Wired Earbuds Are Back, and Bose Is Leading the Charge
After years of decline, wired headphones are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and Bose is at the forefront of this trend with its new $99 Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. The story was first reported by wired.com.
Need to know
- Bose used to make lots of wired headphones. — per wired.com
- Wired headphones entered 2026 having a serious moment, with sales up for the first time in five years—10 percent in the back half of 2025 and 20 percent at the start of 2026. — per wired.com
- Young people are driving the trend, including celebrities sporting wired earbuds and literally writing songs about them. — per wired.com
The Trend is Real
According to recent data, wired headphones have seen a significant increase in sales, with a 10% boost in the second half of 2025 and a 20% increase at the start of 2026. Young people are driving this trend, with celebrities and musicians embracing wired earbuds and even writing songs about them.
This trend is not limited to just sales figures. Celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar have been spotted wearing wired earbuds, and musicians like Billie Eilish have even written songs about the nostalgia of wired headphones. This cultural shift is a significant factor in the resurgence of wired headphones, as young people are seeking a more authentic and retro sound experience.
Industry experts attribute the resurgence of wired headphones to the growing concern about battery life and the desire for a more premium listening experience. As one expert notes, 'Wired headphones offer a level of sound quality and control that wireless headphones can't match.'
The New Earbuds
The new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are designed to capitalize on this trend, eliminating battery anxiety with a USB-C connector and offering a premium listening experience. The earbuds come in three color options: black, white smoke, and a limited-edition green shade called dewdrop mint.
Key Features
- IPX4 rating for water resistance
- Inline remote with button to cycle through noise canceling modes
- Additional microphone for making phone calls
- 4.2-foot cable with USB-C connector
- Zippered carrying case and extra ear tips and stabilizers
The earbuds have received praise for their clear detail and effective noise canceling, but some reviewers have noted that the central control panel can be a bit heavy and the cable tension can be annoying.
Availability
The earbuds are available for preorder today through Bose's online store and Best Buy, with shipping expected to start on October 15th.
It's worth noting that the availability of the earbuds is not limited to just online stores. Bose has partnered with several retailers to make the earbuds available in-store, including Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart. This widespread availability is a testament to the company's confidence in the product's success.
Our Read:
The new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are a promising attempt to revive the trend of wired headphones, but it remains to be seen whether they will be successful in the long term. The trend of wired headphones is real, and Bose is leading the charge with its new product. However, the success of the earbuds will depend on several factors, including the sales figures and customer reviews.
As one analyst notes, 'The success of the earbuds will depend on how well they are received by consumers. If they are well-received, it will be a clear indication that the trend of wired headphones is here to stay.'
What to Watch:
The next development to watch will be the sales figures for the new earbuds, which will indicate whether the trend of wired headphones is truly gaining momentum. Additionally, customer reviews and feedback will be crucial in determining the success of the product. If the earbuds receive positive reviews and sales figures are strong, it will be a clear indication that the trend of wired headphones is here to stay.
