TechRadar Verdict
A lack of meaningful upgrades over the previous model, and yet an inexplicably higher price, make it hard to recommend the Skullcandy Method 540 ANC. Some perks remain, like their solid in-ear fit, or the above-average battery life, but the drawbacks do too, like the huge carry case and relative lack of features. A shoe-horned AI chatbot is the only noteworthy addition, for people willing to pay a monthly fee.
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Pros
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Solid ear fit
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High max volume
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Above-average battery life
Cons
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Unjustified price hike
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Divisive case
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Lack of useful features
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC: Two minute review
Companies often try to integrate AI chatbots into every possible gadget, but consumer demand for such additions remains low. In many cases, artificial intelligence integration can actually degrade the user experience, a fact some companies are beginning to acknowledge. However, the Skullcandy Method 540 appears to be the latest product to fall victim to this trend.
Consider the Skullcandy Method 360 earbuds, a previous model that almost made it onto lists of top cheap earbuds due to their competitive performance in 2025. The Method 360 were highly regarded for their comfortable fit, enjoyable sound, and reasonable price. The 540 is the updated version, and Skullcandy seems to have skipped a logical naming progression.
New models are expected to offer improvements over their predecessors. Yet, the Skullcandy Method 540 shares the same design, drivers, and carry case as the previous model. These earbuds are remarkably similar, despite costing approximately 25% more.
So, what exactly is new? There are a few minor adjustments, but the primary “feature” is compatibility with Skull AI. This is Skullcandy’s AI assistant, built on Bragi AI, which in turn uses Open AI. Essentially, customers are paying more for a built-in chatbot.
However, this chatbot isn’t included in the purchase price. Skull AI requires a separate subscription, costing $4.99 / £4.99 monthly or $49.99 / £49.99 annually. While “Skull AI” is a memorable name for a chatbot, its evaluation is separate from this review, as it’s an optional, distinct product from the Method 540 earbuds themselves.
For those who regularly use AI chatbots, the Method 540 might be worth considering. However, most buyers will likely question if there are other specification improvements to justify the price increase, or if this is another instance where AI implementation overshadowed genuine upgrades. The latter appears to be the case.
The specifications are identical to the previous model. In some aspects, this consistency is beneficial: the earbuds are comfortable and fit securely, making them suitable for activities like running or gym workouts. In other areas, an upgrade was necessary: while the Method 360 offered good sound, the budget earbud market has advanced significantly in just one year, making the Method 540 less competitive.
The previous Skullcandy earbuds received a four-star rating. The half-star reduction for the Method 540 is due to the price hike, which makes them a less attractive option compared to the Method 360, which offered good value for its price.
Considering the increased cost, the lack of substantial upgrades, and the forced AI integration, it is difficult to be enthusiastic about the Method 540. Consequently, recommending them is challenging, especially with numerous affordable alternatives available in 2026.
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Specifications
Component: Value
Water resistant: IPX4
Battery life (quoted): 11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)
Bluetooth type: Bluetooth 5.3
Weight: 11g / Charging case: 72g
Driver: 12mm
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Price and availability
- Announced in January 2026
- RRP $149.99 / £129.99 (roughly AU$250)
- Skull AI costs $4.99 monthly
The Skullcandy Method 540 ANC were introduced on January 8, 2026, at the annual CES tech conference, just nine months after the Method 360’s release.
These earbuds are available for $149.99 / £129.99 (approximately AU$250, with no confirmed Australian release yet). This represents a significant price increase over the Method 360, which retailed for $119 / £99 / AU$189 and is now even more affordable due to discounts.
The retail price does not include the monthly cost of Skull AI. Access to this AI assistant is $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (regional pricing was not available at the time of this review). It is important to note that Skull AI is optional and includes a 3-month free trial.
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Design
- Chunky carry case
- Incredibly reliable in-ear fit
- Only black or white options
While many wireless earbud manufacturers strive for sleek, compact carry cases, Skullcandy has taken a different approach. The Method 540 earbuds come in a tube-shaped case where the central column slides out to reveal the buds.
The Method 360 used a similar mechanism, though the new case is slightly thinner, measuring 3.6 x 2.9 x 10.2 cm and weighing 72g. Currently, the earbuds are only available in black or white, but Skullcandy often releases more vibrant color options for its products, which may follow for the 540.
This case design is not ideal for pocketability, as the large “monolith” does not fit comfortably in trouser pockets. However, carrying it in a jacket or bag is an option, and some users may find petite carry cases overrated. The case features a magnetic closure for security and a carry hook for attachment to keys or a bag. Unlike the 360, the charging port is now openly accessible.
A persistent issue from the previous model is the inconvenient placement of the earbuds within the case. They require a specific orientation and often considerable maneuvering to ensure they are seated correctly, with improper placement often only discovered when the case fails to close properly.
Skullcandy has refined the carry case but kept the earbuds themselves unchanged from the previous generation, which was a sensible decision. Like the 360, the buds offer a snug and secure fit, attributed to the grippy eartip material and the stabilizing fins that wedge them into the ear. They remained secure during runs and gym sessions.
The earbuds are not particularly light at 11g, nor do they offer extensive protection with an IPX4 rating (splash-resistant, but not dust-protected). However, their reliable fit minimizes the risk of them falling out into water.
Each earbud features touch controls, which generally functioned well once the correct tapping location was learned.
- Design score: 3.5/5
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Features
- ANC is solid, not best-in-class
- Battery life is above average: 11 hours from the buds/29 including the case
- App misses some basic features
The Skullcandy Method 540 ANC earbuds naturally include Active Noise Cancellation. This feature is comparable to the 360 model: it performs adequately but is not top-tier. While loud noises may still penetrate, the general background hum of urban environments is effectively suppressed.
