The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds bring active noise cancellation back to a cable, with a USB-C connection, no internal battery to recharge and a US preorder price of $99. Bose says shipping starts on 15 October, according to its launch announcement.
The new model is not another QuietComfort wireless pair. Bose says the earbuds draw power from the connected phone, tablet or computer, so they do not need Bluetooth pairing or a charging case, as detailed on the official product page. The company is pitching the design to listeners who want noise cancellation without another battery to manage.
Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds put ANC on USB-C
Bose uses four microphones for noise cancellation, with two on each earbud. Quiet Mode reduces outside sound, Aware Mode lets it back in, and ANC Off leaves the earbuds in ordinary wired-listening mode. A three-button remote on the cable handles playback, calls, volume and mode changes.
A separate microphone sits on the back of the remote for calls. Bose says it is positioned to pick up the wearer’s voice while reducing friction from clothing. The earbuds also include three sizes of silicone tips and two sizes of stability wings, plus an IPX4 water-resistance rating and a zippered case, according to Bose’s product details.
| Feature | Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB-C wired; no Bluetooth |
| Noise modes | Quiet, Aware and ANC Off |
| Audio output | Fixed 24-bit/48kHz output |
| Power | Drawn from the connected device |
| Cable | 4.2 feet (about 1.28 metres) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
Bose says the USB Audio Class 2 connection accepts source audio at any sample and bit rate, then outputs at a fixed 24-bit/48kHz. The company also says the direct connection keeps latency low for video, games and content creation; those details appear on its product page. Those are manufacturer claims; there are no independent listening or call tests yet.
The wired connection is also the catch
These are USB-C earbuds, not a new take on the old 3.5mm plug. The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are therefore a USB-C-specific purchase rather than a universal wired pair. Bose’s product page says non-USB adaptors will not work, and 9to5Google reports that the connection rules out using a separate DAC/amp setup. That makes compatibility dependent on having a suitable USB-C port and audio support on the device.
For people with a USB-C phone or laptop, the practical trade is straightforward: no pairing, app or earbud battery, but the connected device supplies the power. Bose lists compatibility with USB-C phones, tablets and computers, including newer USB-C iPhones and many Android devices on its product page. Anyone relying on a 3.5mm jack or an external DAC should check their setup before ordering.
The new product also sits apart from Bose’s QuietComfort wireless line and the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) headphones covered in our earlier leak report. Those are over-ear wireless headphones; this launch is a wired in-ear model, as Bose’s product listing makes clear. Readers comparing wireless options can also browse our best earbuds in the UAE guide.
Price and shipping date
Bose lists the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds at $99 in the US, with pre-orders through Bose.com and Best Buy, according to its product page. At the UAE dirham’s fixed US-dollar rate, that is about AED 364 before taxes, shipping or retailer pricing; it is a currency conversion, not a confirmed UAE price. Bose has not announced a UAE launch date or local price in its release.
The colours are Black and White Smoke, plus limited-edition Dewdrop Mint. Bose’s announcement says shipping begins on 15 October. PCMag’s launch report instead says the first units are expected to ship on 13 October ahead of an October 15 launch. Bose’s own release gives 15 October as the shipping date, so that is the date to use until the company updates it.
The official product details are on Bose’s product page; its press release confirms the launch price, colours and shipping date. The US$99 launch is a global announcement, but buyers in the UAE still need a local listing before treating the conversion as a retail price.
Can I plug the Bose earbuds into a 3.5mm aircraft seat jack?
Not directly. They use USB-C, and Bose’s product page says non-USB adaptors will not work. Check for a compatible USB-C audio port before relying on them for an in-flight entertainment system.
Does the fixed 24-bit/48kHz output preserve every source format?
No. Bose’s product page says the earbuds accept source audio at different sample and bit rates but output at a fixed 24-bit/48kHz, so the output does not retain every source format unchanged.
Who should choose these over Bose’s wireless earbuds?
They suit listeners with a compatible USB-C device who prefer a direct connection and no separate earbud charging or Bluetooth pairing. Choose a wireless model if a cable would get in the way or you need Bluetooth.
