consumer Reports also describes it as somewhat prominent and boomy. That character can make modern pop, hip-hop and action content feel energetic, while acoustic recordings or dense mixes may sound heavier than intended.
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Vocals and instruments in the middle frequencies are described as somewhat congested, hazy and grainy. This does not make speech unintelligible, but it reduces the separation between layered instruments. Busy rock, orchestral and podcast mixes with several voices can therefore feel less open than they do through a neutral headphone.
Treble is prominent and sometimes sizzly
High frequencies are prominent, with a sizzly and smeared character in the Consumer Reports description. That emphasis can add apparent detail at first listen, but cymbals, sibilant consonants and bright recordings may become tiring at higher volume.
Why EQ matters on this model
The companion app’s tone settings have a noticeable effect. A five-band custom EQ and three presets let you reduce the excess bass or soften the upper-frequency emphasis, depending on your taste. EQ cannot create the separation of a different acoustic design, but it can move the Hesh 540 ANC closer to a comfortable balance for your music and speech.
Listeners who enjoy a lively, bass-forward presentation may like the default character. Listeners who want a flat response should plan to experiment with the app before judging the headphone, and should compare it directly with alternatives that advertise a neutral tuning.
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Consumer Reports found very good active noise reduction, placing the Hesh 540 ANC among the stronger aspects of the product. The result is not determined by electronics alone: the ear-pad seal and the way the cups sit on your head can change how much noise is removed.
Fit is part of the ANC system
A complete seal around each ear blocks outside sound passively and gives the ANC microphones a better starting point. Glasses frames, hair caught under a pad, an ear that is not centered in the cup, or a loose headband position can create a gap and reduce isolation. Consumer Reports also notes that cup orientation can change the amount of high-frequency noise reduced.
When trying the Hesh 540 ANC, rotate each cup slightly and adjust the headband until the pads sit evenly. Check the seal while playing a consistent noise source, then repeat the check after moving your jaw or turning your head. A fit that works while sitting still may leak when you walk or talk.
Stay-Aware is the opposite use case
Stay-Aware mode is intended for hearing your surroundings without removing the headphones. It is useful when you need to notice announcements or speak briefly, whereas ANC is the setting for reducing external sound during travel, work or concentrated listening.
Rank #2
- 4-MIC ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING. Designed with 4-mic active noise canceling that lets you lose yourself in your music, movies or podcasts
- UP TO 22 HOURS BATTERY + RAPID CHARGE. With Rapid Charge, just 10 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of listening
- CALL, TRACK AND VOLUME CONTROLS. Answer or reject calls, adjust volume, skip forward or repeat tracks with convenient button controls
- BUILT-IN TILE FINDING TECHNOLOGY. Find your headphones near and far when you register your product in the Tile App
- FLAT-FOLDING AND COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN. For enhanced headphone portability and convenience without sacrificing durability
What the available testing does and does not establish
The accessible Consumer Reports assessment supports a “very good” ANC result and explains the importance of seal and orientation. Which? says its broader program measures ANC with artificial ears and evaluates comfort, microphones, durability and battery life, but the detailed star results are access-controlled. You should therefore treat the public evidence as strong for overall ANC quality, not as a complete ranking against every competing model.
How long does the Hesh 540 ANC battery last?
Skullcandy’s 2025 product materials claim more than 50 hours of playback with ANC on and more than 65 hours with ANC off. The maximum figure is the ANC-off claim; it is not a single runtime that applies to every mode.
| Mode or charging condition | Manufacturer figure | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| ANC enabled | More than 50 hours | Skullcandy’s stated playback claim for active noise cancelling use. |
| ANC disabled | More than 65 hours | The maximum claimed runtime in the 2025 product materials. |
| Rapid charge | About 4 hours from 10 minutes | A short top-up intended to restore several hours of playback. |
Actual runtime varies with listening volume, wireless features and the operating mode in use, so the figures are best treated as manufacturer claims rather than a guarantee for every session. Even the lower ANC-on claim is unusually long for a travel-oriented over-ear headphone, reducing how often you need to carry a charging cable.
The supplied USB-C cable handles charging. If the battery is low, the removable aux cable provides a wired fallback; the product materials do not establish which powered features remain available in every wired or depleted-battery state.
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Is the Hesh 540 ANC comfortable for long listening?
The design is over-ear, but comfort is individual and the public test information does not provide an accessible comfort score. Which? says its panel assesses comfort as part of a wider program, while its detailed star results are restricted. You should check clamp pressure, pad contact and heat during an extended try-on rather than infer comfort from the product category alone.
What to check during a fitting
- Make sure your ears sit inside the pads instead of touching the driver cover.
- Check that the headband supports the weight without a pressure point on the crown.
- Wear the headphones for at least several minutes while turning your head; movement can expose a seal problem that is not obvious when seated.
- Test with glasses if you normally wear them, because the frame can create a small leak at the pad.
