Skullcandy Method 360 ANC Review: Should You Try This?

The audio market has been buzzing with excitement since Skullcandy dropped their Method 360 ANC earbuds, and for good reason. These aren’t just another pair of budget earbuds trying to compete with premium brands.

The earbuds feature several standout elements that set them apart from both Skullcandy’s previous offerings and other budget competitors. The active noise cancellation system promises to block out unwanted ambient noise effectively.

But do these earbuds live up to their ambitious promises? Can they really deliver Bose-quality sound and noise cancellation at their current price point?

Key Takeaways

• Bose Partnership Delivers Real Value: The collaboration with Bose isn’t just marketing speak. These earbuds genuinely benefit from Bose’s audio tuning expertise, resulting in sound quality that punches well above their price range. The noise cancellation technology shows clear Bose DNA in its effectiveness.
• Exceptional Battery Life Performance: With up to 40 hours total playtime (11 hours from earbuds plus 29 hours from the case), these earbuds easily outlast most competitors in their price category. Even with ANC enabled, you still get 32 hours total, which is impressive for budget-friendly earbuds.
• Unique Clip-Anywhere Case Design: The charging case features an innovative clip design that allows you to attach it anywhere, making it incredibly convenient for active users. This practical approach sets them apart from traditional case designs that can be easily misplaced.
• Strong Water Resistance for Active Lifestyles: The IPX4 rating means these earbuds can handle sweat, rain, and moisture without concern. This makes them particularly suitable for gym sessions, outdoor activities, and daily commutes in various weather conditions.
• App-Driven Customization Options: The Skull-iQ app provides extensive customization options including EQ settings, ANC intensity adjustment, and Stay-Aware mode. This level of control is typically found in much more expensive earbuds, giving users the ability to tailor their listening experience precisely.

Design and Build Quality

The Method 360 ANC immediately catches attention with their distinctive design language that screams Skullcandy from every angle. The earbuds feature a bold, angular aesthetic that breaks away from the minimalist approach favored by many competitors. The matte black finish feels premium to the touch, while the subtle Skullcandy branding adds character without being overwhelming.

The most striking design element is undoubtedly the charging case. Unlike traditional rounded cases, the Method 360 ANC comes with a clip-anywhere design that allows you to attach it to bags, belts, or clothing. This practical approach addresses a common pain point with wireless earbuds: losing the charging case. The clip mechanism feels sturdy and secure, though it does add some bulk compared to more compact alternatives.

Build quality impresses across the board. The earbuds feel solid in hand, with no creaking or flexing when handled. The IPX4 water resistance rating provides peace of mind for active users, though it’s worth noting this isn’t quite as robust as some sports-focused alternatives. The charging pins are well-protected, and the case lid closes with a satisfying magnetic snap.

The earbuds themselves feature a comfortable in-ear design with three sizes of silicone ear tips included. The fit is secure without being uncomfortable, and the angled nozzle design helps with both comfort and noise isolation. The touch controls are responsive, though they require a bit of practice to master the various gestures.

One minor criticism is the overall size of the earbuds. They protrude slightly more from the ears than some competitors, which might not appeal to users who prefer a more discreet look. However, this design choice contributes to the secure fit and likely accommodates the larger drivers and ANC components.

Sound Quality Performance

Here’s where the Bose partnership truly shines. The Method 360 ANC delivers a surprisingly balanced sound signature that defies expectations for earbuds in this price range. The collaboration with Bose is evident in the tuning, which avoids the overly bass-heavy approach that has historically characterized Skullcandy products.

The low-end response is punchy and controlled, with enough presence to satisfy bass lovers without overwhelming the mix. The sub-bass extension is particularly impressive, providing that satisfying rumble in electronic music and movie soundtracks. Mid-bass is well-controlled, avoiding the bloated character that often plagues budget earbuds.

