Over-Ear
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
84Great
$149
Full review dataAustrian Audio Hi-X15 vs Skullcandy Hesh ANC: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Austrian Audio Hi-X15 - Great overall at around $149.
Over-Ear
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
72Good
$135
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
Sound8.5
Value9.0
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
Sound6.5
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery8.5
Calls6.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Austrian Audio Hi-X15 | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $149 | $135 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2021 | 2019 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm |
| Driver size | 44 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 12Hz-24kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 25 Ω | 36 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 99.63 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 113 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 22 h |
| Battery incl. case | - | 22 h |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 3 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 255 g | 228 g |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Model code | - | Hesh 540 ANC |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 4 |
What reviewers said
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
The Austrian Hi-X15 is a wired over-ear headphone that brings studio-grade clarity and detail to a budget-friendly price point. Its lightweight, foldable build and low-impedance design make it a practical choice for on-the-go engineers, while the 44mm dynamic drivers deliver a balanced, revealing sound that suits tracking and mixing tasks. It offers impressive value for those seeking transparent monitoring without breaking the bank.
- Pro:Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Pro:Lightweight and foldable for portability
- Pro:Easy to drive with low impedance and high sensitivity
- Con:Lacks Bluetooth or multipoint connectivity
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Some technical specifications are not fully disclosed
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC offers solid active noise cancellation and a long-lasting battery at a budget-friendly price, making it a practical choice for everyday listening. Its sound leans toward bass-heavy with acceptable overall quality, though it lacks app support and premium features. Comfort is a plus, but it doesn't excel in any single area beyond value.
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation for the price
- Pro:Long battery life, especially with ANC off
- Pro:Comfortable over-ear fit
- Con:No app support for EQ or customization
- Con:Sound quality is decent but not top-tier
- Con:No Bluetooth multipoint connectivity
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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