The Stay-Aware mode, similar to many transparency or ambient sound modes, tends to amplify sounds rather than simply allowing them through. Fortunately, the Skullcandy app includes an Intensity slider to adjust its effect.
Battery life estimates for the Method 540 are 9 hours with ANC enabled and 11 hours with ANC off, which aligns with testing. Including the charging case, total battery life extends to 23 or 29 hours. This is considered good, as any earbuds offering over 7 hours with ANC on demonstrate above-average endurance.
To access the 540’s additional features, users must download and use the Skull-iQ app, not the standard Skullcandy app. This distinction was a point of confusion with the 360 model as well.
The app allows users to switch ANC modes, adjust a 5-band equalizer, activate low-latency mode, use the earbuds as a remote camera trigger, enable Spotify Tap, or set up multipoint pairing. The main menu also prominently features two options for Skull AI. Noticeably absent are features like customizable touch controls, fit or listening tests, or a “find my earbuds” function. Any of these would be more beneficial than an AI chatbot, as would a more advanced equalizer or additional presets beyond the three provided.
During testing, there were a few brief Bluetooth drop-outs, but these quickly resolved themselves.
- Features score: 3.5/5
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Sound performance
- 12mm drivers and Bose tuning
- Less bassy than Skullcandy norm
- EQ tweaking is mandatory
On paper, the Skullcandy Method 540 matches its predecessors in audio specifications: 12mm drivers, Bose tuning, and no support for high-res Bluetooth streaming codecs.
While the Method 360’s sound was praised, the same cannot be entirely said for the 540. This might be partly due to the improved quality of budget rivals over the past year, but there also appear to be differences in tuning.
Skullcandy typically has a reputation for bass-heavy audio, which is either a positive or negative depending on listener preference. The Method 540, however, deviates from this trend, offering a less pronounced bass response.
These earbuds present a relatively neutral sound profile for Skullcandy products. Treble is more prominent, the low end is noticeably reduced, and the mids are unremarkable. This shift in sound signature would be interesting if it revealed other strengths, but it largely exposes a lack of depth.
Music often sounds somewhat flat, lacking the energetic bass injection that could invigorate tracks. Additionally, some treble frequencies and musical passages, such as hi-hats, guitar strings, and vocal flourishes, sound compressed.
The absence of a significant soundstage means instruments often compete for attention. Tracks like Arcade Fire’s Wake Up or The Revivalists’ All My Friends, which should create an immersive soundscape, instead sound like music played from a phone. Even the remastered version of Joy Division’s Atmosphere, after being featured in The History of Sound, gave the impression that Ian Curtis was performing every instrument. For Skullcandy’s target demographic, noughties rock like Yellowcard’s Ocean Avenue featured heavy and dull guitar riffs, though the wall of sound in the chorus did add some energy.
The Skull-iQ app offers a saving grace for the Method 540. Using the Bass Boost setting helped restore some of the characteristic Skullcandy sound, demonstrating the earbuds’ capability for decent bass when prompted. The 5-band equalizer also allowed for adding much-needed vibrancy to music. Furthermore, the high maximum volume ensures users can still enjoy music at full power.
- Sound performance score: 3.5/5
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: Value
As observed, the Skullcandy Method 540 earbuds offer few upgrades over the 360, apart from a higher price and an optional chatbot.
Given that it is essentially the same product but priced about 25% higher, the Method 540 does not provide strong value for money. This is particularly true since the older Method 360 earbuds have seen price reductions of around 30% in various regions.
- Value score: 3/5
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC review: scorecard
Value: Their feature set and sound quality aren’t quite justified by the price tag, especially with the 360 on the market. Score: 3/5
Design: The tip and fin make the Skullcandy incredibly sturdy in the ear, though the case is pretty chunky. Score: 3.5/5
Features: Above-average battery life and okay ANC are good, but there are a few missing features. Score: 3.5/5
Sound: The sound lacks a little luster that was present in previous Method buds. Score: 3.5/5
Skullcandy Method 540 ANC: Should I buy?
Buy them if…
You need a reliable in-ear fitThese earbuds will not fall out, making them ideal for gym workouts or running.
You need solid battery lifeBattery life is a crucial feature, and the Method 540 lasts longer than many competitors at this price point, especially with ANC off.
You want an AI chatbot in your earWhile Skull AI was not tested, it is likely as reliable as other chatbots. Be prepared for recurring subscription costs.
Don’t buy them if…
You can still find the Method 360 availableThe Method 360 is preferable. It is essentially the same product but costs less.
You want a tiny carry caseThese earbuds are not designed for easy pocketability due to their bulky case.
Also consider
Component: Skullcandy Method 540 ANC
Water resistant: IPX4
Battery life (ANC off): 11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)
Bluetooth type: Bluetooth 5.3
Weight: 11g (buds) 72g (case)
Driver: 12mm
Component: Skullcandy Method 360
Water resistant: IPX4
Battery life (ANC off): 11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)
Bluetooth type: Bluetooth 5.3
Weight: 11g (buds) 77g (case)
Driver: 12mm
Component: Cambridge Audio Melomania A100
Water resistant: IPX5
Battery life (ANC off): 11 hours (buds); 39 hours (case)
Bluetooth type: Bluetooth 5.4
Weight: 4.7g (buds) 38.7g (case)
Driver: 10mm
Skullcandy Method 360This model has been discussed extensively in this review. It shares remarkable similarities in specifications and design with the 540. A slightly different case shape, absence of AI, various color options, and a lower price make the 360 a more appealing choice.Read our full Skullcandy Method 360 review
Cambridge Audio Melomania A100For a similar price to the Method 540, these five-star earbuds offer fantastic sound, excellent ANC, and long battery life. Their less exciting aesthetic might be a minor trade-off.Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review
