The “Bose” name is typically found for a premium price, but Skullcandy is collaborating for a more cost effective noise cancelling option.
There is clearly no shortage of noise cancelling earphone options, as the noise-quelling technology becomes democratised and makes its way to more earphones than you can shake your wallet at. But there’s one thing that separates the good from everything else: the premium technology often associated with the high-end brands.
While it’s true that you can find earphones that stand out in the low and mid-range, the best earphones each year tend to come from the brands you probably know: Apple, Bose, Sennheiser, Sony, and lately Technics.
Most of these are consistent, and in recent years for Pickr’s Best Picks awards, Bose has been found consistently in the list of the best headphones.
That should come as no surprise, given Bose practically invented noise cancellation. However, as good as that is, Bose earbuds can come with a hefty price tag, depending on the model you go after.
And that could be why Bose’s recent collaborations are so exciting, bringing sound customised by the company to more earphone choices, often for less money.
Skullcandy is joining that approach with a new pair arriving in Australia shortly, as it delivers the Method 360, noise cancelling earbuds that come with up to 40 hours of battery life in a battery case that looks a little like a thin hand grenade, holding the earphones to a keyring so you can easily tether the package to a bag.
The price could be the most compelling part, offering the Method 360 ANC for $190 in Australia, essentially lowering the barrier of entry for noise cancellation with the name “Bose” attached.
“This product sets a new standard,” said Justin Regan, Vice President of Marketing at Skullcandy.
“We’re launching at $189.99 AUD because we want more people to hear what’s next,” he said. “But make no mistake, Method 360 ANC belongs in the premium tier.”
It’s worth pointing out that Skullcandy isn’t the first company to collaborate with Bose for a customised sound. Last year, Motorola released the Moto Buds+, a pair of Motorola-made noise cancelling earbuds with sound by Bose on-board, as well.
Back when we reviewed them, we found the Moto Buds Plus were a decent choice, thanks to that excellent sound, and suspect that’s what Skullcandy is going for with the Method 360.
For the $190 price locally, it stands to reason the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC are going after the same logic and possibly sound, albeit with Skullcandy’s design attached to the package. Skullcandy has even grabbed skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, showcasing the earbuds with the man himself.
In Australia, the Method 360 ANC is available now, compatible with iPhone and Android, and available for $190 locally.
