Skullcandy Method 360 ANC review: Premium sound by Bose without the premium price
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds feature a slider-style charging case with a built-in O-ring clip for portability. Picture: Noel Campion.
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds mark a bold leap for the brand, combining Bose-engineered sound with impressive noise cancellation, strong battery life and stylish design. After several weeks of daily use, I found they punch well above their price tag.
The Method 360 ANC earbuds feature a sleek new slider-style charging case that looks trendy and ready-made for active users. It comes complete with a tactile matte finish and an integrated O-ring clip for attaching to a bag or keychain. It’s practical, well thought-out, and ideal for travel or workouts. The only downside is that the case is less pocketable than most pill-shaped designs, thanks to its larger, boxier form factor.
The earbuds are compact and ergonomically sculpted, with an oval shape that sits naturally in the ear. Available in a range of bold colourways including Black, Bone, Plasma and Leopard, they retain Skullcandy’s streetwear-inspired flair.
The Method 360 ANC uses licensed Bose fit technology, including three sizes of ear gels and fit fins that twist securely into place. Even during activities or long listening sessions, they stayed firmly in position without irritation. The removable fit fins distribute pressure evenly and contribute to excellent passive noise isolation before ANC even kicks in. After a few hours, I barely noticed I was wearing them, which is a hallmark of good design.
Skullcandy has packed in a surprisingly premium list of features including the hybrid four-mic active noise cancellation, which can be adjusted through the Skull-iQ app. There’s also a clever Stay-Aware mode that lets you stay tuned in to your surroundings without taking the earbuds out — perfect for walks through busy streets or catching office chatter. External voices sound natural, though my own voice did come across a little muffled.
Other highlights include multipoint pairing, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap, and auto wear detection, all of which worked flawlessly in my testing.
During my call tests, the Clear Voice Smart Mic made voices sound clear, while low-latency audio keeps video and gaming sync tight. Add in IPX4 water resistance, and you’ve got a pair of buds that handle both workouts and commutes with ease.
Skullcandy claims up to 40 hours of total playback (11 from the buds, 29 from the case) with ANC off, and around 32 hours with ANC on.
A full charge comfortably got me through a week of mixed use, and the rapid charge feature is a lifesaver with just ten minutes on charge that provides around two hours of listening. Charging is via USB-C (no wireless charging), and the case slides open smoothly with a reassuring click.
The inclusion of LE Audio and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures efficient power management and a rock-solid connection throughout.
The Skull-iQ App has evolved nicely and adds plenty of useful tools. You can choose from three preset EQs (Music, Podcast, and Bass Boost) or create your own custom tuning. You can also customise the touch controls directly within the app, which is a real bonus. It lets you tailor the controls to your habits, whether that’s skipping tracks, adjusting volume, or activating voice assistants. The only small gripe is that there’s no quick shortcut for adjusting the volume, which feels like a missed opportunity on otherwise well-thought-out touch controls.
The app also allows fine-tuning of the Stay-Aware mode and ANC levels, which makes a difference in noisy environments. You can also update the firmware in the app.
With Sound by Bose tuning, the Method 360 ANC delivers a level of quality rarely seen at this price point. The sound profile is rich, open, and beautifully balanced. The bass is deep and full-bodied without overpowering the mids, while vocals remain crisp and natural.
High frequencies have sparkle without harshness, and stereo imaging is excellent. Whether I was listening to rock, hip-hop, or acoustic tracks, the 360s consistently impressed with their clarity and control.
The noise cancellation is equally strong, effectively dampening background hums from engines and chatter. Combined with the tight fit, it makes for an immersive experience perfect for flights or focused work sessions.
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds deliver a premium experience without the premium price. With Bose-engineered sound, excellent comfort, customisable controls, and solid ANC, they’re among the best sub-€120 earbuds available today.
€100 Currys
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