Bose has officially entered the wired audio resurgence with its first pair of wired earbuds in over a decade. Priced at $100, which sits at a hefty premium compared to Apple's enduringly popular $20 EarPods, the new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds bring the company's signature active noise cancellation technology to a wired form factor. While the hardware delivers solid audio and effective noise shielding, the steep price point and specific limitations place them in a complex position against cheaper market competitors.
Key takeaways
- The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are priced at $100 and mark the company's first wired audio release in over a decade.
- The earbuds feature active noise cancellation and an Aware mode for ambient sound pass-through.
- Call quality is heavily criticized due to background noise pickup and in-line remote thumping against the chest.
- The hardware includes an IPX4 water resistance rating, stabilizing silicone wings, and a Dewdrop Mint colorway option.
Audio Performance and Active Noise Cancellation
The defining feature of the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds is their active noise cancellation. Leveraging the company's renowned noise-canceling expertise, the earbuds perform admirably in loud environments such as New York City subways and bustling streets, effectively dampening train screeching and general crowd chatter. They manage to outperform several wireless earbuds in the same price tier, such as the Nothing Ear 3a. An Aware mode also uses on-device microphones to pipe in ambient sound when users need to remain alert, though it does not match the clarity of high-end wireless models.
Sound quality is generally bright and balanced. Listening tests reveal clear vocals, sparkly lead guitars, and a solid midrange, though electronic tracks reveal a somewhat tepid low end with muted driving bass. Because these are wired earbuds, they lack companion app support entirely. This means users cannot access custom EQ settings to manually adjust frequencies, leaving power users and audiophiles without a way to tweak the sound profile out of the box. Additionally, the earbuds are notably quiet by default, often requiring users to push volume levels to 80 percent or higher to achieve proper immersion on public transit.
Design, Build, and Limitations
Physically, the earbuds sport a playful Dewdrop Mint colorway and include stabilizing silicone wings on the eartips to keep them secure during movement or accidental wire tugs. The attached cable is notably thick to enhance durability and prevent fraying, though this extra thickness contributes to a heavier feel in the ears compared to lighter options like Apple's EarPods. An in-line remote provides volume up and down buttons alongside a central noise mode button that toggles between ANC and Aware modes with a long press, or handles play and pause functions with a single press.
Despite these functional controls, calling performance is exceptionally weak. The in-line microphone captures an excessive amount of background noise, struggles to pick up the user's voice clearly, and transmits the physical thumping of the remote bouncing against the user's chest while walking. On the durability front, the earbuds carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, which protects against light water splashes and accidental moisture exposure.
Market Position and Value Proposition
At a $100 price point, these earbuds sit well above budget wired alternatives like Apple's $20 EarPods or Sony's $60 MDR-3R Walkman headphones. The value proposition ultimately rests on how heavily a consumer prioritizes dedicated active noise cancellation in a wired device. While the active noise cancellation and passive sealing from the silicone tips provide strong isolation, the lack of app customization, subpar microphone quality, and high default listening volumes make the cost a demanding ask for traditional wired audio enthusiasts.
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