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Bose’s new Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds connect over USB-C and add active noise cancellation without Bluetooth pairing, a companion app, or an internal rechargeable battery. Bose announced a U.S. price of $99, with shipping scheduled to start October 15, 2026. They are a straightforward option for listeners who want a cable and noise control—but only if their device supports USB-C audio.
What Bose announced—and when
Bose announced the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds on September 28, 2026. The company said U.S. shipping would start October 15 at an announced price of $99. Its regional announcements list £99 in the U.K. and AU$169.95 in Australia; those are local announced prices, not currency conversions of the U.S. price. Check current listings for availability and pricing.
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The launch is a return to wired earbuds for Bose. WIRED describes these as the company’s first new wired headphones since 2015 and places the launch amid renewed interest in wired listening. It reports, citing Circana figures, that wired-headphone sales rose 10% in the second half of 2025 and 20% at the start of 2026. Those figures are reported by WIRED, not independently verified here against Circana’s original publication.
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Bose president of Premium Consumer Audio Raza Haider said in the company’s announcement: “Wired earbuds are experiencing a cultural renaissance, and when we decided to bring them back, we knew we had to make them even better than before.”
#1 Best Overall
- Ideal for iPod, iPhone and iPad.Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Noise cancelling reduces surrounding distractions, letting music stand out. Stay Hear+ tips provide long-lasting comfort plus stability
- Aware mode lets you hear what's around you when you need to, at the touch of a button; Charging time: 2 hours
- Exclusive TriPort technology and Active EQ help deliver lifelike, digital-quality audio. Control module(inches):3.5 H x 1.25 W x 0.37 D
- QC20 headphones are specifically designed to work with selected Apple or selected Samsung and Android devices. An inline microphone and one-touch answer/end button allow for seamless switching between your calls and music. Some phones may require you to hold the answer/end button for a few seconds to perform these functions
How the USB-C connection changes the usual earbud setup
These are USB-C earbuds, not 3.5 mm earbuds. They connect directly to a compatible phone, tablet, or computer, so check that the specific device supports USB-C audio. The USB-C connector alone does not establish compatibility with every device that has a USB-C port.
- No Bluetooth pairing: connect the cable to start listening; there is no wireless pairing step.
- No companion app: Bose says an app is not required.
- No earbud battery to charge: the earbuds draw power from the connected device instead of an internal rechargeable battery.
Bose specifies SoundDesign digital signal processing and USB Audio Class 2, with playback output fixed at 24-bit/48 kHz. The company positions the wired connection’s low latency for video, gaming, and content creation. The published specification describes the output format; it is not, by itself, an independent measure of sound quality.
Rank #2
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Deep, clear sound enhanced by exclusive TriPort technology for crisp highs and natural-sounding lows. Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Proprietary Stay Hear tips, in three sizes, conform to your ear's shape to stay comfortably in place all day
- Sweat and weather-resistant; engineered and tested for lasting quality and durability
- Matching protective carrying case included
Noise modes, controls, and what comes in the box
Bose describes three listening modes. Four microphones—two in each earbud—support its QuietControl system, according to the company.
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- Aware Mode: lets surrounding sound in.
- ANC Off Mode: provides wired listening without active noise cancellation.
An in-line remote provides physical controls for volume, playback, calls, and switching noise-cancellation modes. A separate microphone for calls sits on the back of the remote.
Rank #3
- Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad and iPod models
- Exclusive TriPort technology and Active EQ help deliver lifelike, digital-quality audio
- Aware mode lets you hear what's around you when you need to, at the touch of a button
- Noise cancelling reduces surrounding distractions, letting music stand out
The cable is 4.2 feet long. Bose includes small, medium, and large silicone eartips; medium and large stability wings; and a zippered carry case. The earbuds carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating.
What early hands-on coverage can—and cannot—tell you
WIRED’s Harry Rabinowitz reported using a late-stage prototype for four days, making his piece an early impression rather than an extended review of a final retail unit. He praised sound detail and noise cancellation. He also found that the inline control panel added weight and cable tension, and that the cable tangled in its pouch. Those observations are useful points to watch for, but they do not establish long-term comfort, durability, or the experience of every production unit.
