Bose's $99 Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds: Should You Ditch Wireless in 2026?
Wired is back — and Bose just made it official. The audio giant has unveiled the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, its first wired earbuds in over a decade, priced at just $99. They connect via USB-C, deliver active noise cancellation powered by your device (no battery needed), and ship October 15. In a world drowning in Bluetooth earbuds, Bose is betting that sometimes the best technology is a cable.
Price
$99 — less than half the price of most wireless ANC earbuds from Bose, Sony, or Apple.
Connection
USB-C wired. No battery, no Bluetooth pairing, no charging case.
Ships
October 15, 2026. Preorders open now at Bose.com and Best Buy.
What Makes These Different from Regular Wired Earbuds?
These aren't your 2015 Apple EarPods. The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds pack the same QuietControl ANC technology found in Bose's $299 wireless models, running it through four microphones (two per earbud). The difference: instead of an internal battery, the earbuds draw power from your phone, laptop, or tablet via USB-C.
This means you get unlimited listening time as long as your device has charge. No forgetting to top up before a flight, no degraded battery after a year, and no environmental waste from non-replaceable lithium cells. Bose also includes full EQ customization through the Bose Music app, clear call quality with noise-isolating microphones, and three color options including a limited-edition Dewdrop Mint.
How Do They Compare to Wireless Earbuds?
Here's how the $99 Bose wired earbuds stack up against the most popular wireless alternatives:
| Feature | Bose Wired ($99) | Bose QC Ultra ($152) | AirPods Pro 3 ($199) | Sony XM6 ($249) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANC | Yes (QuietControl) | Yes (CustomTune) | Yes (H3) | Yes (V2) |
| Battery | None needed | 6 hrs | 6 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Latency | Near-zero | ~50ms | ~40ms | ~60ms |
| Wireless | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Workout-friendly | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Bose wired earbuds win on price, latency, and infinite battery life. Wireless earbuds win on freedom of movement. For desk work, commuting, and flights — situations where you're seated and plugged in anyway — the wired option makes a compelling case.
Who Should Buy Bose Wired Earbuds?
Desk workers and remote employees: If you spend 8+ hours at a computer, you're already plugged in. Wired earbuds mean you never fumble with Bluetooth pairing between devices, never drain earbud batteries during long meetings, and get near-zero latency for video calls.
Frequent flyers: Battery anxiety is real on long flights. Wired earbuds work as long as your laptop or phone has charge — and USB-C ports are now on most seatback entertainment systems. ANC without worrying about a dead case mid-flight is a genuine upgrade.
Budget-conscious audio fans: At $99, these are the cheapest way to get Bose ANC. The QC Ultra Earbuds start at $152 on sale, and the AirPods Pro 3 at $160. If wireless freedom isn't a priority, you're saving $50–$150.
Gamers and video editors: Near-zero latency matters for gaming and timeline scrubbing. Bluetooth's ~40–60ms delay is noticeable in competitive games and precise audio editing. Wired solves this completely.
Who Should Stick with Wireless?
Gym-goers: A cable during deadlifts or treadmill runs is a liability. If workouts are your primary use case, the Sony WF-1000XM6 or AirPods Pro 3 are better picks.
Multi-device users: If you constantly switch between phone, laptop, and tablet, Bluetooth multipoint pairing is more convenient than physically unplugging and replugging a cable.
People without USB-C: The Bose wired earbuds are USB-C only — no 3.5mm jack. If your device lineup still includes Lightning or older USB-A-only machines, you'll need adapters.
Is Now the Right Time to Buy?
If you want wired ANC: Yes — preorder now for October 15 delivery. At $99 with Bose's track record, the risk is low. My Bose members get early access at Bose.com.
If you're undecided on wired vs wireless: Wait for full reviews in late October. Bose's wireless lineup is excellent and frequently on sale — the QC Ultra Earbuds hit $152 during recent sales, making the wireless premium just $53 over the wired model. Black Friday could narrow that gap further.
If you're considering alternatives: Browse our complete earbuds guide for wireless picks, or check the latest wearable deals for seasonal discounts on Sony, Apple, and Samsung earbuds.
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Bose Wired Earbuds FAQ
Common questions about the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds
Quick answers about battery, ANC, compatibility, and whether wired earbuds are right for you.
Do the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds need a battery?
No. They draw power from your device via USB-C, so there's no battery to charge. ANC, audio processing, and microphone features all run off the wired connection. You plug them in and they work instantly.
How does the noise cancellation compare to wireless Bose earbuds?
Bose uses the same QuietControl technology with four microphones (two per earbud). Early hands-on impressions suggest ANC performance is comparable to the QC Ultra Earbuds, though the wired connection eliminates the slight Bluetooth processing delay that wireless models have.
Will Bose wired earbuds work with iPhone 18?
Yes. iPhone 18 has USB-C, so the Bose wired earbuds plug directly in. They also work with any device that has a USB-C port including laptops, tablets, Nintendo Switch, and Android phones. They do not have a 3.5mm jack — USB-C only.
Are wired earbuds better than wireless for commuting?
It depends on your priorities. Wired earbuds offer zero latency, no battery anxiety, and simpler operation. Wireless earbuds offer freedom of movement and work during workouts. For desk work, flights, and commutes where you're seated, wired is arguably better. For gym and errands, wireless wins.
Should I buy Bose wired earbuds or wait for reviews?
Preorders are open now with shipping October 15. At $99, the price is low enough to try. If you want to wait, full reviews should appear by late October. For a proven wireless option now, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds are available at $152 on sale.