Skullcandy Method 360 S2MTW-T001

The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC delivers standout call quality, strong noise cancellation, and the best connectivity in the budget class, all for under $150. Sound by Bose branding doesn't translate to audiophile-level audio, so music is just average. Battery life is solid at 9+29 hours, and the fit is secure for all-day wear. Perfect for commuters and call-heavy users, but music lovers should look at pricier options.

Skullcandy teamed up with Bose audio engineers for the Method 360 ANC, and it shows in the overall feature set. You're getting adjustable active noise canceling, a transparency mode, a four-mic call setup, and multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 in a pair of earbuds that cost between $90 and $150. That's a lot of tech for the money, and it's aimed squarely at commuters and everyday listeners who want decent ANC without dropping $250 or more. The highlight on paper is that little 'Sound by Bose' badge, which suggests some genuine audio pedigree. But we'll get to the reality of that in a minute.

What makes these interesting isn't just the Bose connection. It's the combination of top-tier connectivity and call quality with above-average comfort and battery life. Our database puts the connectivity at the absolute top of the charts, and that matters when you're hopping between a laptop and phone all day. The included fit fins and ear gels give a secure, almost custom feel, and the clip-anywhere slider case is odd but genuinely useful if you attach it to a bag. The design feels more adventure-focused than the typical glossy stem-style buds, and that's refreshing.

But here's the catch: sound quality, measured against the best in this field, lands squarely in the middle of the pack. That doesn't mean these sound bad, but it does mean you need to set expectations. The Method 360 isn't a replacement for premium audio-first earbuds. It's a commuter tool that handles calls and noise like a champ and plays music well enough to keep you entertained. If that matches your day-to-day, keep reading.

Peeling back the specs, the split personality of these earbuds becomes obvious. The 12mm dynamic drivers are tuned with Bose influence, but our sound quality metrics put them in average territory, with a music score that's actually one of the weakest points at 54.8 out of 100. That number translates to decent clarity and no major distortion, but a sound signature that's safe rather than exciting. Bass response is present but lacks the punch you'd expect from a true Bose-branded product. It's a clean listen for podcasts, YouTube, and casual playlists, but it won't satisfy anyone hunting for deep sub-bass or sparkling highs.

Everything else, though, is well above average or better. The ANC performance lands among the leading options in this price bracket, effectively hushing bus engines and office chatter. Call quality, backed by four mics and noise cancellation, is similarly impressive, placing in the top tier of true wireless buds. And connectivity, thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, is best-in-class. Pairing is instant, switching between devices is seamless, and we never experienced a dropout. Battery life comes in at 9 hours from the buds and another 29 in the case, which is strong and keeps you going through a full workday and then some. A quick 10-minute charge giving 2 hours is a real lifesaver on rushed mornings.

At $90 to $150, the Method 360 sits in a sweet spot that actively undercuts nearly every big-name competitor by at least $100. The Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 all hover around $300 or more. Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro lands closer to $200. For half that price or less, you're getting ANC that's in the same conversation, a mic system that's arguably better than some of those, and the same kind of multipoint convenience. The value proposition here isn't about beating audiophile sound; it's about delivering the features most people actually use daily at a fraction of the cost.

What you sacrifice, obviously, is that last 20% of polish in audio tuning and noise cancellation. But if you're streaming Spotify on a bus or taking back-to-back Zoom calls, you'll be hard-pressed to notice that gap. The cost savings alone could buy a nice pair of wired headphones for serious listening. For practical everyday performance, the Method 360 is one of the smarter budget picks we've seen.

Stacking these against the Sony WF-1000XM5, the Sony wins decisively on sound refinement and ANC depth. The XM5's drivers dig deeper into bass texture and deliver a more holographic soundstage. But the Method 360 counters with a slightly more stable fit during movement and a much friendlier price tag. Against the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the story repeats: Bose's ANC is still the gold standard, and their sound signature is richer, but you'll pay nearly triple. Where the Skullcandy stands out is in raw connectivity speed and call quality. Our measurements show it actually beats both Bose and Sony on mic performance, which is a huge win for anyone who spends hours on calls.

If you're leaning toward the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 for their stellar sound, the Method 360 can't touch that level of detail and dynamics. The sound is where this budget-friendly bud falls well behind. But compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, the Skullcandy offers a more universal fit and a more rugged, gym-friendly design, plus ANC that isn't far off at all. The trade-off is clear: you can have elite sound, or you can have elite value with good-enough sound and fantastic daily usability.

Hardcore music listeners should skip the Method 360. The average sound score and polite tuning won't satisfy anyone who chases detail or visceral bass. If you spend your listening time picking apart mixes or getting lost in albums, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or the Sony XM5 are far better investments, even at double the price. Additionally, if you absolutely need the silence of top-tier ANC, these fall a bit short. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra will give you that cocoon, and you'll appreciate the difference on frequent flights.

People who rely on a wireless charging ecosystem for convenience should also look elsewhere. The case charges only via cable, which can feel outdated if you've gone all-in on Qi pads. In the same price range, consider refurbished Galaxy Buds3 Pro for wireless charging and richer sound, or stretch to the Technics EAH-AZ100-K for a more premium all-around experience.

For anyone whose day revolves around calls, podcasts, and blocking out an annoying commute, the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC is one of the easiest recommendations we can make under $150. The microphone quality is genuinely top-shelf, the ANC is strong enough to keep you sane, and the comfort and battery life make them disappear into your routine. Pair that with the best connectivity we've tested in this tier, and you have a set of buds that just work, every time, without fuss.

If, however, you're the type who notices the air around a cymbal crash or gets chills from a perfectly rendered bassline, these won't satisfy. The sound is fine, but fine isn't exciting. In that case, spend the extra cash on the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or the Sony XM5 and treat your ears. But if music is your secondary activity, the Method 360 lets you pocket the savings and never miss a beat on a call or a podcast.