Bose Re-Enters Wired Audio Market with Noise Cancelling USB-C Earbuds

Bose on October 8 announced the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, marking the company’s official return to the wired audio category. Priced at 16,500 yen (tax included), the earbuds are currently available for pre-order and will launch on October 23.

Plug-and-Play USB-C Audio with Zero Charging

The earbuds connect directly to compatible USB-C smartphones, tablets, and computers without requiring Bluetooth pairing or companion software. Power is drawn directly from the host device, eliminating the need for an internal battery and allowing continuous use of active noise cancellation without recharging.

Equipped with Bose’s proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing and supporting the USB Audio Class 2 (UAC2) protocol, the earbuds accept a wide range of input sample rates and bit rates, outputting audio fixed at 24-bit/48kHz. The physical wired connection also minimizes audio latency during video playback, gaming, and content creation.

Dedicated Hardware Controls and QuietControl ANC

The device integrates Bose QuietControl technology, utilizing four dedicated microphones—two in each earbud—to actively measure and reduce ambient noise. Listeners can switch between three modes:

• Quiet Mode: Provides maximum noise cancellation to minimize external distractions.
• Aware Mode: Passes through ambient sound to maintain awareness of surroundings.
• ANC Off Mode: Disables active cancellation for conventional wired listening.

The inline remote includes physical buttons for volume, playback, call management, and mode selection. A microphone positioned on the back of the remote captures voice clearly while rejecting cable friction and rustling sounds.

Design, Fit, and Availability

The earbuds feature an IPX4 water-resistance rating and include a 130-centimeter cable. They ship with three pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) and two pairs of stability wings (M, L), allowing users to customize fit and stability.

Color options include two-tone variants in Black (with blue accents) and White Smoke (with lime green accents), alongside a limited-edition Dewdrop Mint finish. A zippered carrying case is included with every unit.