Wireless earbuds have become the normal choice for most people. But wired earphones are slowly making a comeback, especially among users who want simple plug-and-play listening without worrying about battery life.
Bose is joining this trend with its new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. Priced at $99, these USB-C earbuds combine active noise cancellation, strong sound quality and a sturdy design.
They are more expensive than most basic wired USB-C earbuds, but Bose is clearly targeting users who want something more premium.
Premium Design and Comfortable Fit
One of the biggest problems with cheap wired earbuds is durability. Thin cables can easily get damaged, especially when they catch on clothing or other objects.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds use a thicker 4.2-foot cable designed to reduce tangling and cable noise. The earbuds also have an IPX4 splashproof rating, making them better suited for everyday use.
Bose includes three sizes of eartips and two sizes of stability wings. This helps keep the earbuds securely in place, even though the cable adds some weight.
The earbuds also include an inline remote with buttons for volume and playback controls. Users can switch between noise cancellation, transparency and ANC-off modes directly from the remote.
Active Noise Cancellation
The biggest feature here is active noise cancellation. ANC is still uncommon in USB-C wired earbuds, especially at this price.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds use four microphones to monitor surrounding sounds. Their noise cancellation is effective, although it does not reach the level of Bose’s more expensive premium wireless earbuds.
| Feature | Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds | Typical Budget USB-C Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | Around $20–$30 |
| Connection | USB-C | USB-C |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Rare |
| Sound Quality | Premium | Basic to good |
| Inline Controls | Yes | Depends on model |
| Splash Resistance | IPX4 | Often unavailable |
Sound Quality Is the Highlight
Sound quality is where these earbuds stand out the most.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds deliver clean and detailed audio with strong bass. Music sounds full without becoming overly distorted at higher volumes.
They also support lossless audio through USB Audio Class 2. The wired connection provides low latency, which can be useful for gaming, watching videos and creating content.
This makes them more than just a simple alternative to wireless earbuds.
Good for Calls Too
The earbuds have a dedicated microphone built into the inline remote. During calls, voices can sound clear, although background noise may be more noticeable in busy places.
A useful addition is the sidetone feature, which lets users hear their own voice during calls. This can make conversations feel more natural when using noise-isolating earbuds.
Are Bose’s $99 Wired Earbuds Worth It?
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are aimed at people who want the simplicity of a wired connection without giving up premium features.
They are certainly more expensive than most USB-C wired earbuds. However, the combination of ANC, strong sound, durable construction, comfortable fit and low-latency USB-C audio makes them different from basic budget models.
The biggest downside is the cable itself. If you are used to completely wireless earbuds, dealing with a dangling wire can take some getting used to.
Still, for anyone looking for a premium wired USB-C listening experience, Bose has created an interesting option at $99.
