The Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless are budget-friendly headphones. Although they have a simple design, they feel durable and can passively block out a good amount of noise like office chatter around you. Out-of-the-box, they have a bass-heavy sound profile that delivers intense thump and boom. While some users may find they sound very muddy, they come with a couple of EQ presets built-in to help you adjust their sound. Unfortunately, their roughly 4.7-hour continuous battery life may not be enough to get you through your day, though their case holds three additional charges.
Our Verdict
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are fair for neutral listening. Once you find the right-sized ear tips, they deliver audio with exceptional consistency. Unfortunately, their overemphasized bass response and slightly recessed treble generate a somewhat unbalanced sound profile. Thankfully, mids are accurately reproduced, so vocals and leads should sound present and clear.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Bad passive soundstage.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are good for commuting and travel. They're small, lightweight, and very portable, so you can put them in most pockets or bags when you're on the go. They also have a comfortable fit for long trips. However, they struggle to passively block out the low rumble of bus or plane engines, and their roughly 4.7-hour battery life may not last through long days on the go.
- Dense plastic build.
- Good passive noise isolation.
- Relatively short continuous battery life.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are a very good choice for sports and fitness. They have a stable fit and weigh very little, so they should stay in your ears while you're out running. If you like to keep aware of your surroundings, you can use one earbud in 'Mono' mode as the other stays in its case. They also have good build quality, and they're rated IP55 for dust and water resistance, though we don't currently test for that.
- Stable fit.
- Dense plastic build.
- Control scheme requires many inputs.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are alright for office use. They leak very little audio, so you can listen to your music at high volumes without fear of disrupting your coworkers. They're also quite effective at filtering out workplace chatter. Unfortunately, they don't last all that long on a single charge, and you may need to recharge them fairly often.
- Good passive noise isolation.
- Outstanding audio leakage performance.
- Relatively short continuous battery life.
- High wireless latency on PC and iOS devices.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo aren't recommended for wireless gaming. While you can connect them to a Bluetooth-enabled PC, the latency is likely to be too high for gaming. They also aren't compatible with Xbox One or PS4 consoles.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are Bluetooth-only earbuds and can't be used wired.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are middling for phone calls. Their integrated mic does an adequate job of recording your voice, but it sounds a bit thin and muffled. The mic also struggles to separate your voice from moderate ambient noise around you. That said, while the buds struggle to block out bass-range noise like the rumble of bus engines, they can cut down a significant amount of noise like office chatter.
- Good passive noise isolation.
- Poor microphone noise handling capability.
- Mediocre microphone recording quality.
Changelog
- Updated Oct 02, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds/Buds XT True Wireless in Recording Quality.
- Updated Apr 25, 2023: Added a comparison to the Skullcandy Sesh ANC True Wireless in the Noise Isolationbox.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Jun 16, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are available in four different color schemes: 'True Black', 'Bleached Blue', 'Pure Mint', and 'Deep Red'. We tested the 'True Black' variant, and you can see their label here. We expect the other color variants to perform similarly overall. If someone comes across a differently configured variant, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are simple true wireless headphones that are a very good fit for sports and fitness. Their stable fit, sturdy construction, and bass-heavy sound profile make them suitable for taking to the gym or out running. Unfortunately, their unbalanced sound profile may not be ideal for all users, and their continuous battery life is a little on the short side.
If you're looking for other options, take a look at our list of recommendations of the best wireless earbuds for running and working out, the best cheap wireless earbuds, and the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds.
The Skullcandy Indy Evo True Wireless and the Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless perform quite similarly despite their differing designs. The Indy Evo have a talk-through feature, provide a more neutral bass response, and have a superior integrated microphone. The Sesh Evo offer much better battery performance, block out more ambient noise, leak less audio, and have a better-balanced treble response.
The Skullcandy Dime True Wireless are slightly better headphones than the Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless. The Dime have a more neutral sound profile out of the box, which some users may prefer, and their integrated mic offers better overall performance. However, the Sesh Evo are more comfortable and isolate more noise passively. They also have better battery performance and have a couple of built-in EQ presets.
The Skullcandy Sesh ANC True Wireless are better earbuds than the Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless. The Sesh ANC are an updated version of the Sesh Evo and come with new features, like ANC and compatibility with a companion app, allowing you to change the ANC settings and fine-tune the mix using a graphic EQ and presets. The Sesh Evo don't have a customizable sound profile and can't isolate you from as much noise since they don't have ANC. Their battery also doesn't last as long despite their more stripped-back features — nearly five hours continuously compared to the Sesh ANC's nearly eight hours. However, their default sound profile is much more bass-heavy, which you will prefer if you listen to EDM or hip-hop.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless are better for mixed usage than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation). The Skullcandy have an easier-to-use and more comprehensive control scheme, a more stable fit, a more consistent audio delivery, and far better noise isolation capability. They also have a longer continuous battery life and a couple of EQ presets built-in. That said, the Apple earbuds provide a more open and spacious listening experience, are better built, and are more comfortable to wear. They have a case that yields a longer total battery life, with five additional charges compared to the Skullcandy's three.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless and Skullcandy Push Truly Wireless have different strengths. The Sesh Evo are better built, block out more ambient noise, leak less audio, and have longer total battery life. The Push, meanwhile, last longer on a single charge and have a microphone with better noise-handling capability.
