Bose is returning to wired in-ear headphones. The new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds connect digitally via USB-C and offer QuietControl noise cancellation without requiring a battery of their own. Priced at 99.95 euros, they are available for pre-order now; shipping begins on October 15, 2026.
While true wireless earbuds are packing more and more features into ever-smaller cases, Bose is deliberately taking the opposite approach: plug in, play, done. No Bluetooth pairing, no app, and no charging breaks. Nevertheless, buyers don’t have to sacrifice either active noise cancellation or transparency mode.
ANC runs via USB-C—without any charging breaks
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds draw power for sound processing and noise canceling directly from the connected smartphone, tablet, or computer. There is no internal battery. This means that an aging battery cannot limit the lifespan of the earbuds. In return, of course, operation draws on the battery of the connected device.
A compatible USB-C port is required. Bose lists current Android devices, newer iPhones with USB-C, and laptops as compatible devices. There is no provision for routing the signal through a simple adapter to an analog headphone jack: According to Bose, non-USB adapters do not work due to the power requirements.
The cable connection is also designed to enable exceptionally low latency. This is helpful not only for videos and games, but also for producing your own content, where video and audio must remain perfectly synchronized.
Lossless, but fixed at 24-bit and 48 kHz
For digital signal processing, Bose relies on its SoundDesign technology and the USB Audio Class 2 protocol, or UAC2 for short. According to the manufacturer, the earbuds can process input signals with different sample rates and bit rates and support lossless audio transmission.
A small but important detail: The actual playback always occurs at 24-bit and 48 kHz. This should not be confused with bit-for-bit output of every input format. Material with a different sample rate must be adjusted accordingly in the signal path. Bose isn’t aiming for high-resolution record-breaking performance here—but rather for a stable, uncompressed USB connection without a Bluetooth codec.
Quiet, Aware, or ANC Off
Four microphones—two per earbud—continuously detect ambient sounds. In Quiet mode, Bose QuietControl attempts to block out distracting noise as much as possible. Aware selectively lets outside sounds through, while ANC Off completely disables electronic noise cancellation.
You can switch between the three modes using the wired remote control just as easily as you switch between music tracks or phone calls. Its three tactile buttons also control the volume and playback. The microphone for calls is located on the back of the remote control. This design is intended to capture the voice clearly while reducing background noise caused by the cable module coming into contact with clothing.
Nine Ways to Get the Right Fit
The cable is 1.28 meters long. To ensure a comfortable fit, Bose includes silicone ear tips in sizes S, M, and L, as well as stability bands in sizes M and L. Since the earbuds can also be worn without the stability bands, there are three options per ear tip size, resulting in a total of nine possible combinations.
The in-ear headphones are IPX4-rated for splash resistance and come with a zippered carrying case. At launch, they’ll be available in black with blue accents and smoky white with lime green details. According to Bose, Dewdrop Mint draws inspiration from 1990s style and is being released as a limited-edition color option.
Price and Availability
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds cost 99.95 euros. Pre-orders have been available exclusively through MyBose since September 28, 2026, with shipping set to begin on October 15.
With this product, Bose is filling an interesting niche between simple USB-C earbuds and expensive true wireless models: The new in-ear earbuds promise ANC and hassle-free digital playback, but do so without requiring an app, a wireless connection, or a battery that degrades over time. Only a review will reveal whether the sound quality and QuietControl live up to the brand’s long-standing reputation.
More information: Bose
