Bose launches wired earbuds with ANC, USB-C; price

Bose has reintroduced wired earbuds, eleven years after discontinuing the product line. The new offering, dubbed the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, is priced at $99 and is currently available for preorder on the brand's online store, with a shipping date of either October 13 or 15 according to Bose. Unlike earlier Bose earbuds, these new models include active noise cancelling, a feature absent from previous wired designs.

They also utilize USB-C connectivity instead of the traditional headphone jack, enabling seamless compatibility with modern smartphones and laptops.

The earbuds house two microphones, working in tandem with Bose's QuietControl technology to enable active noise cancelling. Users can select from three modes: Quiet Mode, which reduces external noise; Aware Mode, which allows ambient sounds; and a final option to fully disable ANC. Mode switching is facilitated by a button on the inline remote attached to the earbuds.

Instead of a 3.5mm jack at the end of a 4.2-foot cable, Bose has opted for a USB-C connector. This choice permits direct plug-in into devices such as phones and laptops that have phased out headphone jacks, and supports lossless audio with minimal latency. While Apple's USB-C EarPods, included with recent iPhones, share this connector but lack ANC, Bose's earbuds distinguish themselves in this regard.

Additionally, budget wired alternatives from Sony, like the MDR-EX15AP, also forgo ANC and continue to use the older 3.5mm jack, making Bose's offering more akin to a wireless earbud experience without the need for charging.

The inline remote on these earbuds extends beyond ANC mode switching, allowing users to control volume and playback, and also houses its own microphone for clear call quality, even when the remote is not held near the mouth. Designed with durability in mind, the earbuds carry an IPX4 rating, indicating resistance to sweat, rain, and light splashes, though immersion in water is still discouraged.

Addressing connectivity concerns, wire-based models like these eliminate the need for frequent charging, a point Bose emphasizes as an advantage over its wireless line. The earbuds come equipped with three sizes of silicone eartips and two sizes of stability wings, intended to ensure a secure fit during activities like workouts or running.

A zippered carrying case is also included in the package. For those who found charging wireless earbuds inconvenient or simply prefer a more stable wired connection, Bose's new wired earbuds present noise cancelling capabilities without the associated maintenance, at a price that is lower than most of Bose's wireless range.