Skullcandy’s New Method 360 ANC Are $100 Bose Earbuds in Disguise

Skullcandy has introduced its new Method 360 ANC earbuds, priced at $100, at an event in New York City. The company promoted these wireless earbuds as a groundbreaking audio innovation for 2025, highlighting an unexpected collaboration. While claims of being the ‘boldest audio product’ remain subjective, the partnership between Skullcandy and Bose to produce a more affordable alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is indeed noteworthy.

Having spent a day testing the Method 360 ANC earbuds, now available in five colors, initial impressions are largely positive. These noise-canceling earbuds exhibit enhanced audio quality compared to many competitors in the same price range. Design-wise, they bear resemblance to the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, featuring a similar form and stabilizing fins. However, they are lighter and lack the premium build quality of the more expensive Bose model. Crucially, the Skullcandy earbuds provide a comparable level of comfort and a secure fit once users customize them with the provided ear tips and fins, of which three sizes for each are included.

Method 360 ANC Earbuds: Charging Case Design and Battery

A notable distinction between the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC and Bose’s QuietComfort series is the charging case. The Method 360 ANC earbuds feature a larger charging case compared to both the QuietComfort Ultra and the standard QuietComfort Earbuds. Its size might be considered bulky for some users, and inserting the earbuds can feel slightly cumbersome. While portable, it is considerably larger than most wireless earbud cases and lacks wireless charging capability.

Case Positives and Battery Performance

However, the case presents a unique Skullcandy aesthetic, featuring a satisfying slide-open mechanism and an integrated o-ring clip. Importantly, it houses a substantial battery, providing an additional 23 hours of charge. The earbuds themselves are rated for up to 9 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, achieving a total of 32 hours with the case. With ANC disabled, battery life extends to 11 hours on the buds and 40 hours in total. These battery figures are manufacturer-provided and preliminary testing suggests they are reasonably accurate.

Audio Quality: “Sound by Bose” Integration

Skullcandy markets these Method 360 ANC earbuds as featuring “Sound by Bose” technology. This collaboration encompasses both hardware components, including a chipset and drivers, and acoustic digital tuning. While specific component details are undisclosed, the earbuds exhibit a sound profile akin to Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds, sharing similar specifications such as four-microphone hybrid active noise cancellation.

Features and Sound Characteristics

Mirroring the QC Earbuds, the Method 360 ANC incorporates wear-detection sensors for automatic play/pause functionality. Touch controls are responsive and customizable through the Skullcandy-iQ app, available for both iOS and Android. The app also provides EQ settings for sound profile customization. In terms of sound quality, the earbuds deliver a smooth, punchy audio experience suitable for diverse music genres, a signature of Bose-tuned products. While lacking the ultimate detail and clarity of premium options like the QC Ultra Earbuds, the bass performance is robust without being overpowering. Although not reaching the audio fidelity of the QC Ultras, the Method 360 ANC approaches it more closely than anticipated and represents a significant audio improvement over previous Skullcandy earbuds. Further testing and comparisons are planned for a comprehensive review.

Noise Cancellation Performance and Call Quality

The Method 360 ANC earbuds feature effective noise cancellation, adjustable for intensity within the companion app. The app also controls the “Stay-Aware” mode for ambient sound passthrough. Although not directly part of the “Sound by Bose” program, a Skullcandy representative stated that Bose validated the ANC performance as meeting their standards. While the noise canceling is not at the level of the QC Ultra or even the QC Earbuds, it provides a respectable level of sound reduction and marks an improvement over prior Skullcandy noise-canceling earbuds.

Voice Call Quality Assessment

Voice call performance presented varied results during testing in New York City streets. While one caller reported clear audio with minimal background noise, two others experienced voice distortion and dropouts, indicating potential inconsistencies in call clarity for recipients. Further testing is required to fully evaluate call quality, particularly concerning outgoing audio. Incoming call audio quality was consistently clear during tests.

Value Proposition and Pricing

A comprehensive review of the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds will follow shortly. However, initial assessments suggest these wireless earbuds offer compelling value, despite some minor drawbacks. Skullcandy has specified the $100 price as an “introductory price,” suggesting potential future adjustments based on evolving tariff policies. A company representative indicated that production commenced in January, enabling a substantial supply to reach the US market before current tariffs took full effect. While tariff exemptions exist for certain electronics like smartphones and laptops, headphones and earbuds are not included, potentially impacting future pricing.

Key Specifications of the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC

• Sound Technology: Sound By Bose
• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours ANC off (11 in buds, 29 in case); up to 32 hours with ANC on (9 in buds, 23 in case)
• Fit: Noise-isolating, ergonomic fit: 3 different size pairs of fit fins and three sets of ear gels, leveraging licensed technology from Bose
• Active Noise Cancellation: Adjustable 4-mic hybrid active noise canceling with customizable Stay-Aware mode
• Low Latency Audio: Yes
• Wear Detection Sensors: Yes
• Water Resistance: IPX4 sweat and water-resistant (splash-proof)
• App Compatibility: Skull-iQ App compatible: Choose one of 3 preset EQ settings or customize your own, reconfigure the button functions, adjust your Stay-Aware or ANC modes and more
• Rapid Charge: A 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playtime
• Microphone: Clear Voice smart mic helps isolate your voice and reduce background noise during calls
• Spotify Tap: Compatible
• Google Fast Pair: Yes
• Multipoint Bluetooth Pairing: Pair two devices simultaneously for easy switching
• Voice Sidetone for calls: Yes (hear your voice in the earbuds during calls)
• Bluetooth Version: 5.3 with LE Audio
• Color Options: Five color options: Black, bone, primer, plasma and leopard
• Price: $100