Rank #4
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING FOR IMMERSIVE SOUND: With built-in ANC, these wireless earbuds block out background noise, so you can focus on music, podcasts, or calls—even in noisy environments. Includes ANC, HearThru, and Standard listening modes.
- EASY USB C CONNECTION: Plug these wired earphones into an iPhone 17 or 16, Galaxy S25, and various other USB C compatible devices. Plug and play with no need for a charge or adapter, and the tactile multi-control button offers a seamless user experience.
- BASS BOOST, 3 EQ PRESETS: Enjoy Certified Hi-Res Audio with 12mm drivers tuned in our California audio lab for enhanced listening. Choose from Bass Boost, Belkin Signature Sound, or Balanced EQ presets to personalize your listening experience.
- TANGLE-FREE CORD W/ MIC: The lightweight 4ft/1.2M flat cable resists tangling so you can toss your earphones in your bag worry-free, while a built-in mic with Clear Call Quality reduces background noise so your voice stays clear during calls.
- COMFORT DESIGN + NOISE CANCELLING: With S, M, and L size ear tips, kids and adults alike can enjoy all-day comfort, as well as noise isolation – letting just the right amount of background noise in so you can focus on the sounds you want to hear.
WIRED names the Sennheiser IE 200 and Final E500 as other wired earbuds to consider, but does not test them head to head against Bose’s product. There is no basis in that coverage for a comparative claim about which sounds better or offers better value.
Who should consider these earbuds?
- A good fit: someone with a USB-C-audio-compatible device who wants a wired connection, active noise cancellation, physical controls, and no earbud charging or app setup.
- Check first: anyone whose device lacks USB-C audio support, or who specifically needs a 3.5 mm plug.
- Think about the cable: listeners who prefer a completely cable-free setup may not want a wired design; the early prototype impression also flags cable handling and the weight of the inline remote as considerations.
The core trade-off is simple: a cable replaces Bluetooth and battery management, while Bose adds noise-control modes and an inline remote. Whether that is convenient depends on the device you use and how you feel about wearing and storing a cable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Immersive Sound, Powered by Dual Drivers: Experience audio like never before with our dual-driver wired headphones—where precision meets power. A balanced tweeter driver delivers crystal-clear, high-resolution sound, unlocking every subtle detail in your music or movies. Paired with a dynamic low-frequency driver, it cranks out deep, punchy bass that hits just right—no muddiness, just pure impact.
- Rare Noise Cancellation for Wired Headphones： Equipped with an ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) chip in the adapter, it actively filters out background clutter (think busy streets, office chatter, or cafe buzz) during calls. Your voice stays sharp and audible, while distractions fade away—making every conversation feel like you’re talking face-to-face. Paired with the soft earbuds’ passive noise isolation, it adds a second layer of quiet. The ergonomic earbuds seal gently but effectively, blocking out ambient sound so you can dive into your favorite tracks without cranking up the volume.
- Durability That Lasts: Crafted from precision-engineered metal,The robust metal structure stands up to daily wear and tear — scratches, bumps, and commute-induced damage included Better yet, the metal build isn’t just about strength: it minimizes unwanted resonance, keeping sound pure and true. Every note, bassline, and dialogue stays crisp and clear, with zero distortion caused by low-quality materials.
- Versatile Sound for Every Taste: Whether you’re diving into the rich harmonies of classical, the smooth riffs of jazz, the energy of rock, the soul of blues, the groove of R&B, or the beat of disco—this headphone handles it all. It even brings movie details to life, making every dialogue, soundtrack, and sound effect feel vivid and real.
- Effortless In-Line Controls: No need to fumble with your phone — the simple in-line control panel on the headphone wire lets you take charge in seconds. Switch tracks, play/pause music, or answer calls with just a tap, all without reaching into your pocket or bag.
Sources
- Bose’s September 28, 2026 product announcement — specifications, modes, included accessories, U.S. price, and shipping date.
- Bose UK announcement — U.K. announced price and shipping date.
- Bose Australia announcement — Australian announced price.
- WIRED launch coverage — launch context and four-day late-stage prototype impressions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
