Bose has introduced a fresh take on wired earbuds, reimagining them with built-in active noise cancelling (ANC) for $99. These aren’t your typical 3.5 mm buds—these connect exclusively via USB-C, use a proprietary digital signal processor (DSP), and deliver fixed 24-bit audio output to work with nearly any device sporting a USB-C port.
What’s New with These Earbuds
The standout feature is the ANC system: each earbud has two microphones to power Bose’s Quiet Mode, which aims to block ambient noise. Aware Mode serves as a transparency option when you want awareness of your surroundings. Of course, you can also turn off ANC entirely.
Unlike many wired audiophile options that favor 3.5 mm jacks and compatibility with external DACs or amps, these buds require a USB-C connection to function. That implies you can’t use them with your DAC/amp stack or analog outputs—but it does allow for consistent signal handling via Bose’s internal DSP.
Availability and Pricing
Pre-orders are available now in two finishes, Black and White Smoke. Bose and Best Buy will start shipping them on October 15. For $99, you get ANC, transparency, and wired reliability—without worrying about battery life.
This launch reflects Bose’s effort to tap into growing interest in wired listening experiences. Their QuietComfort wireless lineup popularized high-quality ANC in recent years, especially for travelers, but the wired option has been largely absent—until now.
What this means going forward: For listeners frustrated by short battery life or Bluetooth latency, these earbuds offer a viable alternative. Expect them to appeal especially to commuters, frequent flyers, and anyone wanting fast connection via USB-C with minimal setup. The key will be sound quality under load, and how they stack up versus premium 3.5 mm wired and wireless models in real-world settings. Keep an eye on reviews after the October 15 launch to see if bass, detail, and noise suppression live up to the price tag.
