Bose is returning to the wired IEM market with the new Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, priced at €99. The brand combines a direct USB-C connection with its QuietControl active noise-cancelling technology, 24-bit/48 kHz audio playback, and a design optimized for today’s smartphones, tablets, and computers.
This launch comes at a unique time. After years marked by the rise of wireless earbuds, wired in-ear monitors and headphones are making a comeback in the portable audio market.
The resurgence of wired earbuds is more than just nostalgia
The renewed interest in wired earbuds is primarily driven by a cultural trend. Cables, old iPods, portable CD players, and other items associated with the 1990s and 2000s are benefiting from the resurgence of the Y2K aesthetic. As a result, some members of the younger generations are reclaiming wired earbuds as a fashion accessory in their own right.
Technological advancements, however, play an equally important role. USB-C has profoundly transformed this market by making it possible to integrate digital-to-analog conversion directly into the earbuds or their cable. The new Bose earbuds therefore sit at the crossroads of these uses: they retain the ease of use of a mainstream product whilst incorporating several features associated with modern wired listening.
USB-C, 24-bit/48 kHz, and no battery to worry about
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds plug directly into a USB-C-compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer. The connection carries the audio signal while powering the built-in electronics. Bose uses its SoundDesign digital processing and the USB Audio Class 2 protocol, with output set to 24-bit/48 kHz. The wired connection also offers low latency, which is ideal for videos, gaming, and content creation.
This direct power supply shifts the issue of battery life to the source device. The microphones, digital processing, and ANC draw their power from the connected smartphone, tablet, or computer. The exact impact on the device’s battery life has yet to be measured in real-world conditions.
A remote control built into the cable lets you control the volume, playback, calls, and various noise-canceling modes. A microphone on the back of the remote picks up your voice.
QuietControl: Bose noise cancelling returns to wired headphones
Bose has applied its expertise in active noise cancelling to this new pair of wired earbuds. The QuietControl technology relies on four microphones—two per earbud—that continuously analyze external sounds. Three modes are available. Quiet mode prioritizes noise isolation, Aware mode allows more ambient sound through, and a third setting turns ANC off.
Wired earbuds designed for everyday use
Bose equips its new earbuds with a cable just over 1.20m long, three sizes of silicone ear tips, and two sizes of ear hooks. The IPX4 rating provides protection against water splashes, while a zippered case makes them easy to carry. Their USB-C design offers true ease of use, but it also means power is drawn directly from the source device—a factor that needs to be taken into account.
Three finishes are planned: Black with blue accents, Cloud White with lime green accents, and Fresh Mint, with a distinctly 1990s aesthetic. The latter, in fact, directly echoes the fashion trend currently accompanying the comeback of wired IEMs.