Midrange clarity represents perhaps the biggest improvement over previous Skullcandy offerings. Vocals come through with natural warmth and presence, making podcasts and vocal-heavy music particularly enjoyable. The midrange doesn’t suffer from the recession that often occurs when manufacturers focus too heavily on bass response.

The treble response is smooth and extended, though not quite as crisp as you’d find in premium alternatives. There’s enough presence to maintain detail and airiness in the soundstage, but the top end occasionally feels slightly rolled off with very bright recordings. This tuning choice actually works in the earbuds’ favor, reducing fatigue during extended listening sessions.

Soundstage and imaging exceed expectations for closed-back earbuds. The Bose tuning creates a sense of space that makes music feel less confined than typical in-ear monitors. Instrument separation is good, though not exceptional, allowing you to pick out individual elements in complex mixes.

The dynamic range handling is solid, with the earbuds maintaining composure even at high volumes. Distortion remains minimal across the frequency spectrum, which is particularly impressive given the aggressive pricing.

Active Noise Cancellation Technology

The ANC performance is where the Bose collaboration pays the biggest dividends. These earbuds deliver noise cancellation that genuinely competes with much more expensive alternatives. The system effectively handles low-frequency rumble from air conditioning, traffic, and airplane engines.

Adaptive noise cancellation adjusts automatically to your environment, though you can also manually control the intensity through the Skull-iQ app. The system works particularly well in consistent noise environments like offices or public transportation. The algorithm seems to learn from your usage patterns, becoming more effective over time.

Mid-frequency noise cancellation is adequate, though not quite as impressive as the low-end performance. Conversations and office chatter are reduced but not completely eliminated. This is actually beneficial for safety in many situations, as complete isolation can be dangerous when walking or cycling.

The Stay-Aware mode deserves special mention. This transparency feature allows ambient sound to pass through while maintaining your music playback. The implementation is natural-sounding, avoiding the artificial quality that plagues some competitors. You can hold conversations without removing the earbuds, making them practical for daily use.

Wind noise handling is better than expected for earbuds in this price range. The system doesn’t completely eliminate wind interference, but it reduces it enough to make outdoor use comfortable. The microphone placement seems optimized to minimize wind pickup during calls.

Battery life with ANC enabled is impressive. You’ll get approximately 9 hours from the earbuds themselves with noise cancellation active, plus additional charges from the case for 32 hours total. This easily handles most daily usage scenarios without concern.

Top 3 Alternatives for Method 360 ANC

While the Method 360 ANC offers compelling value, several alternatives deserve consideration depending on your specific needs and preferences.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC represents the strongest direct competitor, offering similar ANC performance at a comparable price point. These earbuds feature 98.5% noise reduction according to Anker’s testing, along with 50 hours of battery life. The sound signature leans slightly more neutral than the Method 360 ANC, which may appeal to users who prefer less bass emphasis.

The EarFun Air Pro 4 provides another excellent alternative with Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound technology and aptX Lossless support. These earbuds offer 52 hours of total playtime and feature adaptive hybrid noise cancellation. The build quality feels more premium than the price suggests, and the app customization options are extensive.

For users willing to spend slightly more, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro represents a significant step up in overall performance. These earbuds feature real-time adaptive noise cancellation with seven sensors, studio-level Hi-Fi sound, and faster charging capabilities. The price increase brings noticeable improvements in sound quality and ANC effectiveness.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance stands out as one of the Method 360 ANC’s strongest selling points. The earbuds themselves provide 11 hours of continuous playback with ANC disabled, which is impressive for earbuds in this price category. With noise cancellation enabled, you still get a solid 9 hours, which easily handles most workdays or long flights.

The charging case adds an additional 29 hours of playback time, bringing the total to 40 hours without ANC or 32 hours with it enabled. This means you can go more than a week without needing to plug in the case, assuming typical daily usage of 3-4 hours.

Charging speed is reasonable, though not exceptional. The earbuds reach full charge in approximately 90 minutes, while the case takes about 2 hours when completely drained. A quick 15-minute charge provides roughly 2 hours of playback, which is helpful for emergency top-ups.

