Bose Launches Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds with ANC for $99
Bose is making a bold return to wired audio with the launch of its Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, a product that combines active noise cancellation (ANC), USB-C connectivity, and lossless audio support. After more than a decade of focusing on wireless earbuds, the company is tapping into a resurgence of interest in wired options, particularly among younger users. The earbuds are available for preorder now and will ship on October 15 for $99.
Editor, Lazyfounder
30 SEC SUMMARY
- Bose is launching the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, its first wired earbuds in over a decade, on October 15.
- The earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC), USB-C connectivity, and three listening modes: Quiet, Aware, and Off.
- Priced at $99, the earbuds target younger generations and wired audio enthusiasts with lossless audio support.
- The product includes an in-line remote, multiple eartip sizes, and an IPX4 water resistance rating.
- Preorders are open now at Bose and Best Buy, with shipments beginning mid-October.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Bose is releasing the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds on October 15, marking its return to wired audio after a decade.
- The earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC), USB-C connectivity, and three listening modes: Quiet, Aware, and Off.
- Priced at $99, the earbuds are positioned as a premium yet affordable alternative to wireless ANC earbuds.
- The product includes an in-line remote, multiple eartip and wingtip sizes, and an IPX4 water resistance rating.
- Preorders are open now, with availability at Bose, Best Buy, and other retailers.
Bose Revives Wired Earbuds with ANC and USB-C
Bose is reintroducing wired earbuds for the first time in over a decade with the launch of the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. The product, set to ship on October 15, is available for preorder starting today at Bose and Best Buy for $99.
The earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC) and three listening modes: Quiet (ANC), Aware (transparency), and Off. This marks a shift for Bose, which has focused primarily on wireless products like the QuietComfort wireless earbuds since discontinuing wired options.
According to Mashable, the earbuds connect via USB-C and do not require charging or Bluetooth pairing, drawing power directly from the connected device. This design targets users who prioritize simplicity and reliability over wireless convenience.
Designed for Sound Quality and Practicality
The Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds support lossless audio at up to 24-bit/48kHz, a feature highlighted by ZDNET and TechRadar. This positions the product as a high-fidelity option for audiophiles and professionals who prefer wired connections for superior sound quality.
The earbuds include an in-line remote with physical buttons for volume control, playback, call management, and ANC mode switching. A dedicated microphone on the remote minimizes background noise during calls, according to Engadget.
For comfort and stability, the earbuds come with three eartip sizes and two wingtip sizes, ensuring a customized fit. They are also IPX4-rated for water resistance, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor use.
The product is available in three colors: Black, White Smoke, and a limited-edition Dewdrop Mint. The cable measures 4.2 feet, providing ample length for most use cases.
Why Wired Earbuds Now?
Bose’s decision to reenter the wired earbud market reflects a resurgence in popularity, particularly among younger generations like Gen Z. Raza Haider, Bose’s President of Consumer Audio, noted this trend, which influenced the company’s product development cycle. The Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds were developed in eight to nine months, a relatively short timeline for Bose.
According to WIRED, the earbuds are positioned as a premium alternative to cheaper wired options like Apple EarPods, offering superior sound quality and ANC. The $99 price point is also competitive compared to wireless ANC earbuds, such as Bose’s own QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), which retail for $179, or Apple’s AirPods Pro, starting at $129.
The earbuds eliminate the need for charging, a key advantage for users who prefer the simplicity of wired devices. This practicality, combined with ANC and lossless audio support, makes the product appealing to both casual listeners and professionals.
What this means
Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.
Bose’s launch of the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds signals a strategic pivot back to wired audio, capitalizing on a niche but growing demand for reliable, high-quality listening experiences. For founders and operators in the consumer electronics space, this move highlights three key insights:
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The Wired Revival Is Real: While wireless earbuds dominate the market, wired options are carving out a space, particularly among younger users and audiophiles. Bose’s decision to reenter this segment underscores the potential for niche products that prioritize simplicity, durability, and sound quality over convenience. Startups should consider whether overlooked segments—like wired audio—could offer untapped opportunities.
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Premium Features at Competitive Prices: At $99, the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds undercut many wireless ANC earbuds while offering comparable features. This pricing strategy could pressure competitors to rethink their own pricing models, especially for products targeting cost-conscious consumers who still want premium audio. Founders should evaluate whether their products can disrupt established categories by offering high-value features at lower price points.
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Practicality Matters: The earbuds’ design—no charging, USB-C connectivity, and an in-line remote—caters to users who prioritize functionality. For hardware startups, this serves as a reminder that innovation isn’t just about cutting-edge technology; it’s also about solving everyday frustrations. Products that eliminate friction (e.g., no battery life concerns) can resonate strongly with users, even in crowded markets.
Key takeaways
- Bose’s new wired earbuds represent a shift back to wired audio after a decade of focusing on wireless products.
- The Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds feature ANC, USB-C connectivity, and lossless audio support, catering to audiophiles and practical users.
- At $99, the earbuds are competitively priced for ANC earbuds from a premium brand, undercutting wireless alternatives.
- The product includes practical features like an in-line remote, customizable fit options, and IPX4 water resistance.
- Preorders are live, with availability starting October 15 at Bose, Best Buy, and other retailers.
FAQ
Why is Bose launching wired earbuds after focusing on wireless products for years?
Bose is tapping into a resurgence of interest in wired earbuds, particularly among younger generations like Gen Z. The Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds offer advantages such as no need for charging, USB-C connectivity, and lossless audio support, which appeal to users who prioritize simplicity and sound quality over wireless convenience.
How do the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds compare to wireless ANC earbuds?
The wired earbuds offer similar active noise cancellation (ANC) to wireless models but eliminate the need for charging and Bluetooth pairing. They also support lossless audio at up to 24-bit/48kHz, a feature often lacking in wireless earbuds due to compression. However, they lack the portability and multi-device connectivity of wireless options.
What devices are compatible with the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds?
The earbuds connect via USB-C, making them compatible with most modern smartphones, laptops, and tablets that feature a USB-C port. They do not require an app or Bluetooth pairing, so they can be used with any device supporting USB audio.
Are the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds sweat or water-resistant?
Yes, the earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means they can withstand splashes and sweat. This makes them suitable for workouts or outdoor use, though they are not fully waterproof.
How long is the cable on the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds?
The cable measures 4.2 feet, providing enough length for most use cases, such as connecting to a smartphone or laptop.
Related on Lazyfounder
Sources
- WIRED · 2026-09-28
Bose Launches New Wired Earbuds After More Than a Decade - Mashable · 2026-09-28
Bose announces ANC wired earbuds: My hands-on first impressions - Engadget · 2026-09-28
Bose's Throwback To Wired Earbuds Add Much-Needed ANC - ZDNET · 2026-09-28
Bose’s new wired earbuds aim for the same great sound and ANC – no charging needed - Gizmodo · 2026-09-28
Even Bose Is Bringing Wired Earbuds Back - TechRadar · 2026-09-29
Bose's latest ANC earbuds come with something you probably wouldn't expect (it begins with W and rhymes with 'tires')
This story is an original summary drafted with AI by Lazyfounder from the reporting listed above and checked by automated validation. Facts are attributed to their original publishers; sections marked as analysis are Lazyfounder's. Where a source is in another language, facts were machine-translated and quotations are reported, not reproduced. Read the original coverage via the links, and see our AI policy and corrections policy.
About the author
Editor, Lazyfounder
Tarun Mottlia edits LazyFounders, covering Indian startups, funding rounds, AI and product launches. Every story on the site is AI-assisted and checked against its cited sources before publication.
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