- Listen for a change in bass or outside noise when you press the cups lightly. A large change suggests the seal is sensitive to position.
These checks matter for both comfort and ANC. A comfortable, stable seal is more valuable than a perfect fit that only works when you remain motionless.
Which wireless and app features does it include?
The Hesh 540 ANC’s feature list is a major reason to consider it. The following functions are listed by Skullcandy for this model.
Multipoint pairing
Multipoint allows the headset to remain connected to two devices. Skullcandy’s support description gives a specific behavior: a call on one device can interrupt streaming from the other, then playback resumes afterward. This is useful if you listen from a laptop while keeping a phone ready for calls. It should not be interpreted as simultaneous mixing of two audio streams.
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Wear detection can respond when you remove or replace the headphones, reducing the need to reach for a phone or computer during short interruptions. The exact pause and resume behavior depends on the connected device and app state.
EQ, presets and low latency
The five-band custom EQ lets you make your own tonal adjustment, while three presets provide quicker starting points. Low-latency mode is intended to reduce the delay that can be distracting in games or video, although the available data does not provide a measured latency figure.
Rank #3
- PATENTED MULTI-SENSORY CRUSHER BASS TECHNOLOGY. Featuring two full-range 40mm audio drivers plus additional dual bass drivers, your music and movies will come alive with a sound experience you can actually feel
- ADJUSTABLE 4-MIC ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING. Designed with adjustable 4-mic active noise canceling that allows you to hush the chaos around you
- UP TO 60 HOURS BATTERY + RAPID CHARGE. Get hours of uninterrupted listening with up to 60 hours of battery life with ANC off. With Rapid Charge, just 10 minutes of charging gives you 4 hours of listening
- PERSONALIZED SOUND IN THE SKULLCANDY APP. Customize your sound with Personal Sound by Mimi, adjustable hearing modes: Active Noise Canceling, Stay-Aware, and fine-tune your EQ
- MULTIPOINT PAIRING. Connect to two devices at once with seamless transitions
Fast Pair and Spotify Tap
Google Fast Pair is designed to simplify initial pairing with supported Android devices. Spotify Tap provides a shortcut into Spotify on compatible devices. Both are convenience features rather than sound-quality improvements, and their availability can depend on the phone, operating system and account setup.
THX Spatial Audio
THX Spatial Audio supplies a spatial presentation option for content and modes that support it. Spatial processing can change perceived width and placement, so compare it with conventional stereo using familiar tracks before deciding which mode you prefer.
What are the Hesh 540 ANC’s hardware specifications?
These are the published hardware figures for the model.
| Specification | Published value |
|---|---|
| Driver size | 40 mm |
| Impedance | 36 ohms |
| Total harmonic distortion | Less than 1% at 1 kHz |
| Sound-pressure level | 119.4 ± 3 dB SPL at 1 kHz |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz–20 kHz |
| Wireless standard | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Wired connection | 3.5 mm aux input |
The frequency-response range describes the frequencies the design is specified to reproduce; it does not predict whether the tuning will sound neutral. The Consumer Reports listening description is therefore more useful for understanding the audible balance than the range alone.
What comes in the box?
The box includes the Hesh 540 ANC headphones, a removable aux cable, a USB-C charging cable and a user guide. The detachable cable is useful for wired listening or for keeping a backup connection in a travel bag.
What colors and model numbers are listed?
Skullcandy’s 2025 catalog identifies two finishes: True Black, model S6HAW-T740, and Bone, model S6HAW-T001. Regional availability can differ, so verify the finish and model code on the retailer or manufacturer’s listing before ordering.
How much does the Hesh 540 ANC cost?
Price and stock vary by country and date. The official US product page listed $159.99 and showed the product out of stock when it was crawled. Which?’s UK listing showed a lowest available price of £99.99 and identified the model as first reviewed in November 2025. Those figures are time- and region-specific, not a permanent global price.
At a discounted price near the UK listing, the combination of long claimed battery life, multipoint, app EQ, wired fallback and very good tested ANC is compelling. At the US list price, compare current alternatives on comfort, microphone quality, ANC, sound balance and support before buying, especially if stock is limited.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you compare it with other wireless ANC headphones?
Do not compare only the advertised battery number. Use the following checklist and test the characteristics that matter to your use.
