The Resurgence of Wired Earbuds
While the earbuds market is largely dominated by Bluetooth true-wireless models, a segment of consumers is gravitating towards wired alternatives. These wired earbuds often come at a lower cost, offer simple plug-and-play USB-C connectivity, and eliminate the need for charging. Bose has recognized this trend, introducing its Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds to cater to this growing demand.
Priced at $99, these earbuds are positioned as a more premium USB-C option compared to typical budget models. The source review highlights them as potentially the best USB-C wired earbuds currently available, earning them an Editors’ Choice award. They are offered in black, white smoke, and a limited-edition dewdrop mint.
Premium design for USB-C earbuds
Many USB-C wired earbuds are known for their thin, less durable cords, which can lead to premature failure. For instance, the source reviewer noted issues with other budget USB-C buds where sound gave out due to cable damage.
Design and Build Quality
In contrast, the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds feature an IPX4 splashproof rating and a thick, sturdy 4.2-foot cord. This design not only resists tangling but also helps minimize cable noise when rubbing against clothing. While the cord can still twist slightly when stored, it is significantly less prone to tangling than thinner alternatives.
The inline remote is robustly constructed with rubberized buttons for volume and playback control. Users can double-tap the universal control button to skip tracks forward and tap and hold to cycle through noise canceling, ANC off, and transparency modes.
A common challenge with wired earbuds is maintaining a secure fit due to the added weight of the cord. Bose addresses this with stability wings, which help anchor the earbuds in place. The 23-gram earbuds come with three sizes of eartips and two sizes of stability wings, allowing users to achieve a tight seal and secure fit.
The source reviewer found the earbuds comfortable, but noted that experimenting with the various eartip and stability wing sizes is crucial to prevent discomfort during extended listening periods.
These earbuds require power to operate and must be connected to a phone, tablet, or laptop with a powered USB-C port. They are not compatible with 3.5mm ports via an adapter. The source reviewer confirmed their effective operation with a Nintendo Switch 2.
Active Noise Cancellation
The noise-canceling performance of these earbuds is effective, though it does not reach the same level as Bose’s top-tier QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra (2nd Gen). Bose incorporates its QuietControl technology, utilizing four microphones (two on each earbud) to continuously monitor and minimize ambient sound. The earbuds offer three listening modes: Quiet Mode (ANC on), Aware Mode (transparency), and ANC Off Mode for standard wired listening.
While not Bose's most advanced noise cancellation, the source review indicates it performed well in noisy urban environments, effectively reducing most sounds. However, some voices and higher frequencies remained audible. The noise canceling and transparency modes were both rated positively by the source reviewer.
Active noise cancellation is a rare feature in USB-C earbuds, especially effective implementations. Many budget options claim ANC but deliver underwhelming results.
Audio Performance
The sound quality of the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds is a standout feature, rivaling that of Bose’s more expensive true-wireless models, including the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). The audio is described as clean, open, and well-balanced, featuring Bose’s characteristic powerful bass.
The sound profile is rich, detailed, and full-bodied, with minimal distortion even at higher volumes. The source reviewer found it to be a significant upgrade over other USB-C earbuds, which often lack the same level of bass and overall audio fidelity.
These earbuds incorporate Bose’s proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing technology, supporting lossless audio. Utilizing the USB Audio Class 2 protocol, they can accept various sample and bit rates, with playback fixed at 24bit/48kHz. The direct wired connection also ensures low-latency performance, crucial for synchronized audio during video playback, gaming, or content creation.
Voice Call Clarity
Unlike Bose’s true-wireless earbuds, which integrate microphones into the earbuds themselves, these wired models feature a dedicated microphone on the back of the inline remote. Bose states this design ensures clear voice pickup while minimizing unwanted noise from clothing contact, allowing for natural conversation without needing to hold the remote close to the mouth.
During tests in noisy urban environments, callers reported hearing more background noise compared to calls made with Bose’s latest true-wireless earbuds. However, the source reviewer's voice sounded clearer. This indicates a trade-off, offering enhanced voice clarity at the expense of some background noise reduction in very loud settings. Performance improves significantly in quieter environments.
The earbuds include a sidetone feature, allowing users to hear their own voice during calls. This helps prevent shouting, a common issue with noise-isolating earbuds or over-ear headphones, and was appreciated by the source reviewer.
Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds final thoughts
While not a direct USB-C iteration of previous models, the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds serve as a spiritual successor, now with active noise cancellation. They stand out as excellent USB-C earbuds, clearly superior to the increasing number of more affordable options entering the market.
Despite being pricier than most USB-C wired earbuds, which typically cost $30 or less, and the occasional inconvenience of dangling wires, these earbuds are highly recommended. For users with USB-C-equipped devices who desire a premium listening experience, the Bose Noise Cancelling Earbuds are an easy recommendation. The source reviewer suggests they would be an even better value if discounted to around $80, but even at $99, they offer reasonable pricing, especially when considering the original launch price of older wired noise-canceling models.
