Skullcandy Method 360 ANC Review: Style Meets Active Noise Cancellation

Finding a pair of over-ear headphones that look great and effectively block out the world is no small feat. Skullcandy has long been known for bold aesthetics and punchy audio, and with the Method 360 ANC, they aim to marry that signature style with active noise cancellation. After spending a week with these cans, here’s how they stack up in terms of design, noise cancellation performance, sound quality, and everyday usability.

The Method 360 ANC sits alongside the more sports-focused Method 540 ANC in Skullcandy’s lineup, but the 360 ANC is designed for a broader audience — commuters, students, and anyone who wants immersive listening without the bulk. With a sleek, minimal look and a promise of effective ANC at a competitive price, these headphones are worth a closer look.

Design and Build Quality: Understated Yet Confident

The Method 360 ANC features a clean, modern design with soft-touch ear cups and a flexible headband. The matte finish resists fingerprints, and the overall build feels sturdy without being heavy. Weighing in at around 230 grams, they are comfortable for extended wear — even during a full workday or a long commute. The ear cups rotate flat for easy storage, and the included carrying case adds protection. For those who need a more portable option, Skullcandy also offers the Roll Top Headphone Travel Bag if you want to upgrade your travel case.

One standout design choice is the physical button layout. Instead of relying solely on touch controls, the Method 360 ANC uses tactile buttons for power, ANC mode, and volume. This makes operation simple and reliable, especially when wearing gloves or during workouts. The headband has a decent amount of flex, and the ear cups are generously padded with memory foam — a real plus for glasses wearers.

• Soft-touch matte finish resists smudges and scratches
• Rotating ear cups for compact storage
• Physical buttons for easy, glove-friendly control
• Memory foam ear pads ensure comfort over long listening sessions

Active Noise Cancellation Performance

The ANC on the Method 360 ANC is effective for its price tier. It handles consistent low-frequency noises — like airplane hum, air conditioning, and distant traffic — very well. Moderate sounds like office chatter or keyboard clatter are reduced but not eliminated entirely. The headphones offer three ANC modes: Full ANC, Ambient Mode (which lets in essential sounds like announcements), and ANC Off. The Ambient Mode is natural and not too amplified, making it safe for walking on busy streets.

Compared to the Method 540 ANC, which targets a more active lifestyle with its sweat-resistant coating, the 360 ANC is a more everyday casual ANC headphone. It doesn’t have an IP rating, so heavy workouts are not recommended, but for daily commuting and focused work, the noise cancellation is more than capable. The transparency mode is a welcome addition for quick conversations without removing the headphones.

• Three ANC modes: Full, Ambient, and Off
• Best at reducing low-frequency drone noises
• Ambient mode maintains spatial awareness
• No IP rating — avoid heavy sweat exposure

Sound Quality: Skullcandy’s Signature with a Balanced Twist

Skullcandy is known for bass-forward tuning, and the Method 360 ANC does not disappoint — but with a twist. The low end is present and punchy, but not overwhelming. The bass is tight and well-controlled, making genres like hip-hop and electronic music enjoyable. Vocals are clear and sit nicely in the mix, and treble is crisp without being harsh. There is a slight upper-mid boost that adds clarity to acoustic instruments. If you prefer an even more immersive bass experience, the Crusher Evo takes sensory bass to another level with its adjustable haptic drivers.

Soundstage is decent for a closed-back ANC headphone — imaging is accurate enough for casual gaming and movies, but not audiophile-grade wide. The headphones support AAC and SBC codecs, which is standard for the price. No aptX support, but audio quality over Bluetooth is solid. Wired playback via the included 3.5mm cable is also available, passive mode works well when battery is low.

• Balanced bass — punchy but not muddy
• Clear vocals with good instrument separation
• AAC and SBC codec support (no aptX)
• Passive wired playback preserves battery

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is rated at 22 hours with ANC on, and up to 35 hours with ANC off. In real-world usage, with a mix of ANC and ambient mode, I got around 20 hours on a single charge — enough for a week of daily commuting. The USB-C charging port supports fast charging: 10 minutes gives 2 hours of playback. There is no wireless charging, but that’s expected at this price.

Bluetooth 5.2 provides a stable connection with minimal dropouts. Multipoint connection is absent, meaning you can’t connect to two devices simultaneously. However, pairing is simple and the range is solid — about 10 meters through walls. For a true wireless earbud alternative with multipoint, check out the Skullcandy EcoBuds, which offer a compact design and seamless switching between devices.

• 22 hours ANC-on playback (tested ~20 hours)
• 10-minute fast charge = 2 hours playback
• Bluetooth 5.2 with stable connection
• No multipoint — single device at a time

Comfort and Portability

The Method 360 ANC is one of the more comfortable over-ear headphones in Skullcandy’s lineup. The memory foam ear pads are soft and the clamping force is moderate — not too tight, not too loose. For glasses wearers, the ear cups provide enough depth to avoid pressure on the arms. After four hours of continuous wear, I felt no hot spots or discomfort. The headphones fold flat for easy packing, and the included carrying case is slim enough to slip into a backpack. If you need even more protection while traveling, the Cross Body Headphone Carry Bag is a stylish and protective alternative.

Overall, the portability is excellent for daily carry. The headband adjusts smoothly, and the ear cups rotate 90 degrees for a flat profile. The only minor gripe is that the ear cups are not removable, so cleaning them requires a damp cloth. But for a headphone in this price range, that’s a small trade-off.

• Memory foam ear pads with soft leatherette
• Folds flat — fits easily in backpack
• Moderate clamping force suitable for glasses
• Ear cups not removable (clean with damp cloth)

The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC successfully blends style, comfort, and effective noise cancellation into a package that doesn’t break the bank. Whether you need to focus at work, relax during your commute, or just enjoy your favorite tunes without distractions, these headphones deliver. Their balanced sound signature, long battery life, and practical design make them a strong contender in the mid-range ANC market. If you’re ready to upgrade your listening experience, explore the Method 540 ANC for a sportier alternative, or dive deeper into the bass-forward world of the Crusher Evo — both available now on Skullcandy’s store.