Sesh Truly Wireless Specs, Features, and Value: Is it worth the price tag?

The Skullcandy Sesh Truly Wireless earbuds arrived as one of the more affordable entries in the true wireless market, pitched at buyers looking for a compact, sporty set of earbuds without a premium price. This review explains the Sesh’s core specifications, assesses real-world performance across listening and daily-use scenarios, and outlines who will get the most value from these earbuds. It also compares the Sesh to typical alternatives, lists pros and cons, and offers a practical buying guide so readers can decide whether the price tag matches their needs.

Quick specification summary

• Drivers: 6 mm dynamic drivers
• Battery life: Earbuds up to ~3 hours per charge; charging case adds ~7 hours (total ~10 hours)
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
• Codec support: SBC (no official AAC or aptX support)
• Microphone: Single microphone per earbud; supports phone calls and voice assistant activation
• Controls: Physical button controls on each earbud
• IP rating: IP55 (splash/sweat/dust resistant)
• Charging port: Micro-USB on original model
• Release date: Launched in 2019

Detailed product analysis

Design, fit, and build quality

The Sesh carries Skullcandy’s trademark bold design language in a compact package. The earbuds are small and relatively lightweight, which contributes to comfortable short- to medium-length wear. Unlike some pricier models that use soft-touch matte finishes or premium metal accents, the Sesh uses hard plastic with a glossy or semi-gloss finish depending on colorway. Button-based controls are durable and provide tactile feedback, but they can apply pressure to the ear canal if pressed during wear.

Fit is typical of stemless, true wireless buds with a shallow seal. For many users the fit is acceptable for walking, commuting, and light exercise; for intense workouts or running it depends on ear shape and which ear tips are used. Skullcandy includes multiple silicone tip sizes to help improve seal and stability. The IP55 rating means the Sesh is protected against sweat and light rain—suitable for gym sessions and outdoor runs, but not for submersion.

Sound quality and listening experience

Skullcandy’s tuning for the Sesh emphasizes a lively, fun sound signature: boosted low end and present midrange, with treble that is serviceable if not highly detailed. The 6 mm drivers produce good perceived bass for the price—enough for pop, hip-hop, and many podcast listeners who prioritize punch over resolution. Critical listeners or those who want a more balanced, analytical sound will notice limitations in high-frequency clarity, instrument separation, and soundstage width compared with midrange or premium earbuds.

Volume capability is adequate for noisy environments, though pushing the volume to extremes can introduce distortion and reduce detail. Because codec support is limited to SBC, bitrate and wireless fidelity are constrained compared with devices using AAC or aptX. In practice, SBC is fine for casual listening and streaming, but audiophiles or users watching synchronized video content may notice small lag or lower fidelity compared to higher-codec devices.

Battery life and charging

One of the most notable weaknesses of the Sesh is battery life. Each earbud provides roughly three hours of continuous playback on a single charge; the compact charging case provides about two additional full charges for a combined total of roughly ten hours. For commuters or users who want long on-the-go listening without frequent charging, that total will be limited compared to newer budget and midrange models that routinely reach 20–30+ hours with the case.

The original Sesh charging case uses a micro-USB port rather than USB-C, which matters to buyers who prefer modern reversible charging cables. Charging is straightforward, but users who depend on long battery life or rapid top-ups should consider competitors with longer run time or faster charging.

Connectivity and call performance

Bluetooth 5.0 provides reliable range and reconnection behavior on modern phones and laptops. Pairing is simple and stable for basic use; however, the Sesh generally lacks an advanced companion app, memory for many paired devices, and multipoint connections common on higher-end models.

Call quality is serviceable in quiet indoor environments. The single microphone on each earbud captures voice adequately for short calls and casual use. In windy outdoor or noisy gym settings, call clarity and background-noise handling are only average; the Sesh does not include advanced beamforming or multi-mic noise cancellation hardware found on premium earbuds. Buyers who rely heavily on clear phone calls or frequent outdoor conferencing should temper expectations.

Controls, features, and ecosystem

Controls are physical push buttons located on each bud. They provide play/pause, track skip, call answer/end, and voice assistant activation depending on how long the button is pressed. Button controls are dependable and avoid accidental inputs that sometimes plague touch controls, but they are less seamless and can be uncomfortable when pressing during wear.

The Sesh lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), ambient pass-through, or an EQ app for personal tuning. For buyers who want a minimalist, straightforward listening experience and a lower price, the lack of these extras is acceptable; for those who want customizable sound or advanced features, it’s a limitation.

Durability and long-term ownership

With an IP55 rating and simple mechanical design, the Sesh is generally rugged enough for daily activities, gym workouts, and rainy commutes. The plastic construction can accumulate scratches over time, and the micro-USB port is more prone to wear than modern USB-C connectors. Battery degradation over a few years is expected; given the modest battery capacity, buyers should anticipate shorter runtimes as the product ages.

Real-world use cases: who should consider the Sesh?

