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Engadget
26-05-2025
- Business
- Engadget
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC review: A cheaper version of Bose's best earbuds, with a few key sacrifices
Skullcandy isn't a name that usually comes to mind when you think of premium headphones. The Utah-based company has primarily made its name in the budget space, selling more on low prices and loud, sports-heavy marketing than the promise of excellent sound quality. With the new Method 360 ANC, the audio maker is trying to change that by latching onto another brand entirely. Skullcandy proudly boasts that its latest wireless earbuds feature 'sound by Bose,' which is to say that Bose has supplied the acoustic tuning, ear tips and overall shape of the device. In fact, the new buds look quite similar to Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds from afar. But that upscale pair retails for $299 and the Method 360 ANC only costs $130 (or as low as $100 at third-party stores of this writing). So has Skullcandy managed to capture the best of Bose at a more affordable price? Kind of. With its Bose-inspired design and rich feature set, the $130 Method 360 ANC is a fine value, though it's still a level below actual QuietComfort earbuds. $100 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $100 at Best Buy The Method 360 ANC is indeed roughly as comfortable as the QuietComfort Ultra. Each earpiece is slightly heavier and more plastic-y — and Bose's pair was already on the bulky side — but the soft ear gels and stability fins help them fit snug without creating too much pressure. I had no issues with them coming loose over several weeks of testing. The earbuds have an IPX4 water-resistance rating — not the best, but enough to survive most people's workouts. The larger frame creates more space for the side touch panels, and all the controls do work reliably, which isn't a given in the $100 range. These earbuds also come with most of the features you'd want from a modern pair. There are active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient sound modes. Battery life is fine at eight to 11-ish hours, depending on ANC usage. They can dependably connect to two devices simultaneously, and they work with Google's Fast Pair tech on Android devices. They support wear detection, too, and there are three different sets of ear gels and fins in the box. Any settings tweaks I've made in Skullcandy's Skull-iQ app have taken effect quickly, and in general the software is easy to navigate. The only major omissions here are the lack of wireless charging and a short one-year warranty. The Method 360 ANC is almost identical to Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in terms of design. For this review, we mainly compared the new Skullcandy buds against the QC Ultras and Anker's Soundcore Space A40, the top pick in our budget earbuds buying guide. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget) Once you start listening to the Method 360 ANC, though, you start to see why it's priced under $150. The default sound signature is extremely V-shaped: The bass is massive, the treble is bright and everything in between is recessed. Bass lovers should appreciate this with hip-hop, dance music and many pop songs. A track like Kendrick Lamar's 'DNA' becomes particularly easy to rock to: The low-end is deep and impactful, while a giant spike around the upper midrange keeps the vocals clear throughout. In general, the Method 360 ANC is a step up from the Anker Soundcore Space A40, the longtime top pick in our guide to the best earbuds under $100. That pair is far more muffled in the treble, whereas the Skullcandy pair's crisper, more extended highs tend to make songs feel less closed-off. That said, it's very easy to see how this kind of signature could get fatiguing over time. It's consistently intense, and the recessed mids cause it to lose details in moderately intricate compositions. An indie rock track like Hop Along's 'The Knock' is a bit of a mess, as the bassline and crunchy rhythm guitar overwhelm the lead guitar riffs and rob the raspy vocals of air. With America's 'Ventura Highway,' the folksy acoustic guitar comes through clearly, but the overemphasized treble makes 'ess' sounds a touch too sharp. The QuietComfort Ultra doesn't exactly sound neutral, but it always comes off as more balanced by comparison. Skullcandy has also omitted support for higher-quality Bluetooth codecs, so it only supports the basic SBC and AAC. All of this is still better-than-average for bassheads shopping in this price range — just don't expect it to compete very far beyond that. Thankfully, you can rein in some of the default profile's excesses with a custom EQ in Skullcandy's app. The charging case is on the larger side, to put it mildly, and uses a sliding mechanism to open and close. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget) Skullcandy's ANC is perfectly respectable for $130, and it's great you can customize the intensity of the noise-canceling effect via the app. But it's not on the level of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or even the step-down QuietComfort Earbuds. It cuts out a fair chunk of the bassy rumble of an NYC subway train, but higher-pitched screeches and stop announcements are very much audible with music playing at moderate volumes. The 'Stay Aware' (ambient sound) mode, meanwhile, is passable but nothing more; it's one of those deals where you need to keep the volume somewhat low to ensure you can hear yourself clearly. Call quality isn't great, either: The mic does well to limit background noise, but it struggles with wind and makes your voice sound noticeably thin and processed. My testing partner said it made me sound like I was in an elevator. My biggest complaint, however, is with the ginormous tube of a case. It's comically large next to pairs like the QuietComfort Ultra or Space A40, so much so that I have to question just how spacious Skullcandy thinks most people's pockets are. There is a built-in clip that lets you hook the case to a bag or belt loop, but as a resident of New York City, I will never be comfortable sauntering around with anything of value dangling on my person. Actually snapping the earbuds back into the case is cumbersome as well: You have to slide the case open, then flip the earpieces upside down and insert them on opposite sides. I can understand wanting to make something unique, but this is an instance where boring would've been better. The Method 360 ANC's case has a built-in clip for attaching to bags or belt loops. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget) The Method 360 ANC has its problems, but most of them aren't too surprising for a relatively affordable pair of wireless earbuds (oversized case aside). Don't be fooled into thinking the Bose branding means you're getting a Bose-level product — the real-deal QuietComfort Earbuds are better if you're willing to pay more. But this is still a tier above most budget pairs we've tested. It has nearly all the features we're looking for (unlike, say, the Beats Solo Buds), it's comfortable and the sound signature will hit right if you're hungry for bass. At its normal $130, it's well worth considering for bassheads who can go one rung above the bargain bin. For $100 or less, it's a great value. Just make room for that case.
