Skullcandy Sesh True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds Review

Overview

The Skullcandy Sesh True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds are a budget-friendly entry into the truly wireless market, designed for users who want the convenience of cordless listening without spending a premium. Available in the Indigo colorway and other variants, these earbuds have been on the market since late 2019 and continue to draw significant attention, with over 41,000 ratings on Amazon averaging 4.1 out of 5 stars. Best Buy’s customer data tells a similar story, with nearly 2,000 reviews landing at a 4.0 average and 77 percent of buyers saying they would recommend them to a friend.

At first glance, the Sesh package looks promising. Skullcandy markets the earbuds with Bluetooth 5.0, IP55 water and dust resistance, a charging case, and a claimed 10 hours of total battery life. The brand’s reputation for bold design and accessible pricing makes these a natural pick for first-time true wireless buyers or those upgrading from wired earbuds. But the real-world experience, as both customer reviews and expert testing reveal, is more nuanced than the marketing suggests.

Design and Build

The Sesh earbuds are compact and lightweight, weighing just 59.5 grams for the pair. They sit relatively flush in the ear canal, which multiple reviewers have noted as a positive trait compared to bulkier competitors. The earbuds come with three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L), giving users flexibility to dial in a secure and comfortable seal.

The charging case, however, is a different story. At 106 grams, it is noticeably larger than what many users expect from a pair of small in-ear buds. Several reviewers describe it as bulky, with one calling it “chonky” and comparing it unfavorably to more compact cases from other brands. It is not pocket-friendly by most accounts and is better suited for a desk, purse, or backpack. The case features a magnetic lid and four LED indicators on the front to show charge status. Charging the case itself takes about 105 minutes via the included micro-USB cable, which is short but functional.

Build quality appears solid from customer feedback. The materials feel “fine to the touch,” as one reviewer described, and the overall presentation in the box is praised. The included USB cable even features the Skullcandy skull logo, a small touch that reinforces the brand identity. The IP55 rating means the earbuds can handle sweat, water splashes, and dust, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the Sesh earbuds earn the most praise. Best Buy’s feature ratings show sound quality at 3.5 out of 5, with 887 customers specifically calling it out as a positive. The earbuds use 6mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 20kHz, and Skullcandy’s typical tuning philosophy leans toward a bass-forward signature.

RTINGS characterizes the sound profile as “bass-heavy,” adding thump and punch to audio content. Their review notes that while the bass-heavy profile may be overwhelming for some listeners, the balanced mid-range keeps vocals and lead instruments present in the mix. One Amazon reviewer described the sound as “remarkably good” with “pounding bass and depth of sound” that was an unexpected surprise at the price point. Another reviewer noted that the bass was “moderate” rather than overwhelming.

However, not everyone is impressed. Some reviewers describe the sound as “tinny” and lacking in bass, which is unusual for a Skullcandy product. One reviewer noted that the audio quality felt “unbalanced” with a slight echo-like quality and distortion at higher volumes. The headphonecheck.com review describes the sound as “powerfully tuned to the bass” and “good, punchy sound,” which aligns more with the positive assessments.

The soundstage and imaging are adequate for the price range but not exceptional. RTINGS notes that the Sesh are “acceptable for neutral sound” but lack the customization options found in more expensive competitors. Without a companion app for the original Sesh model (the later Sesh ANC variant added app support with a graphic EQ), users cannot fine-tune the sound signature to their preference.

Battery Life

Battery life is the most frequently criticized aspect of the Sesh earbuds. Skullcandy claims 10 hours of total battery life, but this figure represents the combined runtime of the earbuds plus recharges from the case. The earbuds themselves deliver approximately 3 to 3.7 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, depending on volume level and audio content.

RTINGS measured 3.7 hours of continuous battery life, while headphonecheck.com found just under three hours. The charging case provides approximately two additional recharges, bringing the total to over 10 hours. However, the recharge time for the earbuds inside the case is about 90 minutes, which is notably slow compared to competitors that offer quick-charge features. There is no fast-charge function on the original Sesh model.

