Bose returns to wired earbuds with ANC and a $99 price

Bose has returned to wired earbuds. The company announced the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, a $99 model that connects over a 4.2-foot USB-C cable and carries the active noise cancellation Bose already sells in its wireless lineup. Preorders are open on the Bose website and at Best Buy, with the first shipments expected in mid-October.

Noise cancellation and lossless audio

Each earbud holds two microphones that continuously monitor the surrounding environment and adjust the blocking level according to the selected mode: Quiet Mode, Aware Mode or ANC Off Mode. Bose uses its own QuietControl technology for the noise rejection. The earbuds also support lossless audio when attached to a compatible device, which the company presents as an audio-quality advantage over wireless models, since a cable is not bound by Bluetooth compression.

In-line remote and fit

Controls move off the earbud housing and onto an in-line remote with physical buttons for volume, playback, calls and switching between ANC modes. A dedicated microphone sits on the back of the remote to pick up your voice while limiting unwanted sounds, such as the cable rubbing against clothing. The earbuds are IPX4 rated, and three eartip sizes and two wingtip sizes are included for a more customized fit.

Price and availability

The Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds cost $99 and come in Black, White Smoke and a limited-edition Dewdrop Mint. Bose says first shipments will go out in mid-October. The launch lands next to other retro-flavored audio hardware, including a modernized portable CD player, which suggests the wired segment still has buyers despite the dominance of wireless models.