Skullcandy Method ANC Review

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Whether it’s casual listening, a need to stay focussed or the necessity to unwind after a hectic day, a good pair of earphones can always be a solace. But, the term “good” encompasses oodles of factors. That’s where a familiar brand comes in as it’s likely to cover a lot of those bases. One such household name in audio space is Skullcandy. I have been using its Method ANC neckband for the better part of “god knows how long”. In India, these wireless earphones were launched at Rs. 7,999. So, here is my record of whether it’s worth the label.

But, before that,

Skullcandy Method ANC India Price and Specs

Model Skullcandy Method ANC
Bluetooth Version 5.0
Impedance 16 Ohms ±15%
Range 10 meters
Driver Diameter 9.2mm
THD 2%
Sound Pressure Level 101 +/-4 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz – 20KHz
Weight 16.6g
India Price Rs. 7,999

Skullcandy Method ANC Box Contents

Inside the box, you get a:

  • Method ANC Wireless Earbuds
  • Ear Gels (S, M, L)
  • Removable Stability Gels
  • Micro-USB Charging Cable
  • User & 2-Year Warranty Guide

Skullcandy Method ANC Review: Design & Build

Skullcandy Method ANC Review

To put it simply, the Method ANC is durable and deluxe. The material used feels robust. Thanks to its lite profile and magnetic ear tips, I loved donning it as a necklace. You shall too! That said, the magnetic clasp isn’t very gratifying and is prone to getting easily detached. Plus, there is no play/pause functionality based on whether they are clipped/unclipped.

The earbuds are very snugly and the accompanying wings ensure they stay flush within the ear canal even if you go about a head-wrenching physical activity. While putting them in, prod the tip a little for a tight seal which furthers the noise isolation (More on the Noise Cancellation later).

ALSO READ: Realme Buds Wireless review 

Skullcandy says the buds are IPX4 certified, which makes them splash resistant. This means it should withstand your workout sweat and occasional drizzle.

There is a multi-functioning remote which handles the hands-free part. Here’s how it works:

  • Power On: Press the middle button for 1 sec
  • Power Off: Press the middle button for 4 secs (I bet I looked like a schmuck every time I did this in public; This duration could’ve been shorter)
  • Pairing On mode: Press the Volume Plus and Minus buttons simultaneously for 4 secs
  • Track Forward: Press 1 sec on the Volume Plus button
  • Track Rewind: Press 1 sec on Volume Minus button
  • Answer/End call: Tap 1x on the middle button
  • Activate Assistant: Tap 2x on the middle button
  • Activate Tile: Simultaneously press both Middle button and Volume Plus button

Skullcandy Method ANC Review: Sound Signature

The bass, no matter what kind of music you’re playing, it just enhances the sound and makes everything sound more beautiful and full. When the bass stops, the bottom kind of drops out of everything. — Charlie Haden, legendary American musician.

True to his words, the bass plays a crucial role in the sound structure. At the same time, the bass shouldn’t bleed over to other frequencies viz mids and highs. Still and all, if ‘t be true thee loveth the bass droppeth, then thee wouldst loveth the Method ANC.

Skullcandy Method ANC Review

Now a deep dive for the audiophiles –

  • Ya, you get the signature Skullcandy sound tuning here. The bass response (Ref: Laung Gawacha by Nucleya, Wildfire by SBTRKT, Limit to your love by James Blake, The Hills by The Weeknd) is thumpy and warm without getting too boomy.
  • Specs-wise, it claims to cover the whole 20Hz to 20KHz frequency gamut. The sound staging is well spread out with decent imaging (Ref: Bubbles by Yosi Horikawa).
  • The high notes (Ref: November by Max Richter, Dawn of the holocaust by Dead Can Dance, Communion by Park Jiha, Carol of the bells from Home Alone) have a relaxed register.
  • The mid-profile (Ref: Hurt by Johnny Cash, Aaqa by Abida Parveen, Goshintai Radwimps (from the movie Your Name; timestamp: 1:38, Nara by E.S.Posthumus) is also detailed and in control.
  • I loved how Chris Martin’s voice, the background vocals, and the instruments were harmonically gelled in the latest Coldplay tracks like Orphans and Arabesque from Everyday Life. Now that I’m thinking about it, there was some sound spillage and instrumental cacophony at max volume. Also a bonus tip: Spotify plays at a better bitrate than YMusic, which means better auditory experience.
  • The dynamic range and details were also spot on. (Ref: Ramin Djawadi- Light of the Seven, GOT, Hans Zimmer – Coward from Interstellar movie; timestamp: 3:20)

Now that we are done with the esoteric mumbo-jumbo, let’s talk about some other stuff. The Active Noise Cancellation is always on and works pretty fine. At the price point, this is a helluva feature to have.

ALSO READ: Sony WH-CH510 Headphones Review

Skullcandy Method ANC Review: Connectivity & Battery Life

Skullcandy Method ANC Review

Call experience was not up to the mark. More often than not, I ended up switching over to earpiece since the other person’s voice came out as cloudy and unpleasant.

Moving on, I experienced no latency issues whilst streaming Youtube, gaming or chillaxing with Netflix. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ranged well within the standard 10m radius, provided there were no hindrances in between.

Amongst other things, you get the Tile Bluetooth tracker built right in. A nifty feature indeed! Once the tracker is active, the earphone will chime to notify you of its location. So, it can be helpful, if the neckband’s in close proximity.

Something else worth noting is that Method ANC can’t stay paired with multiple devices at the same time.

Skullcandy Method ANC Review

Last but not least, Battery life.

Skullcandy Method ANC streams for around 6 hours of on a single charge. Once it’s outta juice, you can fill it back using a rapid charge mechanism. Plug it in for about 10 mins and there you go with an hour and a half runtime. It takes approx. 45 mins to jack it up. All that’s Okie Dokie, but, me don’t likey lack of USB Type-C!

Skullcandy Method ANC Review: Verdict

Skullcandy Method ANC Review

These ears have tuned to other Skullcandies (Crusher ANC & Sesh) before and thus Method ANC sounds very familiar. These are bass-driven and if you’re a bass-head, it’ll be like a warm kiss to your eardrums. Having said that, the treble and mid-tones are also enjoyable. This Skullcandy pair is capable of carrying you to acoustic heaven you seek. Moreover, they are dandy and handy for the everyday commute.

But with a capital B, these might not cut as a budget buds for all. So the decision boils down to whether you need the Active Noise Cancellation. Cuz, if not, it’s not like you’re running out of options. Heck, you can go truly wireless too.

Vasan G.S.Vasan G.S.
An inquisitive mind who spends a big chunk of the day keenly tracking every emerging detail and is responsible for quickly passing on important developments to Smartprix followers. He loves to stay in his bubble scripting his destiny involving amazing technology and people with good character, passion, and brilliance.

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