Following Apple's bold move to drop the headphone jack from the iPhone in 2016, most users embraced Bluetooth earbuds without a second thought. Yet wired models never vanished entirely, and their sales rose this year after a five-year slide.

Some of the renewed interest stems from their fresh appeal among younger crowds, much like the comeback of cassette players and records. Stars have been seen sporting them, and a dedicated Instagram page tracks the trend. Wired earbuds offer clear advantages: no battery required means longer life than wireless pairs that eventually fade, and the extended cord makes losing them far less likely than misplacing a lone bud.

After more than ten years away, Bose has reentered the wired space, though the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds feel nothing like relics from the past.

Verge Score

$99

The Good

One of the few sets of wired earbuds with ANC
Comfortable and secure fit
High-res audio
Simple to use

The Bad

Call quality is not great
Wind noise proves distracting

The $99 Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds link via USB-C, eliminating any need for an added adapter on modern phones. This connection also powers their ANC feature. Since standard 3.5mm or 4.4mm plugs lack sufficient power for active noise cancellation, most wired options rely solely on passive isolation. Bose's prior wired ANC attempt, the 2013 QuietComfort 20, used a 3.5mm plug and drew power from a battery in the cable. These new models skip the battery entirely by drawing minimal power straight from the USB-C port.

A handful of other USB-C wired headphones include active noise cancellation, though options remain limited. The $30 Belkin SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds reportedly deliver weaker performance, while Audio-Technica launched a version in Asia earlier this year.

The standout feature of these Bose earbuds, like any wired set, is their straightforward nature. No pairing hassles, no charging required, and no app adjustments needed. Simply plug into a phone or computer USB-C port and they function right away.

The in-line remote stays super basic in the best way.

While noise cancellation falls short of Bose's wireless models (these have two mics per side versus three on the QuietComfort Earbuds), it performs well for the cost. It handles low-frequency noise like air conditioners and truck rumbles effectively but struggles with voices. With ANC active, the air conditioner disappears completely, yet a spouse's phone chat remains audible. A faint high-end hiss appears when ANC runs without audio playing.

Sound quality shines with clear, bright vocals and punchy bass that does not drown out other elements. The high-end can feel a touch sharp, especially with cymbals, but the lack of an app means no EQ tweaks are available. The wired link ensures low latency for synced audio and video, plus support for 24-bit/48kHz high-res audio. Switching between CD-quality and high-res streams of the new Rubber Soul release on Qobuz showed the high-res version as more open and spacious, making it the preferred choice despite the modest gap.

The in-line remote features three buttons for volume, playback, and ANC mode, with quick response and a pleasant rubberized feel. Three ear tip sizes and two wing sets help achieve a solid fit, and wings can be skipped if uncomfortable. A comfortable setup proved easy to find, with secure hold during extended wear. IPX4 rating supports light rain or runs.

Despite wired perks, nostalgia does not erase all drawbacks. Without routing the 4.2-foot cable under clothing or coiling extras in a pocket, it snags on nearly everything, from kitchen drawers to keyboards, zippers, bags, pockets, and even nearby strangers.

Three ear tip sizes and two wings help achieve the ideal fit.

Cable noise from vibrations traveling up the cord remains an issue with any wired pair, though the insulation here reduces it better than cheaper or older alternatives.

Wind presents challenges, as ANC and transparency mics capture it distractingly. ANC tames low-end whooshes but leaves high-end noise prominent. Turning ANC off worked best in windy conditions, though that sacrificed cancellation.

Call quality falls short, with the inline mic capturing plenty of background sound. These do not suit frequent calls on busy streets.

Returning fully to wired earbuds in 2016 style does not appeal yet. Wireless benefits often outweigh wired ones in daily use. Still, for simple operation, USB-C convenience, zero lag, high-res support, strong sound, and included ANC, the Bose stand as the top affordable wired choice available.

Photography / The Verge

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John Higgins