The case supports USB-C charging, which is becoming the standard across the industry. The cable quality feels adequate, though you might want to upgrade to a longer or more durable option for daily use. Wireless charging isn’t supported, which is understandable given the price point.

Battery degradation hasn’t been noticeable during the testing period, though long-term performance will depend on charging habits and usage patterns. The lithium-ion batteries should maintain their capacity for several years with proper care.

The battery indicator in the app provides accurate real-time information about both earbud and case charge levels. This helps you plan charging sessions and avoid unexpected battery depletion.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is crucial for earbuds that promise extended battery life, and the Method 360 ANC generally delivers in this area. The ergonomic design fits securely in most ear shapes without causing pressure points during extended wear. The included silicone ear tips come in three sizes, providing options for different ear canal dimensions.

The weight distribution feels balanced, with no tendency for the earbuds to work loose during normal activities. The angled nozzle design helps maintain a secure seal for both comfort and noise isolation. Users with smaller ears might find the earbuds slightly bulky, but the secure fit compensates for the size.

Long-term comfort is generally good, with most users able to wear them for several hours without discomfort. The silicone ear tips remain comfortable even during extended listening sessions, though some users might prefer memory foam alternatives for ultimate comfort.

The secure fit makes these earbuds suitable for light exercise and daily activities. They won’t replace dedicated sports earbuds for intensive workouts, but they handle walking, commuting, and office work without issues. The IPX4 rating provides adequate sweat resistance for most scenarios.

Pressure relief is well-managed, with the earbuds avoiding the uncomfortable suction effect that some sealed designs create. The Stay-Aware mode can also help reduce pressure sensation for users who are sensitive to complete ear canal sealing.

The ear tips create an effective seal for both comfort and noise isolation. The passive isolation alone is quite good, which enhances the ANC performance and overall sound quality.

Connectivity and Controls

The Method 360 ANC features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, providing reliable pairing and stable connection quality. The connection process is straightforward, with the earbuds appearing quickly in device lists and pairing without complications. Connection stability remains solid even in challenging RF environments.

Multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous connection to two devices, which is increasingly important for users who switch between phones and computers throughout the day. The implementation works smoothly, automatically pausing music on one device when a call comes in on another.

Touch controls are responsive and customizable through the Skull-iQ app. The default configuration covers all essential functions: play/pause, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate voice assistants. The learning curve is minimal, though users coming from physical button controls might need some adjustment time.

Voice assistant integration works well with both Siri and Google Assistant. The microphones pick up voice commands clearly, even in moderately noisy environments. The hands-free “Hey Google” or “Hey Siri” activation works reliably when enabled.

Latency performance is acceptable for most uses, though not optimized for gaming or video editing. Casual video watching works fine, but more demanding applications might benefit from dedicated low-latency modes that aren’t currently available.

The connection range extends to approximately 30 feet in open spaces, which is typical for Bluetooth 5.3 devices. Obstacles like walls reduce this range, but performance remains adequate for most indoor scenarios.

Call Quality and Microphone Performance

Call quality represents a significant improvement over previous Skullcandy offerings. The microphone array consists of multiple elements that work together to isolate your voice from background noise. The implementation is effective enough for professional calls, though it doesn’t quite match dedicated business headsets.

Background noise suppression works well in most environments. The system effectively reduces consistent background noise like air conditioning or traffic while maintaining voice clarity. More challenging scenarios like windy outdoor conditions or very loud environments still present some difficulties.

Voice clarity is good on both ends of calls. Your voice comes through clearly to other participants, while incoming audio benefits from the same high-quality drivers used for music playback. The frequency response is optimized for speech intelligibility rather than music reproduction during calls.

The microphone positioning seems well-optimized to pick up your voice while avoiding mouth breathing and similar artifacts. The system works equally well whether you’re using one or both earbuds for calls.