The Skullcandy Sesh Truly Wireless and the Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless, are, unsurprisingly, very closely matched. The Evo have a case that supports wireless charging, switchable EQ modes, and a longer continuous battery life, not to mention a more neutral bass response. However, the Sesh have an integrated mic with superior noise-handling capability and a better-balanced treble response.
The Skullcandy Jib True Wireless and the Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless have different strengths and depending on your usage, you may prefer either one. While both headphones are comfortable the Jib True have a longer-lasting continuous battery life and a better overall integrated mic performance. However, the Sesh Evo have a more stable fit and EQ presets built-in.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless are a bit better headphones for mixed usage than the Skullcandy Spoke True Wireless. The Sesh Evo are more comfortable and have better noise isolation. They also come with some EQ presets built-in. However, the Spoke's microphone has a better recording quality, and they have a longer continuous battery life.
The Skullcandy Grind Fuel True Wireless are better for most purposes than the Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless. The Grind Fuel have a more neutral sound profile that some may prefer, better app support, a longer continuous battery life, and a better overall mic performance. They also have a 'Skull-iQ' feature that gives you access to voice commands. On the other hand, some may like the Sesh Evo's more bass-heavy default sound profile. They also have a better noise isolation performance.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless and the Skullcandy Dime 2 True Wireless are similarly performing in-ear headphones. While both headphones are well-built, the Sesh Evo are more comfortable, can block more background noise, and have longer continuous battery life. However, the Dime 2 have a standby mode to conserve battery life when you're not using them. They also support Tile, a secondary app that allows you to track your earbuds if you lose them.
The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds/Buds XT True Wireless and the Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless are similar wallet-friendly earbuds for on-the-go use. However, the Smokin' Buds are more suited to commuting, traveling, and office use thanks to their eight hours of continuous battery life. They also have superior microphone recording quality and better noise-handling performance, making them a more natural choice for taking calls.
We've upgraded our Headphones Test Bench to 2.0! This update brings several key changes to our tests and usages, making it easier than ever to interpret our sound results based on your personal preferences. You'll also find a brand-new interactive graph tool featuring multiple targets (including our own!) for you to explore and compare.
For a full breakdown, check out our changelog, which includes detailed commentary from our test designer explaining the rationale behind our update.
We'd also love to hear your thoughts: your feedback helps us keep improving, so join us in the comments!
Test Results
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are simple-looking truly wireless headphones that look similar to the Skullcandy Sesh Truly Wireless. They don't stick out too far from your ear. They also come in a few different colors, so you can find a look that suits you: black, blue, mint, and red.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are decently comfortable. They don't enter your ear too deeply, and once you find the right-sized ear tips, they don't put too much pressure on the inside of your ear canal. You should also be aware that using the multi-function button forces the buds further into your ear, which can be annoying. The buds themselves are also a little on the bulky side, and you might start to feel a little discomfort in the outer ear region.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo have an alright physical control scheme. It relies entirely on multi-press inputs on the buds' multi-function button, with one tap of either bud pausing and playing media and answering calls, three taps to turn on your phone's voice assistant, and four taps to change the EQ preset. Turning up the volume requires a double-tap of the right bud while turning it down requires the same input on the left unit. Holding down the left and right bud skips tracks backward and forwards, respectively. You can receive voice prompts for powering the headphones on and off, successful Bluetooth pairing, and activating the voice assistant.
Like most truly wireless headphones, the Skullcandy Sesh Evo are outstandingly portable. They can easily be carried in your pocket, though their case is a little on the tall side.
These truly wireless headphones have a great charging case. It's made of hard, dense plastic and feels sturdy enough to protect the buds from minor drops and bumps. It features four indicator lights on its exterior to show current battery life. It also supports wireless charging.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are well-built. While their all-plastic construction doesn't seem especially premium, the buds and case still feel quite sturdy and should survive a couple of small drops and bumps. The buds are also rated IP55 for dust and water resistance, though this isn't something we currently test for.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo have a stable fit. Although they lack stability fins, they should stay put in your ears during moderate physical exercise. However, they aren't as stable as in-ears like the Mpow M30 Truly Wireless.
- Skullcandy Sesh Evo headphones
- Wireless charging case
- USB-C to USB-A charging cable
- 3x ear tips
- Manuals
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo have a very bass-heavy sound profile. They deliver intense thump, rumble, and boom, which is well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop. However, some users may find their sound muddies and darkens vocals and lead instruments. Luckily, they have three different EQ presets that you can use to adjust them to your liking: 'Music', which is the default EQ that we tested, 'Movie', and 'Podcast'.
