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Alienware Pro Wireless vs Skullcandy Hesh® 540 ANC: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Alienware Pro Wireless comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Alienware Pro Wireless - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Alienware Pro Wireless leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • Skullcandy Hesh® 540 ANC
HearWiki score
86
77
Sound
8.7
7.4
Noise cancelling
8.1
7.4
Battery
9.1
9.3
Calls
8.7
7.0
Value
8.6
8.0
Price (USD)
$120
$120

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Both shipped in 2024. The Skullcandy Hesh® 540 ANC edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds Multipoint pairing.

  • Pro Wireless2024
  • Hesh® 540 ANC2024
What differsPro WirelessHesh® 540 ANC

Platform

Top codec
SBC
AAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, USB-C, Transparency mode.

Specifications

Pro WirelessHesh® 540 ANC
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$120
HearWiki score
86
77
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm driver
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
119.4 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Battery life
70 h
65 h
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
50 h
Full charge time
-
60 min
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
10 min → 4 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
-
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
-
both
Weight
310 g
248 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Clamp force
365 g
-
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
2
4
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Alienware Pro Wireless

Its leatherette pads and moderate 310g weight aim for comfort during long sessions, while the 2.4GHz wireless option and USB-C charging add versatility for desk and on-the-go use. Sound quality is generally strong, but the microphone performance and a single SBC codec limit keep it from being a flawless all-rounder.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads for long wear
  • Pro:Active noise cancellation and transparency mode included
  • Con:Microphone quality is underwhelming for the price
  • Con:Only SBC codec support limits high-res wireless audio
  • Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching

Skullcandy Hesh® 540 ANC

The Skullcandy Hesh 540 ANC is a wireless over-ear headphone that combines hybrid active noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery, offering up to 50 hours of playback with ANC enabled and 65 hours without. It features Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, a 40 mm dynamic driver, and a foldable design, making it a practical choice for everyday listening. With support for AAC and SBC codecs, a built-in EQ, and a lightweight 248 g frame, it aims to balance performance and comfort at a budget-friendly price.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Hybrid ANC effectively reduces ambient noise
  • Pro:Supports multipoint for seamless device switching
  • Con:Only SBC and AAC codecs, no aptX or LDAC
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Some sonic quirks reported in sound reproduction

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonAlienware Pro WirelessSkullcandy Hesh® 540 ANC