Multiple customers expressed frustration with the battery claims. One reviewer noted that the buds “run for about 3 hours then need to be charged in the case for about an hour,” questioning whether the 10-hour claim is misleading. Another reviewer pointed out that they could not get a full work shift of continuous playback from the buds. A third reviewer found that their case stopped charging one of the earbuds after about a year of use.

For users who listen to music or podcasts for extended periods, the 3-hour limit is a significant constraint. Those who use the earbuds primarily for calls or short listening sessions may find the battery life adequate. Best Buy’s feature ratings reflect this concern, with battery life scoring 3.3 out of 5 and 221 customers citing it as a negative.

Connectivity and Controls

Connectivity is the second most common complaint among Sesh users. Bluetooth 5.0 should theoretically provide a stable connection, but numerous reviewers report intermittent disconnections, particularly with the right earbud. One reviewer described consistent audio dropouts when outdoors, with the phone just three feet away in their pocket. Another experienced constant dropouts on the right ear both at home and at the gym, with no resolution despite trying multiple troubleshooting steps.

The issue appears to be environment-dependent. Indoor use in quiet spaces tends to be more reliable, while outdoor use in urban environments with significant wireless signal interference leads to more frequent disconnections. One reviewer purchased a replacement pair and experienced the same problems, ultimately switching to a different brand for more reliable connectivity. Best Buy’s connectivity rating of 3.4 out of 5, with 109 customers citing connection issues as a negative, confirms this is a widespread concern.

The control scheme uses physical buttons rather than touch controls, which some users find a positive feature because it eliminates accidental pauses from adjusting the buds in the ear. However, the buttons require a firm press, and several reviewers noted that repeatedly pressing them can cause ear discomfort. The volume control scheme is unconventional: double-clicking the right bud raises volume and double-clicking the left bud lowers it, rather than the more common press-and-hold method. This means adjusting volume by several levels requires multiple rapid presses, which is impractical for many users.

The control mapping is as follows: a single press on either bud pauses or plays music, or answers and ends calls. Press and hold the right bud for 2 seconds to skip forward, and the left bud for 2 seconds to skip backward. Triple-clicking either bud activates the device’s voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa). The left earbud is the master bud, meaning it can be used independently in mono mode, but the right bud cannot be used alone.

Microphone Performance

The built-in microphone is functional but far from impressive. One reviewer noted that the microphone picks up ambient noise such as traffic and running water, making it difficult for callers to hear the user clearly. Best Buy’s customer ratings do not include a specific microphone score, but the overall connectivity and ease-of-use ratings suggest that call quality is adequate but not a standout feature. For users who take frequent calls, the microphone quality may be a limiting factor.

What Customers Are Saying

The 17 detailed Amazon reviews paint a picture of a product that divides its users. Those who are happy with the Sesh earbuds praise the sound quality, comfortable fit, and straightforward pairing process. Several reviewers noted that the earbuds were easier to set up than other true wireless options they had tried, making them a good choice for first-time users. The IP55 rating and sweat resistance are appreciated by gym-goers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The negative reviews cluster around three main issues. First, connectivity problems, particularly with the right earbud dropping out, are the most frequently cited complaint. Multiple reviewers described this issue persisting even after replacing their pair. Second, battery life falls short of expectations, with users finding the 3-hour runtime insufficient for their daily listening habits. Third, durability concerns emerged, with several reviewers reporting that one or both earbuds stopped functioning after a few weeks to a few months of use.

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Fit is another point of contention. While many users find the earbuds comfortable and secure, some reported that the buds fell out easily even with the smallest ear tips. One reviewer described the buds getting loose simply from walking around the house or talking. The physical button controls drew mixed reactions, with some appreciating the reliability of physical buttons and others frustrated by the discomfort of pressing them repeatedly.