The Verge
15-05-2025
- The Verge
Sony WH-1000XM6 hands-on: back to the fold
Sony's WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones have arrived three years after their popular predecessors. That's a longer gap than usual for the lineup, but don't expect any earth-shattering changes. Whereas the 1000XM4 to 1000XM5 upgrade brought a significant design overhaul, this time Sony is mostly focusing on sound, noise cancellation, and quality-of-life hardware refinements, rather than messing with the visual style. The 1000XM6 are an amalgamation of the best traits from Sony's past models and should be the best of the series. But they're also the most expensive. Sony has raised the price to $449, a $50 jump compared to the prior model and $20 more than Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. That's a lot of money for headphones that are unabashedly plastic. Apple's AirPods Max have a design befitting of their price, even if they're overly heavy as a result. But much like Bose, Sony sticks to a different game plan by prioritizing long-term comfort for frequent flyers, commuters, and anyone who needs to dial down the outside world for a few hours. The 1000XM6 borrow most of their DNA from the 1000XM5 with one extremely welcome change: they can fold up again. Sony added a joint to each arm that lets the headphones collapse down and take up less room in their carrying case; similar joints were found on earlier models but were absent on the 1000XM5. I'm already leery about how robust these hinges will prove over several months or a year; Sony has a mixed track record there, so stay tuned. But the return of folding means the case is noticeably smaller than last time, and Sony has also completely ditched the zipper for a magnetic clasp. I've really come to love this tweak. It's possible to close the case and lock the clasp with just one hand, which you're obviously not going to pull off with a zipper. And the fabric case is designed in such a way that it remains tightly shut even at the far ends away from the clasp. Well done, Sony. There's a 'right way' to position the headphones when putting them in, which takes a beat to memorize, but it's a vastly better situation for headphones you're meant to tote everywhere. Sony has made several other smart revisions: the headband is wider and puts less pressure on the top of your noggin. Both pleather ear cups are removable (though it takes a good tug) and easy to clip back in should you need replacements. The power button is now round, so you can quickly distinguish it from the ANC button just by feel. And for the first time in the 1000X lineup — don't ask me how it took this long — you can charge the headphones and listen to them at the same time. But it's not the approach I would've preferred. Bafflingly, Sony still doesn't support audio over USB-C with these $450 headphones, so you have to use two cables in this scenario — USB-C for charging and the 3.5mm jack for your music. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge Those are the functional differences, but Sony also upgraded its silicon this time around. The 1000XM6 use the company's latest noise-cancellation chip, which produces class-leading ANC that surpasses the 1000XM5 and, according to Sony's claims, all competitors on the market today. If you were already impressed by how well the 1000XM5 dialed down the outside world, hearing that these do an even better job might push you toward upgrading. (The transparency mode on the 1000XM6 remains natural-sounding, and you can still temporarily activate it by covering the right ear cup with a hand.) Sony says its latest headphones outshine all previous 1000X models in sound quality. This can be attributed to two factors: first, the company says it consulted audio engineers at Sony's various music studios for input on tuning the headphones. And second, the 1000XM6 includes new drivers that output clearer vocals and richer details. I haven't spent enough time with them to reach a full verdict, but these still sound every bit like Sony headphones. They're dynamic, lively, and don't shy away from bass. If the default sound profile isn't your jam, Sony gives you a 10-band EQ for customizing the sound, and I'm sure owners will be comparing their favorite settings on Reddit and elsewhere. The AirPods Max still have a wider soundstage to my ears and win out on overall clarity, but I don't think Sony fans will be disappointed. Multipoint Bluetooth and Sony's signature LDAC codec remain present. This being Sony, there are always some gimmicks tossed in, and with the 1000XM6, the gimmick is spatial audio upmixing. Inside the Sound Connect app, you'll find new options for simulating a room, coffee shop, or movie theater — with each effect adjusting the 'immersion' and ambiance of stereo content with virtualized fakery. These are all terrible. I mean, bad bad. They're easily the low point of the 1000XM6 but are easy to completely ignore or try once and never again. It's starting to feel as though Sony has run out of ideas for competing with the ecosystem advantages that Apple, Google, and Samsung can offer. As for voice calls, the company says it's using AI beamforming to better isolate your speech from the surrounding environment. And Sony's also throwing more microphones at the problem: the 