Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds reviewed: simple USB-C audio for $99

Bose returns to wired audio

Bose has joined the small revival of wired earbuds with a new product called the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. According to Android Police, which published a review on 14 November 2026, the earbuds sell for $99 at retailers such as Best Buy and through Bose's own website. That price sits below many wireless alternatives.

The earbuds come in three colours: Black, White Smoke and a limited-edition shade called Dewdrop Mint. As the name suggests, they plug in rather than pair over Bluetooth, and that choice shapes almost everything about how they work.

Plug and play over USB-C

The reviewer's main point in favour of the earbuds is simplicity. Because they connect over USB-C, they work with any modern device that has such a port, including laptops, phones and the Nintendo Switch 2. There is no pairing process, no companion app to install and no compatibility checks.

There is no support for connecting to several devices at once, but the reviewer argues this hardly matters: moving between devices means unplugging and plugging in again. A further benefit is that the buds draw power from the device, so battery life is never a concern.

One trade-off the reviewer notes is that the cable occupies the USB-C port, so charging a phone while listening is not possible.

Comfort, sound and controls

According to the review, the earbuds are light and comfortable, with interchangeable wingtips and ear tips in different sizes. The reviewer found they stayed in place for hours at a time, even when tugged by accident.

The sound is described as clear and crisp, holding up well at high volume across music, video and spoken content. Latency is low, so audio stays in sync on screen. However, there is no way to adjust the sound profile, because the lack of an app means no equaliser or custom settings.

Noise cancellation is activated with a button on a blue control panel on the cable, and the reviewer reports it blocked out household noise effectively. The same panel offers tactile buttons for volume, which the reviewer prefers over touch controls. The earbuds also include a microphone for calls, which is described as acceptable rather than outstanding.

The unavoidable cable

The review is equally clear about the downsides. The wire catches on objects and tugs on the phone, and being physically tethered to a device restricts movement. The reviewer says the earbuds are unsuitable for cooking, exercise or housework in their experience, and recommends sticking with wireless earbuds for anything active.

Who these earbuds suit

The reviewer recommends the earbuds at $99 for situations where charging is scarce, such as travel or long days at a desk, precisely because they never run out of power and need no setup. For readers who value mobility over simplicity, the review suggests wireless models remain the better choice.

As this is a single reviewer's assessment published by Android Police, it reflects one person's experience rather than a verified independent test. Readers considering a purchase may want to compare other reviews before deciding.