If you’ve been waiting for a reason to give wired headphones another chance, then Bose may have just given you one. The company announced a $99 pair of earbuds that connect via USB-C and offer active noise cancellation, all without an extra battery that you have to think about recharging. All you have to do is plug them into a compatible phone, tablet or computer and they’re ready to go.
This makes the new Bose wired earbuds a fantastic alternative to Apple’s USB-C EarPods. However, since they’re more expensive (Apple EarPods typically cost $19), Bose might have some convincing to do if it really wants wired headphone fans to invest in the new offering despite the existence of several other affordable wired headphones.
The headphones are available for pre-order on the Bose website starting September 28 and will ship on October 15. (via The Verge) They will be available in three colors and will cost $99. The Bose headphones are expensive, but if you value features like noise cancellation that the EarPods lack, that extra $80 might be worth it.
The community wants wired headphones since Bose discontinued them
While the arrival of a new pair of wired headphones from Bose may seem out of place, especially considering how wireless our lives have become these days, these types of headphones are exactly what many in the community have been waiting for from Bose. Being able to plug a pair of earbuds directly into your device means you don’t need to keep a charging case charged, so you can continue listening to music or taking calls for hours, as long as your device has juice left.
Earlier this year, some users in the Bose community got very excited when a Reddit user said that Bose management responded well to their pitch for a USB-C refresh of the QC20 line. The poster stated that Bose “recognized that with current miniaturization (such as the QC Ultra’s technology), a wired USB-C version without the bulky battery case is technically feasible.” It was December 2025, which suggests that Bose may already be working on these new wired headphones.
Many users responded to this post sharing the enthusiasm of the original poster and even discussing how they had used Bose’s wired headphones for years before having to go wireless after Bose discontinued the original wired options offered several years ago. Now, however, with Bose ready to bring back its wired offerings, those users won’t have to settle for wireless.
Bose strikes at the right time
There are several reasons why wired headphones are making a comeback, although much of it is due to better audio quality. Not only is it a statement, but it’s also considered more convenient, as you don’t have to worry about charging a pair of wired earbuds before heading out.
If you consider yourself a fan of wired accessories, this is currently one of the best moments we’ve seen in tech in recent years. Old-school wired headphones have made a steady comeback over the past few months, and you can even get great wired headphones for under $50.
Of course, wired headphones still have their downsides, like tangled wires, limited mobility, and the fact that they’ll take up your phone’s USB charging port when in use. However, if these negatives don’t bother you, then these new Bose wired headphones could definitely be worth adding to your to-do list.
