Introduction

Bose is stepping into a surprising revival, bringing active noise cancellation to the world of wired earbuds at a $99 price point. After years of decline, wired buds are back in style, and Bose’s new entry promises the best of both worlds: simple, wired reliability with modern ANC tech.

What Happened

The Verge’s hands-on review puts Bose’s Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds through the paces, highlighting a USB-C connection that powers ANC without needing a battery pack. The buds deliver clear vocals, punchy bass, and a comfortable, secure fit across three ear tip sizes and two wing options. While ANC performs well against low-frequency hums, it struggles with wind and conversation, and call quality takes a hit due to the in-line mic placement.

Why This Matters

With the headphone jack long gone from flagship phones, wired earbuds might seem obsolete—but sales are climbing again, driven by younger generations and a cultural nostalgia for tactile, battery-free listening. Bose’s approach matters because it proves you don’t need wireless charging or app pairing to get meaningful noise cancellation; the USB-C power trick opens the door for other brands to follow suit without adding bulk.

Key Takeaways

  • ANC via USB-C eliminates the need for a battery pack, keeping the design lightweight and simple.
  • Sound quality hits a sweet spot with clear vocals and punchy bass, though high-end brightness can’t be adjusted without an app.
  • Comfort is solid with multiple tip and wing sizes, and the IPX4 rating makes them workout-friendly.
  • Cable friction and wind noise are the main drawbacks, and call quality isn’t ideal for busy environments.
  • At $99, Bose offers the most feature-packed affordable wired option currently on the market.

Conclusion

Bose’s new wired earbuds succeed by leaning into what wired listening does best: zero latency, high-res audio support, and total simplicity. While the cable can be finicky and wind/phone calls aren’t perfect, the combination of ANC, USB-C convenience, and solid sound makes them the best affordable wired option right now. If you’re curious about the wired comeback, these are the pair to try.