Wind noise handling during calls is adequate, though not exceptional. The microphones do pick up some wind interference in breezy conditions, but it rarely becomes severe enough to impact call quality significantly.

Call volume can be adjusted independently from music volume, which is a thoughtful touch that many competitors overlook. This allows you to optimize each use case without constantly readjusting settings.

App Features and Customization

The Skull-iQ app transforms the Method 360 ANC from good earbuds into highly customizable audio tools. The interface design is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate the various customization options without confusion.

EQ customization provides multiple preset options along with a fully customizable graphic equalizer. The presets cover common preferences like bass boost, vocal enhancement, and balanced response. The custom EQ allows fine-tuning across multiple frequency bands for users who want precise control.

ANC intensity adjustment lets you dial in the perfect amount of noise cancellation for different environments. This feature proves particularly useful in situations where complete isolation isn’t desirable or safe. The Stay-Aware mode intensity is also adjustable.

Touch control customization allows you to reassign functions to different gestures. This personalization ensures the controls match your specific usage patterns and preferences. The app clearly shows which gestures perform which functions, reducing confusion.

Find My Earbuds integration with Tile provides location tracking capabilities. This feature can be a lifesaver for users who frequently misplace their earbuds. The last known location appears on a map, and you can trigger an audible alert when you’re nearby.

Firmware updates are delivered through the app, ensuring your earbuds receive performance improvements and new features over time. The update process is straightforward and typically completes within a few minutes.

Durability and Build Longevity

The Method 360 ANC appears built to withstand regular daily use without premature failure. The construction quality feels solid throughout, with no obvious weak points or concerning design elements. The materials used seem appropriate for the price point while maintaining durability expectations.

Water resistance testing confirms the IPX4 rating performs as advertised. The earbuds handle sweat, light rain, and splashing without issues. However, they’re not designed for swimming or submersion, so users should respect these limitations.

Drop resistance seems adequate based on testing with typical heights and surfaces. The earbuds survive drops from desk height onto hard surfaces without damage, though repeated abuse would likely cause problems eventually.

The charging case durability is generally good, though the clip mechanism represents a potential long-term wear point. The hinge feels sturdy initially, but time will tell how it holds up to repeated opening and closing cycles.

Ear tip longevity appears reasonable, with the silicone maintaining its shape and seal properties even after extended use. Replacement ear tips are available if needed, though the included ones should last for years with proper care.

Touch control durability has shown no issues during testing, with the capacitive surfaces responding consistently without degradation. The sealed design should protect the internal electronics from moisture and debris.

Value Proposition and Pricing

At their current pricing around $70-80, the Method 360 ANC represents exceptional value in the wireless earbuds market. The combination of Bose-tuned sound, effective ANC, and extensive battery life typically costs significantly more from other manufacturers.

Competitive analysis shows these earbuds matching or exceeding features found in earbuds costing $150 or more. The sound quality, while not quite reaching premium levels, comes surprisingly close for the price difference involved.

The Bose partnership adds genuine value rather than just marketing appeal. The tuning expertise and ANC technology represent real benefits that justify the slight premium over basic Skullcandy offerings.

Long-term value looks promising given the build quality and feature set. These earbuds should provide years of reliable service, making the initial investment quite reasonable when calculated on a per-use basis.

Warranty coverage provides standard protection against manufacturing defects, though specific terms vary by retailer. The reputation of both Skullcandy and Bose suggests reasonable support for legitimate warranty claims.

The upgrade path from basic earbuds to the Method 360 ANC makes sense for users who want premium features without premium pricing. The performance gap between these and much more expensive alternatives is smaller than the price difference suggests.

Comparison with Premium Alternatives

When compared to genuine premium alternatives like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Method 360 ANC holds up surprisingly well. The sound quality gap is noticeable but not dramatic, while the ANC performance comes reasonably close to the premium standard.