Their frequency response consistency is outstanding. As long as you achieve a proper fit with the included assortment of ear tip sizes, you should get consistent audio delivery every time you wear them.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo's bass accuracy is okay. It's very overemphasized but flat throughout the range. This should please EDM and hip-hop fans, as they deliver intense thump, punch, and boom. However, some listeners may find this sound muddies the vocals and lead instruments of other genres.
The headphones have great mid-accuracy. While the low-mids are slightly overemphasized, which muddies your mix, the rest of the range is quite neutral. Vocals and lead instruments are also present and detailed in the mix.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo have okay treble accuracy. The response is underemphasized across the entire range, so vocals and lead instruments may lack detail while sibilants sound dull and somewhat lispy.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo's peaks and dips performance is excellent. There are a few small peaks and dips, but they're minor. A small peak in the high-bass to the low-mid can sound boomy or muddy, and a dip in the mid-mid nudges vocals and lead instruments to the back of the mix. The peak in the low to mid-treble adds brightness but can make sibilants sound harsh or piercing.
The stereo imaging performance of these headphones is excellent. Their weighted group delay falls entirely beneath the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble. The L/R drivers are also very well-matched in amplitude, frequency, and phase response, meaning that objects are accurately placed in the stereo image. That said, these results are only valid for our unit, and yours may perform differently.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo have a terrible passive soundstage, which is normal for in-ear headphones. They bypass any interaction with the outer ear, which is important in creating an outdoor speaker-like listening experience. They have a closed-back design, so sound seems like it's coming from the inside of your head instead of all around you.
The weighted harmonic distortion performance is decent. While most of the range falls within good limits, you may encounter some distortion throughout the treble range, more so at moderate volumes. However, it shouldn't be too noticeable for most listeners.
These are the settings used to test the Skullcandy Sesh Evo. We used the 'Music' EQ preset because it's the default setting. Also, the microphone tests were performed with a Bluetooth 4.2 dongle instead of our traditional Bluetooth 5.0 due to connectivity issues. Our results are only valid when the headphones are in this configuration.
These in-ears have a good noise isolation performance. While they struggle to passively reduce the low rumbles of bus and plane engines, they do a significantly better job of cutting down office chatter. They can also block out high-pitched noise like the hum of an AC unit. If you're looking for better ANC, check out the Skullcandy Sesh ANC True Wireless.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo have an exceptional leakage performance. Thanks to their in-ear design, they leak almost no sound. If you like to listen to your favorite songs at a high volume, those around you shouldn't be able to hear it, even in a quiet environment.
These in-ears have an integrated microphone.
Note: During our microphone tests, we experienced issues correctly connecting the headphones to our Bluetooth 5.0 dongle. As a result, the 'Recording Quality' and 'Noise Handling' tests were completed using a Bluetooth 4.2 dongle rather than the Bluetooth 5.0 dongle used in regular testing.
The integrated microphone has an adequate recording quality. Your voice sounds natural, although a bit thin and muffled. If you're looking for budget earbuds with a better integrated microphone, check out the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds/Buds XT True Wireless.
The integrated mic has poor noise handling. People on the other end of the line may have trouble understanding you, even in a slightly noisy environment.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo have sub-par battery performance. They last around 4.7 hours on a single charge, far less than alternatives like the Boltune BT-BH024 Truly Wireless. However, battery performance depends on your usage, so your real-life experience may vary. That said, their carrying case holds roughly three additional charges. You can also use one bud while the other one charges, although you won't be able to access controls like volume or track skipping.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo don't have a companion app. However, they're Tile-enabled, which allows you to find them if they're ever misplaced using the Tile app.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo have reasonable Bluetooth connectivity. They're Bluetooth 5.0-compatible but don't support NFC or multi-device pairing, which is annoying if you like to switch between listening to content on your phone and computer. They also have high audio latency on PC and especially iOS devices, which can be quite disruptive when gaming or streaming videos. That said, they perform decently well on Android devices. Apps and devices compensate for latency differently, so your real-world experience may vary.
Update 04/21/2021: Some users have experienced issues with their carrying case not charging after using a different USB-C cable than the one included in the box. We tried charging the case with three USB-C to USB-A cables from different manufacturers, and we got the case to charge. That said, you may experience an issue if you use a charging cable over 1A. However, we can't confirm this.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo are wireless-only, and you can't use them with a wired connection. They come with a USB-C to USB-A cable to charge their case.
These in-ears are Bluetooth-only and can't connect to Xbox One consoles.
The Skullcandy Sesh Evo come with a case that provides around three additional charges. It also features four indicator lights to indicate the remaining charge. You can recharge the case wirelessly or via a USB-C to USB-A cable.