Wired earbuds are having a moment again, and Bose is leaning into the trend with a product that combines old-school simplicity with one feature you usually don’t expect from a wired pair: active noise cancellation.

Bose has launched its new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds for $99, bringing USB-C connectivity, QuietControl noise cancellation, an inline remote, and Bose’s signature sound to a pair of earbuds that doesn’t need Bluetooth pairing or a rechargeable battery. Bose announced the earbuds on September 28, with shipping set to begin October 15.

The basic idea is wonderfully straightforward. Plug the earbuds into a compatible USB-C phone, tablet, or computer and start listening. There’s no Bluetooth setup, no companion app, and no battery that needs to be charged before you leave the house. The earbuds draw power directly from the connected device, including when noise cancellation is enabled.

That makes these a particularly interesting throwback in 2026. Bose is essentially taking the convenience of traditional wired earbuds and adding technology that was once mostly associated with premium wireless headphones.

The QuietControl system uses four microphones, with two microphones on each earbud, to monitor surrounding sound and reduce unwanted noise. There are three listening modes: Quiet for active noise cancellation, Aware for letting ambient sound through, and ANC Off for conventional wired listening without noise cancellation. The modes can be switched using the inline controls.

The USB-C connection also gives Bose some advantages beyond simply avoiding Bluetooth. The earbuds use USB Audio Class 2 and support lossless audio sources, with playback output fixed at 24-bit/48kHz. Bose also says the wired connection provides low-latency audio, which could make the earbuds useful for watching videos, gaming, or creating content where Bluetooth latency can be annoying.

There’s a three-button inline remote for volume, playback, calls, and noise-control modes, along with a dedicated microphone on the back of the remote. Bose says the microphone is positioned to help minimize unwanted noise caused by the cable rubbing against clothing.

The earbuds use a 4.2-foot cable and come with three sizes of silicone eartips and two sizes of stability wings. That gives users nine possible combinations for finding a comfortable fit. They’re also IPX4-rated for water resistance, although Bose says they’re designed for everyday use rather than heavy exposure to water. A zippered carry case is included as well.

The design itself is a little more playful than the typical black wired earbuds you might remember. Bose is offering the earbuds in Black and White Smoke, while a limited-edition Dewdrop Mint version adds a distinctly retro look. Bose has also paired contrasting accent colors with the standard finishes.

There’s one important USB-C caveat, though. These aren’t passive earbuds that can simply be connected through any old adapter. Bose says the earbuds require power from the USB connection to operate, including their noise-cancellation features, and non-USB adapters won’t work. In other words, the USB-C port isn’t just replacing a 3.5mm plug—it is part of how the earbuds actually function.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are priced at $99 and are currently available for preorder through Bose, with shipping beginning October 15. Bose lists Black, White Smoke, and the limited-edition Dewdrop Mint finishes.

For people tired of managing another rechargeable gadget, there’s something appealing about the proposition. Plug them in, press play, and let the phone provide the power. It’s an unusually modern take on a very old idea.