Skullcandy vs. Bose: Which Earbuds Reign Supreme?

Sound Quality

Skullcandy’s Method 360 earbuds are regarded as the brand’s most sophisticated audio offering to date—and justifiably so. Whether you’re immersing yourself in indie rock, gaming soundtracks, or podcasts, these earbuds provide an unexpectedly balanced audio experience for their sub-$100 price. From the sweeping melodies of the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack to the electrifying atmosphere of a live Daft Punk performance, the Method 360s impress.

Nevertheless, when compared directly to Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds, the sound profile of Skullcandy does not quite measure up. The Skullcandy buds sound a bit muffled in contrast, particularly when trying to discern subtler instruments like piano in Japanese Breakfast’s “Savage Good Boy.” While the Skullcandy earbuds handle multi-layered tracks like The Marías’ “Hush (Still Woozy Remix)” adequately, the Bose earbuds deliver greater clarity and warmth at the same volume.

Both brands tend to favor a bass-heavy default EQ, yet Bose provides greater flexibility with five EQ presets and a custom option, as opposed to Skullcandy’s three presets and one custom configuration.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort

Noise Cancellation

Skullcandy’s Method 360s employ four microphones for noise cancellation, whereas Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds utilize three. Despite the microphone count, Bose still excels in performance. Whether you’re working from home, in a café, or outdoors, the QuietComforts consistently block out more background noise—especially when ANC is activated without any music.

That being said, Skullcandy’s adjustable ANC, accessible via its companion app, is a standout element—particularly since Bose currently lacks this feature. At its highest setting, Skullcandy’s ANC produces only a slight hiss, which is impressive given the price gap.

In practical usage, Skullcandy’s ANC was effective enough to subdue background conversations in a library, although Bose completely eradicated them. Both earbuds feature transparency modes, but Bose’s implementation is more polished, enhancing external sounds without introducing noticeable hiss, unlike Skullcandy’s.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort (by a narrow margin)

Comfort and Design

Both earbuds boast a similar ergonomic design and come with three sizes of ear tips and stability bands, making them equally versatile for various ear shapes. While Bose has a slight edge in comfort, the difference is subtle and subjective.

In terms of design, Skullcandy’s Method 360s resemble the Bose QuietComfort Ultra more than the standard QC model, featuring a stemmed design and touch controls with superb sensitivity and tactile feedback. Bose’s touch controls, although functional, can be excessively sensitive in certain environments (like when wearing hats or hoods).

However, Skullcandy falters with its bulky charging case. The case features a sliding mechanism and includes an O-ring for clipping, but its size and reversed earbud placement make it less user-friendly for everyday use. Bose’s case is more compact and convenient, making it better for travel.

Winner: Tie

Battery Life

Both earbuds provide outstanding battery performance. Skullcandy claims nine hours of playback with ANC activated and an additional 23 hours from the case. Bose offers 8.5 hours per charge with a total of 31.5 hours from the case.

While Bose technically presents a higher total battery life, Skullcandy’s performance was entirely adequate during two weeks of regular usage. Additionally, Bose’s app offers a helpful battery life breakdown, though it may not be necessary for most users.

Winner: Tie

Companion Apps and Features

Skullcandy’s app closely mirrors Bose’s interface, including the power-on sound and voice assistance. Both apps enable EQ customization, touch control settings, low-latency modes, and even a remote selfie function.

Bose gains the upper hand with added features like battery forecasting, smart call management, and extra EQ presets. Skullcandy’s adjustable ANC is a distinct advantage, yet Bose’s superior ANC performance and broader customization options give it the upper hand.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort

Final Verdict: Bose Claims the Title (But Skullcandy Shines)

Skullcandy’s Method 360 ANC earbuds deliver remarkable value, showcasing solid performance and premium features at a budget-friendly cost. If they had maintained their launch price of $99.99, they’d be an obvious choice for budget-minded consumers.

However, with the price poised to rise to $129.99—and Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds often available for about $149—the $20 difference becomes more justifiable. For a bit more, you receive superior sound, enhanced ANC, and a more refined design and app experience.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort

Where to Buy:

– Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: $179.00 at Amazon
– Skullcandy Method 360 ANC: $99.99 at Amazon

Still unsure? Explore our comprehensive reviews of the Bose.