1000XM6 use six mics for voice pickup compared to four last time. (There are 12 in total, with the others dedicated to noise cancellation.) I'm sure you'll soon be able to find all sorts of mic tests around YouTube to gauge any improvements for yourself. Battery life is one area that's completely unchanged from the 1000XM5. You'll still get up to 30 hours with ANC on or 40 with it off. Sony's 1000XM6 headphones don't come with another head-turning visual makeover, but they wisely bring back a folding design while improving comfort, noise cancellation, sound fidelity, and small touches like the physical controls. Their higher-than-ever price might push Sony loyalists to explore what else is out there, and 1000XM5 owners shouldn't feel any rush to spend the $450. But if your older Sony earbuds are on their last legs, these could be worth saving up for.
Tom's Guide
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I test audio gear for a living: Here are the headphones and speakers I use daily
As the Audio Editor at Tom's Guide, I spend hours upon hours using different pieces of audio equipment at a range of different price points. It's all to serve one purpose — to have loads of fun to give you the best buying advice possible so that you can make more informed decisions when you go to buy your next pair of headphones, earbuds, or Bluetooth speaker. But do I follow that buying advice? Do I use the best headphones that top our list, and are the things that I use even found in our detailed, informative buying guides? Well, beyond blowing my own editorial trumpet (toot toot), I am going to tell you all about the things I use every day, how I use them and even how I travel with them so that you can see I'm not just all hot air. Although I do like to bloviate. This is actually a relatively recent addition — the PX7 S3 only recently came out, and they're only available in the U.K. as of writing this list. But I can see them sticking around for some time to come. I adore the way that the B&W cans feel on my head, and the way that they sound. They've unrivaled precision, with excellent highs, mids, and lows. I'm yet to test anything at their £399 price point that sounds as good as the PX7 S3, and I feel like it will be a while until something comes along to unseat them from their place in my backpack. They also happen to be incredibly comfortable, suitably good-looking, and they come with one of my favorite carrying cases of all time. Battery life is competitive and their controls are very good. If there was one critique I could level at them, it would be that American people can't yet buy them — the moment they reach U.S. shores, they're going straight to the top of our Best headphones list. They're not available in the U.S. yet, but they will be soon — and they're an excellent choice. They're supremely comfortable, very handsome, and feature incredible sound quality. In the home country, they even undercut the competition on price, coming in at £399. It may come as some surprise given my position here at Tom's Guide, but I'm not a great user of the best wireless earbuds. I find them slightly more uncomfortable, and their sound and ANC are compromised when compared to their over-ear counterparts. At least that was my position until the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds fell into my waiting fingertips. Since then, I've tested buds that nearly took their place in my backpack/pocket, but thanks to some truly incredible noise canceling the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds remain my earbuds of choice. Good sound and great comfort cement their place in one of my favorite things from 2025. Battery life isn't amazing, and wireless charging would have been nice, but I remain impressed by them to this day. It'll take something very special indeed to replace them in my backpack. Bose's noise-canceling buds have always been a very solid option if you're looking for something that blocks out all the noise, and the Ultra Earbuds are the best yet. They're comfortable, sound pretty good, and they'll block almost any noise you might throw at them. They're a bit pricey, and they lack wireless charging, but they're easily some of my favorite buds around. When I want some musical accompaniment when I leave the house, I want something that: Those are all non-negotiable — I refuse to budge. There are plenty of speakers I've tested that have nailed down any one of those specs, but there's only one that's made me smile while it does it. The Marshall Emberton III is a compact little Bluetooth speaker, but it packs in some very solid sound for the size. It's built from the ground up for rock n' roll, and wears its heart on its sleeve — and I can't think of much better. Battery life is a highlight as well. 32 hours of playtime is plenty for those moments where you need to share some tunes with your friends. It's saved more than one music-less BBQs and gathering since it first joined the family, and I can see it continuing for a long time to come. There were some Soundcore options that nearly took its place, but ultimately the Emberton III and its funky leather-like covering took the win. The knurled controller that adorns its top sure did help as well — it's lovely. This extremely attractive Bluetooth speaker is a stunning addition to your