With the help of Bose, Skullcandy wants to conquer the throne in the segment of in-ear headphones up to 200 euros. The new Skullcandy Method 360 ANC are a powerful overall package: large 12 mm drivers, high wearing comfort and convincing active noise suppression for less than 120 euros? In our test, we find out whether it’s worth buying.
Technical data
| The product | Method 360 ANC |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Maximum operating range | 12m (without obstacle) |
| Battery life |
|
| Charging time | 2 hours (for charging case via USB-C or wireless) |
| Weight | 11g per earbud; 77g charging case & earphones |
| Most important functions | ANC; Transparency mode |
| Price | € 117.99 * |
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC test: Elegant in-ears in an extraordinary case
- stylish design
- convincing workmanship
- Unusual, very large case
Products from Skullcandy are simply different. The punks in the audio segment like to go their own way visually and this also applies to the new Skullcandy Method 360 ANC. The in-ear headphones come in an elongated, transparent charging case that is somewhat reminiscent of the company’s own Dime Evo.
With a height of around 94 mm, the charging case is only suitable for pockets to a limited extent. However, it comes with a practical clip that can be used to attach it to rucksacks, bags and much more. Pulling on the hook or pushing up the Skullcandy print on the back activates the case’s slide mechanism, which then reveals the earbuds.
Our test model in the whitish “Bone” color scheme looks extremely classy. The design of the earbuds reflects the collaboration with Bose, as the models with their wide body and short stem are reminiscent of the QuietComfort Earbuds II or Ultra. The design is minimalist and stylish at the same time and undoubtedly looks great. The quality of workmanship is also excellent.
The wearing comfort of the earbuds is also excellent, as they are inserted into the auricle and screwed in easily thanks to the soft silicone tube inserts and the upper “wings”. The material is extremely comfortable, so there is no pressure even during prolonged use. The comparable system of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 (our test) causes unpleasant pressure much more quickly.
Modern features that leave nothing to be desired
- Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint
- ANC and transparency mode
- Great operation
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC also play in the upper class in terms of features. The earphones use Bluetooth 5.3, which promises an excellent range with low power consumption.
Unfortunately, you will have to do without high-resolution audio codecs, which have probably fallen victim to the comparatively low price. Otherwise, the feature set leaves little to be desired: Wearer detection, mono mode, active noise suppression, transparency mode – all on board. Bluetooth Multipoint is also supported, allowing the Method 360 ANC to be paired with two audio sources simultaneously.
There are also plus points for the reliable touch operation, which is realized via the generous outer sides. Not only does it react very quickly and precisely, but it also responds to inputs by slightly reducing the playback volume and emitting a confirmation tone so that you can immediately recognize whether the touch has triggered an action.
The clear Skullcandy IQ app is used as a companion app, which scores with a wide range of settings. In addition to information about the battery status, the equalizer can be adjusted, for example. There are various presets to choose from, while you can also tweak it yourself with a simple EQ.
The intensity of the active noise cancellation can also be adjusted. In addition, you can adjust the entire touch control according to your preferences. We think the selfie feature is particularly cool: with the camera app open and the earbuds removed, you can use the Method 360 ANC as a self-timer for the camera and take photos.
Very long battery life of almost 8 hours
- 7 hours and 40 minutes runtime with ANC
- 11 hours of use without ANC
- Charging case for 40 hours of music playback
- No wireless charging
There is also good news regarding the battery life of the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, as the in-ear headphones with ANC are among the leaders here. The earebuds with active noise cancellation last for around 7 hours and 40 minutes, beating even some of the best in-ear headphones.
If you switch off the active noise canceling, the buds also achieve the promised 11 hours of runtime. The charging case then adds a further 30 hours of runtime, meaning you are equipped for up to 40 hours of music enjoyment.
The only downside: unfortunately, the case does not offer a wireless charging function. Charging is exclusively via USB-C, which takes around two hours. Fast Charge charges the in-ears in the case in 10 minutes for two hours of music playback.
Great sound, strong ANC
For the sound signature of the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, the manufacturer has worked together with Bose and this cooperation is undoubtedly bearing fruit: thanks to 12 mm drivers and strong tuning, the Method 360 ANC score with a rich, lively and warm sound that doesn’t have to hide behind some of the best in-ear headphones.
The spatiality of the sound is particularly impressive, while the highs are pleasantly airy, creating a wide sound stage. By default, however, the mids are somewhat subdued, which reduces the level of detail and clarity somewhat. The factory mix is also comparatively bass-heavy, but without the low frequencies overpowering the mids and highs.
Skullcandy has undoubtedly chosen a mix that most listeners will like. Especially with pop, hip-hop and electro music, the Method 360 ANCs impress with their lively and powerful sound that feels at home in these genres.
In the classical, rock, metal or folk segment, however, the bass is too dominant, while the songs lack the desired level of detail due to the recessed mids.
Fortunately, this flaw can be easily compensated for by adjusting the equalizer: If you lower the bass a little, boost the mids and attenuate the peaks in the upper treble a little, you get a wonderfully full sound that will please everyone. This makes the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC a real price-performance tip in the range up to 150 euros.
Good active noise suppression
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC also make an exclamation mark in terms of active noise cancellation. I can’t say for sure where the “360” in the name comes from, but the ANC works at a very good level and not only suppresses monotonous, low frequencies very well – something that most inexpensive ANC headphones also achieve.
Typing on the keyboard, conversations and other higher or medium frequencies are also suppressed very well. The difference to the top models, which are sometimes more than twice as expensive, is still clearly audible, but the Skullcandy model clearly outperforms our price-performance tip in the form of the Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi (our test).
However, the transparency mode, which amplifies ambient noise to allow conversations or traffic to be heard even with the earbuds inserted, is a little behind. A constant background noise is perceptible here, while the sound signature is clearly distorted. Although it fulfills its purpose, it cannot maintain the high quality of the ANC.
Decent microphones
As is so often the case, however, it is the microphone quality in particular that is lacking in this price range. Although the Skullcandy Method 360 ANCs reproduce your own voice clearly, the compression is clearly audible, while the voice reproduction seems somewhat thin and spongy.
Test recording Skullcandy Method 360 ANC:
For occasional phone calls, what’s on offer is perfectly fine, but you shouldn’t expect much more.
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC Review: Conclusion
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC are an absolutely positive surprise, because measured against the price, the in-ear headphones deliver an absolutely strong overall package. The wearing comfort, for example, should be emphasized positively, because in my opinion the earbuds are among the most comfortable models currently available on the market.
The in-ears also have a lot to offer in terms of sound, although some fine-tuning is required here due to the slightly disproportionate bass segment and the recessed mids. In return, you also get active noise suppression that is well above its price class and a battery life that puts the buds right at the top.
Skullcandy has put together an absolutely coherent overall package here. If you are looking for coherent in-ear headphones in the price range up to 150 euros, the Method 360 ANC should undoubtedly be on your shortlist.
- Incredibly comfortable
- Great battery life
- Good sound
- Strong ANC
- Too bass-heavy
- Large charging case
- No wireless charging
- Mixed microphones
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
ANC
Features
Value For Money
89/100
Stylish earbuds with outstanding wearing comfort, good ANC and long battery life that hardly have any weaknesses worth mentioning.
