BOSE BRINGS WIRED EARBUDS BACK AFTER 11 YEARS

Bose is bringing wired earbuds back for the first time in 11 years, as interest in traditional wired headphones continues to make a comeback.

Launching on October 15, the new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds combine the simplicity of a wired connection with features more commonly associated with wireless models, including active noise cancellation and multiple listening modes.

Rather than the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, Bose’s new earbuds connect via USB-C and require no internal battery. Instead, they draw power directly from the connected device, meaning there’s no charging required.

They come with a 128cm cable, built-in microphone and inline controls, while Bose’s SoundDesign digital signal processing technology handles audio playback.

The company says the earbuds support lossless audio listening, accepting source audio at any sample and bit rate before outputting at 24-bit/48kHz.

According to Bose, the decision to return to the format comes as wired earbuds experience what the company describes as a “cultural renaissance”.

One of the more unusual additions for a pair of wired earbuds is Bose’s QuietControl noise cancellation.

Users can switch between three different listening modes: Quiet Mode, which heavily reduces external noise; Aware Mode, which allows surrounding sounds to remain audible; and ANC Off Mode, which disables noise cancellation entirely.

For fit, the earbuds come with soft silicone tips in small, medium and large, alongside stability wings in two sizes. A protective carry case is also included.

The new model will launch in black and white, alongside a limited-edition Dewdrop Mint colourway.

Bose’s return comes amid renewed interest in wired headphones after years dominated by Bluetooth earbuds.

According to figures from market research company Circana cited in the original report, US wired headphone sales grew 3% in 2025 following five years of decline, while revenue increased 20% during the first six weeks of 2026.

For some listeners, wired headphones also remove some of the frustrations associated with wireless models — there’s no pairing process, no battery to keep charged and a physical connection remains particularly useful for music production and DJing.

Other audio brands have also continued investing in wired listening. RØDE, for example, recently introduced its NTH-50 headphones, designed with DJs and studio use in mind alongside everyday listening.

With Bose now returning to the category after more than a decade away, wired headphones might be having more than just a nostalgic moment.