portable sound arsenal. It sounds great, looks wonderful, and won't break the bank at $169. It's one of my favorite Bluetooth speakers around thanks to its intuitive brass control nob — and I think you'll love it too. So there are times when I don't want to use something that can be portable. When at home, I want something that doesn't compromise on sound and features so that I've got great audio on my bedside. I've actually written about how much I love my Sonos Move 2, my home Bluetooth speaker of choice. I don't need something super impressive in my bedroom for shorter listening sessions — it's where my stereo system lives, and that's where I do my proper critical listening. Instead, it's a great semi-portable speaker that sounds great and lets me access my music super quickly. I love the way that it looks, and the way that it sounds — there's a reason it's topped our best Bluetooth speakers list since it was launched. I love mine, and my nightstand wouldn't be complete without it. The Sonos Move 2 is the ultimate Bluetooth speaker, as long as you don't need out-and-out portability. It sounds epic wherever you go, thanks to the constantly updating 'TruePlay' tuning, and the 24 hours of battery means it lasts for ages. It's a weighty thing, and it's a bit expensive, but it's a stunning home Bluetooth speaker. So I carry around a lot of very expensive audio gear when I'm out and about, and I imagine you do as well — so how do I carry it around with me? I use this: My Mous Optimal Protective Lid Backpack. It's big, it's comfortable, and most importantly, it's incredibly protective of the stuff that I put inside it. There are slots for my laptop and phone, and even one for an AirTag (or equivalent tracker) so that you can track it should an unsavory nab it. But you don't care about that — you care about how it will keep your precious headphones and earbuds safe. For earbuds, there are special slots you can put them so that they don't shake loose while you're walking to the train or bus on your commute. The large center section is zipped and then secured close with a tightening clip, so there's no getting into it without your say-so. The whole thing is ruggedized so that it protects your stuff should it take a tumble — your laptop in its built-in protective sleeve will survive higher and more frequent drops, if you happen to be clumsy. I'm yet to test this because I am a coward, but it's nice to know that it's there. I don't have to worry about my daily headphones or earbuds going missing with my backpack. As Audio Editor, it's not really in my purview to talk about backpacks, but this one is so good at keeping my stuff safe that I can't not. It's not cheap — $239 — but given the peace of mind when I head on busy trains for any traveling, it's indispensable. Straight up — not a cheap backpack. But with slots for just about everything, a front compartment that opens all the way, and a special protective compartment for your laptop, it's the best way to carry your headphones and earbuds. Along with like, everything else.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bose Mother's Day Sale gives up to 25% off on earbuds, headphones and speakers
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. Bose just launched its exclusive Mother's Day Sale, offering discounts across its latest earbuds, headphones, speakers and more. The sale features the brand's well-regarded QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at a special price of $249, and the SoundLink Revolve+ II Bluetooth Speaker, perfect for poolside tunes, with a generous $70 off. This exclusive sale, with free two-day shipping, is a treat for all music-loving moms and lasts until May 11. Check out these top Mother's Day headphones and earbuds deals on Bose and some other brands that have great sound: Original price: $299 Save $50 on these powerful earbuds. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver a captivating soundscape, ultimate noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio mode. Together, these features give you great sound. These earbuds are easy to control and have up to 6 hours of battery life. You can also buy these earbuds on sale at Amazon. Amazon Just Slashed Prices On Apple Watches – Get One Now While The Deal Lasts Original price: $179 Read On The Fox News App The QuietComfort Earbuds are $30 off right now and give you a lot of power for your money. These earbuds have a longer battery life than the Ultra, more equalizer options, voice controls and wireless charging. They can be charged for up to 8.5 hours nonstop, and the wireless charging case holds 2.5 charges for up to 31.5 hours of listening time. They are a great option for those long walks. You can also buy the QuietComfort Earbuds on sale at Amazon. Original price: $149 The updated SoundLink Flex Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker delivers big, bold sound in an easy-to-carry package. This speaker is built to be durable, so you can take it out with you. The high-fidelity audio is crisp and has deep bass you can feel. It also features an adjustable EQ in the Bose app. Amazon has the speaker on sale for $119. Original price: $299 Grab the SoundLink Revolve+ II Bluetooth Speaker, one of Bose's best-performing portable Bluetooth speakers, if you want deep, jaw-dropping sound on the go. Set this speaker near a wall to get 360-degree sound and get the vibes rolling at your next gathering. The speaker is designed with a flexible handle to carry it easily. Grab this speaker on sale at Amazon. