Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds $99: Bringing Simplicity Back
TL;DR: Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are ideal for anyone who wants USB-C earbuds that work instantly, with ANC (active noise cancellation) and good sound. The trade-offs are a cable that easily catches on things, mediocre call quality, and no app for sound adjustments.
This Bose model works as soon as you plug it into USB-C—no Bluetooth pairing, battery charging, or app required. Its ANC (active noise cancellation) effectively reduces air-conditioning and low engine noise. Vocals are clear, bass is tight, it supports 24-bit/48kHz high-resolution audio, and its low latency makes it suitable for watching videos.
The earbuds are comfortable for extended wear and stay securely in place. They come with three ear tip sizes and two sets of wings, but the 4.2-foot cable can easily catch on desks, clothing, or bags. Call quality is underwhelming, and wind can still interfere with the microphone enough to become annoying.
Design and Included Accessories
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds feature a simple design with a USB-C cable that connects directly to a phone or computer. There is no need to pair via Bluetooth or charge a battery.
The cable includes a three-button remote for adjusting the volume, controlling music playback, and selecting noise-cancellation modes. Inside the box are three ear tip sizes and two sets of wings to help achieve a secure fit.
The Day Earbud Cables Became a Manageable Problem Again
The simplicity of wired earbuds sounds appealing—until the cable catches on a drawer handle, the edge of a keyboard, a clothing zipper, or a bag strap. Even when putting your phone into your pocket, the excess cable can still tangle. This cable feels like a thin rope constantly reminding you that freedom from batteries comes at a price.
That is the trade-off of the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds: no pairing or charging, but you have to keep watching out for the cable catching on things around you. The question is whether the convenience of plugging in and listening immediately is worth the hassle during use.
Where Bose Positions This Model in the World of Wired Earbuds
Bose has returned to wired earbuds after more than a decade away, but the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are not simply a rehash of an old design.
This model connects via USB-C and includes active noise cancellation (ANC), making it compatible with modern phones and computers without requiring a dongle. Its position is that of an easy-to-use wired earbud that works as soon as you plug it in, while still adding ANC functionality.
From the QuietComfort 20 to a USB-C Model Without an External Battery
The QuietComfort 20 used a 3.5mm connector and had a rechargeable battery built into the cable to power ANC. The newer model switches to USB-C and draws a small amount of power directly from the port.
| Factor | Bose QuietComfort 20 | Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Connector | 3.5mm | USB-C |
| ANC power source | Rechargeable battery in the cable | Power from the USB-C port |
| Battery in cable | Yes | No |
| Use with current phones | Requires a 3.5mm connector | Connects without a dongle |
What It Is Like to Use in Different Situations
When near an air conditioner or low engine noise, the ANC does a good job of reducing background noise, though voices remain audible.
Videos are easy to watch with synchronized audio and visuals because the wired connection has low latency. It is suitable for phones or computers where simplicity is the priority.
You can listen to high-resolution music at 24-bit/48kHz. Vocals are clear, bass has impact, and the music sounds more open and detailed.
For extended wear, there are three ear tip sizes and two sets of wings to adjust for a secure fit. They can be used for light running and have an IPX4 rating for light rain, but wind noise is quite noticeable.
Comparing It with USB-C ANC Options on the Market
Among USB-C earbuds with ANC, Belkin is the budget option, while Bose is the premium choice positioned around sound quality and noise cancellation. Audio-Technica still has limited available information.
| Factor | Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds | Belkin SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds | Audio-Technica USB-C Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $30 | Not specified |
| ANC observations | Effective noise cancellation, especially for low frequencies | Reportedly not very effective at cancelling noise | Launched earlier this year in Asia |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
The main strength of this Bose model is its simplicity. Plug it into USB-C and start listening—no pairing or ANC charging required. It effectively reduces air-conditioning and low-frequency engine noise, while delivering clear vocals, tight bass, and high-resolution audio support.
They are comfortable and secure, with three ear tip sizes, two sets of wings, and an IPX4 rating. However, you have to accept that the cable can easily catch on things, produce rubbing or impact noise, and cause noticeable wind interference. Call quality is weak, and there is no app or equalizer for adjusting the sound.
If it were me, I would recommend this model to people who value immediate plug-and-play use more than the mobility of wireless earbuds. But if you travel or move around frequently, the cable may become so annoying that it outweighs the benefits of ANC.
Pros
- +No pairing or charging required; works immediately via USB-C
- +ANC effectively reduces low-frequency noise
- +Clear vocals and tight bass
- +Comfortable and secure fit
- +Supports high-resolution audio
- +IPX4-rated
Cons
- −Poor call quality
- −Noticeable wind interference
- −No app or equalizer
- −Cable easily catches on things
- −Cable rubbing and impact noise
The Real Price May Be the Hassle During Use
Beyond the $99 price, you also have to deal with the cable continuously. Unless you tuck it under your shirt or store the excess in a bag, it can easily catch on drawers, keyboards, clothing zippers, or bag straps.
When walking or moving around, rubbing and impact from the cable can travel into the earbuds, even though the cable insulation reduces the effect better than cheaper models.
Another limitation is the lack of an app for adjusting the EQ. If the treble sounds too bright, you simply have to accept the default sound signature during use.