| Comparison area | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| ANC effectiveness | Reduction of low-frequency rumble and higher-frequency voices; stability while moving | The Hesh 540 ANC’s result depends on seal and cup orientation. |
| Sound balance | Bass prominence, vocal clarity, treble smoothness and separation | The Hesh 540 ANC is lively but colored, with boomy bass, congested mids and sizzly treble described in testing. |
| Comfort and seal | Clamp, pad shape, glasses compatibility and heat over time | A poor seal lowers both isolation and perceived bass. |
| Microphone quality | Voice clarity in quiet and noisy locations | Which? includes microphone testing, but detailed results are not publicly shown in the listing. |
| Battery and charging | Runtime in the modes you actually use; short-charge behavior | The Hesh 540 ANC claims more than 50 hours with ANC and more than 65 hours without it. |
| Device switching | Whether multipoint handles calls and resumes playback reliably | Its documented behavior is call interruption from one device with playback resuming on the other. |
| Controls and app | EQ bands, presets, low-latency mode and transparency controls | These features can compensate for a tuning you do not initially like. |
| Wired fallback | Presence of an aux input and included cable | The Hesh 540 ANC includes both, useful when wireless use is impractical. |
| Total price | Current local price, stock and warranty terms | Published US and UK figures differ substantially and were captured at different times. |
Which? says its program covers sound quality, microphones, ANC, comfort, durability and battery life, including continuous playback, artificial-ear ANC measurements, panel comfort assessment and a 1.8 m drop test. Those methods are useful when comparing models, but the Hesh 540 ANC’s detailed star results are access-controlled.
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Rank #4
- SOUND BY BOSE. We teamed up with Bose to bring you a high-fidelity audio experience defined by clarity of sound and depth of range. Everything from ear gels to audio architecture is optimized for ideal performance
- SUPERIOR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING. Eliminate the world around you and sink into an undisturbed listening experience
- SKULL AI COMPATIBLE. Method 540 ANC works with Skull AI, a voice-activated assistant enabled by Bragi with OpenAI that’s always ready. Talk, ask, control and explore, all hands-free
- UP TO 40 HOURS BATTERY + RAPID CHARGE. Stay connected with up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC off (11 hours in the earbuds plus an additional 29 hours in charging case). Rapid Charge gives you 2 hours of listening from a quick 10-minute charge
- CLIP IT AND RIP IT. Clip-anywhere design for easy carry and bold style. Attach it to your bag, keys, or belt and go
Who should buy the Skullcandy Hesh 540 ANC?
It is a good fit if you want
- Very long claimed battery life and a quick top-up for several hours.
- Strong ANC, provided you can achieve a consistent ear-pad seal.
- A bass-forward presentation with the option to adjust it through a five-band EQ.
- Multipoint for switching between a computer and phone, plus wear detection.
- Both Bluetooth 5.3 and a removable 3.5 mm cable.
- Convenience features such as Fast Pair, Spotify Tap, low-latency mode and THX Spatial Audio.
Look elsewhere if you need
- A neutral, highly separated sound with no EQ work.
- Guaranteed comfort without trying the pads and clamp first.
- A published, independently accessible microphone or durability score for a buying decision.
- A price that is stable across regions; current stock and local pricing must be checked.
What is the final verdict on the Hesh 540 ANC?
The Hesh 540 ANC is a strong all-round feature package with unusually high claimed endurance and independently assessed very good ANC and overall sound. Its trade-off is tonal accuracy: the bass is prominent and somewhat boomy, the midrange can be congested and hazy, and treble can sound sizzly and smeared. Because the app EQ has an audible effect, the headphone is easier to recommend to listeners willing to tune it than to anyone seeking a neutral, polished presentation out of the box.
Buy it when your priorities are battery life, noise reduction, multipoint, app controls and a wired option, and when you can confirm that the pads seal comfortably. If comfort, microphone performance or a particular sound balance is more important, audition it beside competing ANC headphones and make the decision on fit and listening rather than on the 65-hour headline alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Hesh 540 ANC support two devices at once?
Yes. Its multipoint feature keeps two devices connected so a call on one can interrupt streaming on the other, with playback resuming afterward. It is designed for switching, not for mixing both audio streams simultaneously.
Can I customize the Hesh 540 ANC’s sound without a computer?
Yes. The companion mobile app provides a five-band custom EQ and three presets, allowing adjustments from a supported phone. The change is especially useful if the default bass or treble emphasis is not to your taste.
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Is the 65-hour battery figure the runtime with ANC enabled?
No. The 65-hour maximum is Skullcandy’s claim with ANC turned off. The separate ANC-on claim is more than 50 hours, and both figures are manufacturer estimates from 2025 product materials.
Does the Hesh 540 ANC include a cable for airplane or wired use?
Yes. The package includes a removable 3.5 mm aux cable as well as a USB-C charging cable. The available information does not specify which ANC or processing functions operate when the battery is completely depleted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hesh 540 ANC support two devices at once?
Yes. Multipoint keeps two devices connected so a call on one can interrupt streaming on the other, then playback resumes. It is switching rather than simultaneous audio mixing.
Can I customize the Hesh 540 ANC’s sound without a computer?
Yes. The companion app offers a five-band custom EQ and three presets, so you can adjust the tuning from a supported phone.
Is the 65-hour battery figure the runtime with ANC enabled?
No. More than 65 hours is the claimed ANC-off maximum. Skullcandy separately claims more than 50 hours with ANC enabled.
Does the Hesh 540 ANC include a cable for wired use?
Yes. The box includes a removable 3.5 mm aux cable and a USB-C charging cable. The available specifications do not say which processing features work after the battery is fully depleted.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
