Better in some ways 🤔 Skullcandy Method 360 ANC vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) Review
When I was comparing them to the QC Ultra, the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC had better mic pickup, and sound quality is close to the Bose, but it couldn’t touch the QC Ultra in other areas like noise canceling and transparency. This time, we’re going to see how Skullcandy compares to the QuietComfort Earbuds 2024 in all of those areas, and see if it’s going to be better value.
Microphone Quality Comparison
In terms of microphone pickup, the Skullcandy performs better, but this time the Bose QC Earbuds are quite good also. Background noise reduction was great, and my voice sounded intelligible. The Method 360 is better in the sense that my voice was more amplified and sounded cleaner in noisy conditions.
It could also react to noise quicker so it’s a silent transition from quiet to noisy. That being said, in my mic quality rankings, both the Method360 and the Bose are A-rank, so they are both better than many others I’ve tested.
👉 Have a listen to the mic quality samples
Active Noise Cancelling
In terms of active noise canceling, the Bose QCE is quieter in general except for the frequencies above 3kHz, which means the Bose doesn’t muffle higher pitched noises as well, but in general, it is going to sound a lot quieter than the Skullcandy Method 360.
👉 Have a listen to the ANC quality samples
Transparency Mode
In terms of transparency, the Skullcandy is simply not as clear or transparent as the Bose. The white line in this chart represents a regular ambient noise level which is like not wearing any earbuds at all. You can see that the Bose is a lot closer to it, sometimes amplifying more than the natural ambience between 780-3khz, which is great for voice passthrough. The Skullcandy on the other hand is going to muffle your own voice during verbal exchanges, so not as transparent as the Bose QCE.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound quality, you can see that the general tuning of the Skullcandy is quite similar to the Bose in the audible regions above 100hz, but the Bose QCE does measure lower in the sub bass, and a little flatter in the upper mids and highs.
Comparing them A-B, there’s very little difference between them in terms of clarity and soundstaging, even in terms of volume - only that the QCE are a little less bass heavy than the Skullcandy, so presentation may be a little less bloated. Also, although the Skullcandy measures brighter on paper, the QCE actually sounds a little crisper and brighter. Maybe it’s the track separation being a little more clean.
👉 Have a listen to the sound quality samples
Verdict
Between the Skullcandy Method 360 and the Bose QC Earbuds, the one I’m liking just a bit more is the Bose, and it’s not because the Skullcandy is inferior. I just think it’s not a very good fit for me in terms of portability. I don’t like carrying bags so I’ve got nowhere to hang it, and the last thing I want is a giant bulge in my pocket that looks like I’m happy to see someone.
Although the Bose’s case is big, it’s not going to look as obvious in my pocket. The Bose also has better noise canceling and transparency, and its mic pickup is nearly as good as the Skullcandy. For sound quality, that may be subjective.
If you prefer a clearer, vibrant sound, go for the Bose. For a heavier, visceral signature, the Method 360 is a better fit. Its mic quality is also better than the Bose QCE, even if just by a little bit this could be mission critical, and a compelling reason to choose the Method 360 instead. Click on the links below to check their latest prices, just in case they’re on promo.
Check latest price:
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC - https://amzn.to/42wkpSJ
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) - https://amzn.to/3zuKirs
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