Skullcandy Method 360 ANC S2MTW-T001

The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC brings Bose-tuned sound and top-tier call quality to a budget-friendly price. Mic performance is a standout at the 90th percentile, and the adjustable ANC punches above its weight. Music quality is the weak spot with a 60.4 score, so critical listeners should look at Sony or Sennheiser instead. For commuters and call-heavy users, these are a practical, well-designed pick with a clever clip-on case and solid battery life.

Let's talk about that Bose tuning, because it's the headline feature and also the most complicated part of this review. The 12mm dynamic drivers push out a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, which is standard, but the sound signature leans warm and bass-forward. In our testing, the music score of 60.4 puts these well below average for pure listening enjoyment. The low end has punch, which is fun for hip-hop and EDM, but the mids get a bit muddy and the highs lack the sparkle you'd get from something like the Sony WF-1000XM5. The three preset EQ modes in the Skull-iQ app help a little, but you can't fine-tune them, so you're stuck picking the least-bad option for your ears.

Where these earbuds genuinely impress is on calls and connectivity. The four-mic array with noise canceling for voice is a standout, landing in the 90th percentile for mic quality. People on the other end of your calls will hear you clearly even with background noise, which is more than we can say for some earbuds that cost twice as much. The ANC itself is adjustable and sits at the 89th percentile, meaning it's one of the best on the market for the price. It won't beat the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, but it takes the edge off subway rumble and office chatter effectively. The transparency mode (Stay Aware) is also adjustable, which is a nice touch for quick conversations.

The most direct comparison is the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, which often dips into a similar price range. Samsung gives you better sound quality and a more refined app experience, but the Skullcandy beats it on mic performance and has a more rugged, clip-friendly case. If you're taking work calls in noisy environments, the Method 360 ANC is the better tool. If you're mostly listening to music and want something that sounds great out of the box, Samsung takes it.

Stepping up in price, the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are in a different league for sound and ANC, but they cost nearly twice as much. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 offers audiophile-grade tuning that makes the Skullcandy's 60.4 music score look rough by comparison. But none of those have the clip-on case or the same level of multipoint seamlessness at this price. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is another strong competitor with better overall balance, but again, you're paying more. The Skullcandy's niche is clear: it's the commuter's choice for calls and podcasts, not the music lover's pick.

At $90 to $150 depending on the sale, the Method 360 ANC sits in a weirdly competitive pocket. You're undercutting the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen by a significant margin, but you're also going up against the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro when they're on sale, which offer better sound quality. The value proposition here hinges on what you prioritize. If call quality and ANC are your top concerns, these are a steal. The mic performance alone rivals earbuds in the $200+ range, and the adjustable noise canceling is genuinely good.

But if sound quality is your main thing, the value gets shakier. The 60.4 music score means you're leaving a lot of detail on the table compared to the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 or even some cheaper options with better tuning. For podcast listeners and call-heavy users, though, the battery life and connectivity scores (81st and 97th percentile respectively) make these a practical choice that won't let you down during a workday.

Skullcandy teaming up with Bose for a set of budget-friendly true wireless earbuds feels like a crossover episode nobody saw coming, but the Method 360 ANC makes a strong case for the partnership. You're getting Bose-tuned audio, adjustable active noise canceling, and a genuinely clever case design for somewhere between $90 and $150. That's a price bracket where you usually have to pick two out of three: decent ANC, good sound, or solid battery life. These earbuds try to deliver all three, and for the most part, they pull it off.

These are clearly built for commuters and everyday listeners who want to zone out on the train without spending flagship money. The IPX4 rating means they'll survive a sweaty walk or light rain, and the 9-hour earbud battery life (with 29 more hours in the case) means you're not hunting for a charger every day. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 is a nice touch at this price, letting you hop between your phone and laptop without re-pairing. The clip-on case with an O-ring is one of those "why doesn't everyone do this" features that makes you wonder what other brands are doing with their lives.

But the numbers tell a more nuanced story. Our database puts these at a 71.6 overall, which is solid but not spectacular. The standout scores are in connectivity (97th percentile), comfort (93rd), and mic quality (90th). The weak spot is music performance at 60.4, which lands in the bottom half of our rankings. So you're getting a commuter champ with some real audio compromises. If your playlist is mostly podcasts and calls, you'll be thrilled. If you're a critical listener who notices compression artifacts, keep reading.

If you're an audiophile or someone who genuinely cares about detailed, balanced sound, these aren't for you. The 60.4 music score is a real limitation, and the bass-heavy tuning masks a lot of detail in the mids and highs. You'll be happier with the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 or the Sony WF-1000XM5, both of which offer far superior sound quality and customizable EQ. The Skullcandy is built for convenience and calls, not critical listening sessions.

Also, if you need robust water resistance for outdoor adventures or intense workouts, the IPX4 rating might feel limiting. Look for something with IPX5 or higher if you're regularly in the rain or sweating heavily. The Method 360 ANC is a commuter's tool, and it excels in that role, but it's not an all-weather companion.

If you spend your day hopping between Zoom calls, listening to podcasts, and navigating noisy commutes, the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC is an easy recommendation. The mic quality is genuinely excellent, the ANC is adjustable and effective, and the battery will get you through even the longest workdays. The clip-on case is the kind of thoughtful design that makes you wonder why more brands don't do it. At this price, you're getting flagship-level call performance without the flagship price tag.

But if music is your escape and you notice when the hi-hats sound compressed, look elsewhere. The 60.4 music score isn't a dealbreaker for everyone, but it's a real limitation. Grab the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 or the Sony WF-1000XM5 if sound quality is your priority. The Method 360 ANC is a purpose-built tool for a specific kind of user, and for that user, it's fantastic. Just know what you're signing up for.