Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds: wired is back, and better
Noise-cancelling wired earbuds with a direct USB-C connection, four microphones for QuietControl technology, and a choice of three listening modes.
What it is
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are noise-cancelling earbuds that plug straight in. The idea fits in one sentence: plug in and listen, no Bluetooth pairing involved. The cable ends in a USB-C plug, designed for a mobile phone, tablet or computer with the right port. These earbuds are aimed at anyone who wants active noise cancelling without depending on a separately charged battery, and without the lag or dropouts that come with wireless. The model comes in black, smoke white, and a limited-edition Dewdrop Mint.
Why it exists
According to Raza Haider, President of Bose Premium Consumer Audio, wired earbuds are enjoying a cultural renaissance. That observation is what drove Bose to bring the format back in an improved form rather than let it fade away. The brand states it wants to set a new standard for what wired earbuds can be today: not a mere backup accessory, but a fully-fledged product with its own noise-cancelling technology and its own signal processing.
What matters
The USB-C connection changes the whole logic of use. No pairing, no hunting through a Bluetooth menu: plug in the cable and the sound arrives. That simplicity comes with a trade-off, since power runs entirely through this USB-C cable, with no internal battery in the earbuds themselves. Operation therefore depends on the device they’re connected to.
Audio processing relies on Bose’s proprietary SoundDesign technology, paired with a USB Audio Class 2 (UAC2) protocol that fixes output at 24-bit/48kHz. This resolution stays constant regardless of the source, which guarantees consistent playback whatever the host device.
Noise cancelling relies on QuietControl technology and four microphones in total, two per earbud. This multi-sensor-per-ear setup is there to pick up ambient noise more precisely before cancelling it out.
Three listening modes are on offer: Quiet Mode to shut out external noise, Aware Mode to stay alert to your surroundings, and ANC Off Mode to switch noise cancelling off entirely. This lets you choose your level of immersion depending on the situation, without taking the earbuds out.
Water resistance is IPX4-rated, a level that covers water splashes, useful for everyday use, when out and about, or during light physical activity.
Day to day
The cable measures 1.3 metres, a length designed to stay within reach in a pocket or bag while listening. The box includes several sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) as well as stabilising fins in two sizes (M, L), enough to adjust the fit to different ear shapes. A zippered pouch is included for carrying and storage, handy for slipping the earbuds and cable in together without tangling them up with other items.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB-C, direct plug-in, no pairing required |
| Power | No internal battery, powered via the USB-C cable |
| Signal processing | Proprietary SoundDesign technology |
| Audio protocol and resolution | USB Audio Class 2 (UAC2), output fixed at 24-bit/48kHz |
| Noise cancelling | QuietControl technology with four microphones (two per earbud) |
| Listening modes | Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, ANC Off Mode |
| Cable length | 1.3 m |
| Box contents | Silicone tips S/M/L and stabilising fins M/L |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Launch colours | Black, Smoke White, Dewdrop Mint (limited edition) |
| Product reference | 901149-0030 |
| Carry case | Zippered pouch included |
What the brand says
Raza Haider, President of Bose Premium Consumer Audio, places this launch within a broader movement: wired earbuds, he says, are living through a cultural renaissance, which is what drove their return at Bose in an improved form. The brand goes further, stating it wants to set a new standard for what wired earbuds can be. Bose unveiled these new noise-cancelling earbuds and opened exclusive pre-orders through its My Bose programme.
Why it caught our eye
We picked this one out for its bold stance: going back to wired, but with genuine noise cancelling and four microphones on board. We like that Bose is betting on the simplicity of a USB-C connection rather than piling on wireless features. It's a consistent approach given the brand's stated ambition to redefine what a wired earbud can be today.
Exactly the kind of brand we’d love to come across on O!deal one day.
Frequently asked questions
- How do the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds connect?
- They plug straight in via USB-C, with no pairing required.
- Does it need to be recharged?
- No, it has no internal battery and is powered directly through the USB-C cable.
- Is it water-resistant?
- Yes, it has an IPX4 water-resistance rating.
- What's in the box?
- The box includes silicone ear tips in sizes S, M and L, stabilising fins in sizes M and L, and a zippered carry pouch.
Also worth reading
- O!radariKier
iKier Flex: the compact laser engraver that folds in on itself
A fully enclosed desktop laser engraver, delivered pre-assembled, able to work wood, leather or dark acrylic without taking over a whole workshop.
- O!radarBOOX
BOOX Picco: an ePaper reader the size of a keyring
The BOOX Picco fits a 3.97-inch monochrome ePaper screen into a 58 g body. Its magnetic case clips onto the back of a phone, and storage extends up to 2 TB.
- O!radarIntuitive Instruments
dualo du-touch S: a keyboard, sampler and looper packed into one small case
The dualo du-touch S combines a velocity-sensitive keyboard, a built-in sampler and a live looper in a 0.6 kg case, with four selectable note layouts and up to 18 loops per track.