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are not included in the sale, but moms everywhere will love Bose' new color drop. They feature immersive audio, enhanced noise cancellation and microphone performance, and a comfortable fit. They are light and easy to control and have a long battery life. Plus, they come in great colors and have a carrying case to match. These headphones are also available on Amazon. Stylish Dresses To Wear To A Spring Wedding Original price: $79.95 If you are looking for good-sounding headphones at a lower price point, try the JBL Tune 720 BT headphones. This is a great wireless earphone option that delivers very good sound quality and comfort. The headphone build quality is also top-notch, with a sleek and foldable design. These Anker earbuds are a great pick for earbuds. They deliver great sound quality and a good bluetooth range. They are also very comfortable and come with five different sizes of earbuds, so you can adjust them as needed. The case is sturdy and has great battery capacity. The earbuds charge quickly and last five to six hours. For more deals, visit Original price: $26.99 This little speaker delivers powerful sound at a great price. It is durable and has about 20 hours of play time. Plus, it has long-range bluetooth and multicolor lights that can be turned on to create a party article source: Bose Mother's Day Sale gives up to 25% off on earbuds, headphones and speakers
Fox News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Bose Mother's Day Sale gives up to 25% off on earbuds, headphones and speakers
Bose just launched its exclusive Mother's Day Sale, offering discounts across its latest earbuds, headphones, speakers and more. The sale features the brand's well-regarded QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds at a special price of $249, and the SoundLink Revolve+ II Bluetooth Speaker, perfect for poolside tunes, with a generous $70 off. This exclusive sale, with free two-day shipping, is a treat for all music-loving moms and lasts until May 11. Check out these top Mother's Day headphones and earbuds deals on Bose and some other brands that have great sound: Original price: $299 Save $50 on these powerful earbuds. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver a captivating soundscape, ultimate noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio mode. Together, these features give you great sound. These earbuds are easy to control and have up to 6 hours of battery life. You can also buy these earbuds on sale at Amazon. Original price: $179 The QuietComfort Earbuds are $30 off right now and give you a lot of power for your money. These earbuds have a longer battery life than the Ultra, more equalizer options, voice controls and wireless charging. They can be charged for up to 8.5 hours nonstop, and the wireless charging case holds 2.5 charges for up to 31.5 hours of listening time. They are a great option for those long walks. You can also buy the QuietComfort Earbuds on sale at Amazon. Original price: $149 The updated SoundLink Flex Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker delivers big, bold sound in an easy-to-carry package. This speaker is built to be durable, so you can take it out with you. The high-fidelity audio is crisp and has deep bass you can feel. It also features an adjustable EQ in the Bose app. Amazon has the speaker on sale for $119. Original price: $299 Grab the SoundLink Revolve+ II Bluetooth Speaker, one of Bose's best-performing portable Bluetooth speakers, if you want deep, jaw-dropping sound on the go. Set this speaker near a wall to get 360-degree sound and get the vibes rolling at your next gathering. The speaker is designed with a flexible handle to carry it easily. Grab this speaker on sale at Amazon. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are not included in the sale, but moms everywhere will love Bose' new color drop. They feature immersive audio, enhanced noise cancellation and microphone performance, and a comfortable fit. They are light and easy to control and have a long battery life. Plus, they come in great colors and have a carrying case to match. These headphones are also available on Amazon. Original price: $79.95 If you are looking for good-sounding headphones at a lower price point, try the JBL Tune 720 BT headphones. This is a great wireless earphone option that delivers very good sound quality and comfort. The headphone build quality is also top-notch, with a sleek and foldable design. These Anker earbuds are a great pick for earbuds. They deliver great sound quality and a good bluetooth range. They are also very comfortable and come with five different sizes of earbuds, so you can adjust them as needed. The case is sturdy and has great battery capacity. The earbuds charge quickly and last five to six hours. For more deals, visit Original price: $26.99 This little speaker delivers powerful sound at a great price. It is durable and has about 20 hours of play time. Plus, it has long-range bluetooth and multicolor lights that can be turned on to create a party atmosphere.