Sony WF-1000XM4 comparison reveals similar sound quality characteristics, though Sony’s offering provides slightly better detail retrieval and more refined tuning. The Method 360 ANC matches the Sony earbuds in battery life while offering better value for money.

Against Apple AirPods Pro, the Method 360 ANC provides comparable ANC performance and longer battery life. The sound signature is more bass-focused than the Apple offering, which may appeal to different listener preferences.

The price-to-performance ratio strongly favors the Method 360 ANC when compared to these premium alternatives. While the premium options do offer better overall performance, the improvement doesn’t justify the significant price premium for most users.

Feature parity is surprisingly close, with the Method 360 ANC matching most premium features except for the highest-end refinements. The practical daily experience isn’t dramatically different between these price tiers.

Performance in Different Scenarios

Commuting performance is excellent, with the ANC effectively handling subway noise, bus engines, and traffic sounds. The long battery life ensures these earbuds can handle even lengthy commutes without concern about battery depletion.

Office use works well, with the ANC reducing HVAC noise and distant conversations while maintaining awareness when needed. The professional appearance and good call quality make them suitable for work environments.

Exercise compatibility is adequate for light to moderate workouts. The IPX4 rating handles sweat effectively, and the secure fit prevents loss during movement. However, dedicated sports earbuds might be better for intensive training sessions.

Travel applications represent perhaps the strongest use case. The excellent battery life, effective ANC, and compact charging case make these ideal travel companions. The clip-on case design prevents loss while navigating airports and hotels.

Home listening benefits from the comfortable fit and good sound quality. The ANC isn’t needed in quiet environments, allowing you to extend battery life while enjoying music, podcasts, or video content.

Gaming performance is limited by typical Bluetooth latency, making them unsuitable for competitive gaming. Casual mobile gaming works acceptably, but serious gamers should consider dedicated gaming headsets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the battery actually last with ANC enabled?

The Method 360 ANC delivers approximately 9 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds themselves with ANC enabled, plus an additional 23 hours from the charging case. This totals 32 hours of listening time with noise cancellation active, which easily handles several days of typical usage between charges.

Can these earbuds connect to multiple devices simultaneously?

Yes, the Method 360 ANC supports multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices. This feature works seamlessly for switching between your phone and computer, automatically pausing music when calls come in on either device.

Are the Method 360 ANC suitable for working out and sports?

The earbuds feature IPX4 water resistance, making them suitable for light to moderate exercise including gym workouts and jogging. However, they’re not designed for swimming or high-intensity sports where more secure fit mechanisms might be necessary.

How effective is the noise cancellation compared to premium brands?

The ANC performance is surprisingly competitive with premium alternatives, effectively handling low-frequency noise like airplane engines and air conditioning. While not quite matching the absolute best performers, the difference is smaller than the significant price gap would suggest.

Can I use just one earbud at a time?

Yes, both earbuds can be used independently for calls or music playback. The system automatically adjusts when you remove one earbud, and you can customize which functions are available in single-earbud mode through the Skull-iQ app.

What’s the difference between these and regular Skullcandy earbuds?

The Method 360 ANC features “Sound by Bose” tuning technology, which provides significantly more balanced audio compared to traditional Skullcandy products. The collaboration also brings professional-grade ANC technology and more sophisticated app integration than previous Skullcandy offerings.

The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC represents a genuine breakthrough in budget wireless earbuds. The collaboration with Bose brings real benefits in both sound quality and noise cancellation, creating a product that competes with earbuds costing twice as much. While they don’t quite match the absolute best premium alternatives, they come close enough to make the price difference difficult to justify for most users.

The standout features include exceptional battery life, effective ANC, and surprisingly balanced sound quality. The unique clip-on charging case design adds practical value, while the comprehensive app customization ensures these earbuds can adapt to different preferences and use cases. For users seeking premium features at a budget-friendly price, the Method 360 ANC deserves serious consideration.

Last update on 2025-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API