The simplest way to avoid charging earbuds is to remove the battery entirely. Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds bring active noise cancellation back to a USB-C cable, marking the company’s return to wired in-ear headphones after more than a decade.

Power comes directly from the connected phone, tablet, or computer, so the earbuds need neither Bluetooth pairing nor a charging case. Bose’s QuietControl system uses four microphones—two per earbud—to monitor outside sound, with Quiet, Aware, and ANC Off modes available from the inline controls. USB Audio Class 2 accepts digital input and outputs at 24-bit/48kHz, while the direct connection also keeps latency low.

A separate microphone on the inline remote handles calls, and physical buttons manage volume, playback, and listening modes. The wired earbuds carry an IPX4 rating and include three eartip sizes, two stability-wing sizes, and a zippered case. The 4.2-foot cable terminates in USB-C.

That combination makes the design feel less nostalgic than practical: modern noise control without another battery to monitor.

The new Bose earbuds cost $99 in Black, White Smoke, and limited Dewdrop Mint. Preorders are open, with shipping scheduled to begin October 15.