The charging case size is a consistent negative. Multiple reviewers noted that the case is disproportionately large for the small earbuds it contains, making it inconvenient to carry. The micro-USB charging standard, while still functional, is dated compared to the USB-C standard that has become prevalent in newer earbuds.

Pros and Cons

Sound quality is generally praised, with a bass-forward signature that suits many music genres and the price point.
Comfortable fit for many users, with three ear tip sizes included and a low-profile design that sits flush in the ear.
IP55 water and dust resistance makes these suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Easy pairing process, with automatic pairing mode when the buds are removed from the case.
Bluetooth 5.0 provides a modern wireless standard with a range of up to 30 feet.
2-year limited warranty offers better coverage than many competitors at this price point.
Affordable price positions these as an accessible entry into truly wireless audio.
Connectivity issues are widespread, with multiple users reporting intermittent disconnections, particularly outdoors.
Battery life of approximately 3 hours per charge is limiting for extended listening sessions.
Slow charging time of about 90 minutes for the earbuds and 105 minutes for the case is below average.
Bulky charging case is inconvenient to carry and disproportionate to the earbuds’ size.
Physical button controls can cause ear discomfort with repeated use and use an unconventional volume scheme.
Microphone quality is mediocre, with significant ambient noise pickup during calls.
Durability concerns with some units failing within weeks or months of purchase.
No companion app for sound customization on the original Sesh model.
Micro-USB charging is outdated compared to USB-C.

Verdict

The Skullcandy Sesh True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds are a mixed bag that delivers on some promises and falls short on others. For the price, the sound quality is genuinely good, with a bass-heavy signature that many listeners will enjoy. The fit is comfortable for most users, and the IP55 rating adds practical value for active users. The easy pairing process and 2-year warranty are welcome touches that make ownership less stressful.

However, the connectivity issues are a serious concern. If you plan to use these earbuds outdoors, in urban environments, or anywhere with significant wireless signal interference, you may experience frustrating dropouts that undermine the entire wireless experience. The battery life, while not technically misrepresented by Skullcandy’s 10-hour total claim, is practically limiting at just over 3 hours per charge. The slow recharge time and bulky case further diminish the convenience that true wireless earbuds are supposed to offer.

These earbuds are best suited for users who primarily listen indoors, have shorter listening sessions, and prioritize sound quality and comfort over connectivity reliability and battery longevity. For commuters, runners, and anyone who needs consistent wireless performance throughout the day, the Sesh may not deliver enough. The later Sesh ANC model addresses some of these gaps with active noise cancellation and app support, but the original Sesh remains a product of its time and budget constraints.

If you are considering the Sesh, look for them at a discount. At full price, there are alternatives in the same range that offer better connectivity and battery life. At a steep discount, the sound quality and build make them a reasonable choice for casual listening. Just be aware of the known issues before you buy, and keep your warranty documentation handy.

Specifications

Brand: Skullcandy
Product Name: Sesh True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds
Color: Indigo
ASIN: B07VS4GKQT
Connection Type: Bluetooth 5.0
Driver Diameter: 6mm
Impedance: 16 Ohms ±15%
THD: <3% at 1KHz
Sound Pressure Level: 99-105dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
Weight (earbuds): 59.5g
Weight (case): 106g
Battery Life (earbuds): Approximately 3 hours
Battery Life (total with case): 10 hours
Charging Time (earbuds): Approximately 90 minutes
Charging Time (case): Approximately 105 minutes
Charging Port: Micro-USB
Water/Dust Resistance: IP55
Ear Tips Included: S, M, L
Controls: Physical buttons
Voice Assistant Support: Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa
Warranty: 2-year limited
Bluetooth Range: Up to 30 feet (10 meters)
Master Earbud: Left

Skullcandy Sesh True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds - Indigo

Bluetooth wireless technology
10 hours of total battery
IP55 sweat, water, and dust resistant