• Budget-minded commuters: Someone who wants a low-cost pair of true wireless earbuds for short train or bus journeys, podcasts, and casual music listening will appreciate the Sesh’s compactness and straightforward operation.
• Gym users and casual exercisers: The IP55 rating and secure-ish fit make the Sesh a practical choice for gym sessions, indoor cycling, or short outdoor runs, provided the user selects ear tips that improve stability.
• First-time true wireless buyers: For shoppers upgrading from wired earbuds and who want an inexpensive entry into the true wireless ecosystem, the Sesh covers core features without a steep learning curve.
• Not ideal for: Long-haul travelers needing multi-day battery life, audiophiles seeking high-resolution sound, professionals who require excellent call quality in noisy environments, and gamers seeking ultra-low latency performance.

Comparison: Sesh Truly Wireless vs typical alternatives

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Very affordable entry price for true wireless form factor
  • Compact, lightweight earbuds that are comfortable for many users
  • IP55 rating makes them sweat- and dust-resistant for workouts
  • Simple, reliable physical-button controls
  • Sound profile favors bass and punch—satisfying for casual listeners
• Cons:
  • Short battery life per charge and modest total runtime
  • Limited codec support (SBC only), which constrains wireless audio fidelity
  • No active noise cancellation, ambient mode, or companion app
  • Call quality is only average in noisy environments
  • Charging case uses micro-USB on the original model (not USB-C)

Buying guide: what to prioritize and why

1. Determine typical daily usage

Before choosing the Sesh or any other earbuds, buyers should assess how long and where they will use them. For short commutes, gym visits, podcasts, and casual listening, the Sesh’s battery and feature set are often sufficient. For longer flights, extended workdays, or frequent multi-hour use without access to charging, a model with longer battery life and faster case-based recharges will be a better match.

2. Consider fit and stability

True wireless earbuds vary dramatically in how they fit individual ears. The Sesh includes multiple tip sizes, but its shallow seal design may not suit everyone for running or high-intensity workouts. If stability during vigorous movement is a priority, look for models with ear hooks, wing tips, or deeper in-ear seals.

3. Prioritize call quality if needed

For users who take a lot of voice calls—particularly in noisy environments—microphone quality and noise suppression are essential. The Sesh provides passable call performance indoors, but anyone who needs consistently clean voice pickup should consider earbuds with multi-mic beamforming or dedicated call-optimization features.

4. Evaluate codec and audio fidelity needs

SBC is serviceable for streaming music and podcasts, but it doesn’t deliver the same bitrate efficiency as AAC or aptX. If the buyer cares about higher wireless fidelity or intends to use the earbuds with devices that support advanced codecs, consider models that explicitly list AAC or aptX support.

5. Look for modern conveniences

USB-C charging, companion apps for EQ, multipoint pairing, and active noise cancellation are features that many users find valuable. The Sesh intentionally omits these to keep costs down. Decide which conveniences are must-haves and which can be sacrificed for a lower price.

6. Check warranty and replacement options

Budget earbuds are often replaced rather than repaired, but checking warranty terms and Skullcandy’s customer support policies is wise. For buyers who expect heavy daily use, a longer warranty or easy replacement program can be an important factor.

Price-to-value assessment

The Sesh is best understood as a value-oriented product that prioritizes affordability and basic functionality. Where it delivers clear value is in offering a true wireless experience—wire-free convenience, a compact charging case, and a sound signature tailored to mainstream tastes—at a much lower upfront cost than many alternatives. On the flip side, the Sesh makes trade-offs: limited battery life, fewer codecs and features, and basic call performance. These compromises are acceptable for budget shoppers and casual listeners, but they reduce the long-term value for heavy users, commuters on long trips, or those who want advanced features like ANC and app-driven sound shaping.

Final verdict

The Skullcandy Sesh Truly Wireless earbuds represent a sensible option for buyers who want a straightforward, inexpensive entry into the true wireless world. They deliver punchy sound, durable physical controls, and basic workout-friendly durability, which will satisfy many commuters, gym-goers, and first-time wireless-earbud buyers. However, the limited battery life, modest call performance, and lack of advanced features mean they are not the best long-term choice for users who prioritize extended runtime, high-fidelity audio, or busy remote-work call environments.

In short: the Sesh is worth the price tag for someone who values low cost, portability, and simplicity above advanced features and extended battery life. For buyers who need longer listening times, better call quality, or more sophisticated feature sets, it is worth spending a bit more on a midrange option that offers modern conveniences such as USB-C, longer case runtime, or active noise cancellation.

Conclusion

The Sesh Truly Wireless provides a clear and honest value proposition: an affordable, no-frills true wireless earbud with enough sound, durability, and convenience for many everyday situations. Buyers should weigh the Sesh’s limitations—particularly battery life and lack of high-end codecs—against their personal listening and calling habits. For casual users and budget-focused shoppers, Skullcandy’s Sesh can be a practical and pleasing choice; for those who demand more from their earbuds, stepping up to a higher tier will yield noticeable improvements.