Bose Just Dropped Its First Wired Earbuds

(The Verge) – Bose is known for its stellar wireless audio, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones (Gen 2) and QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds being prime examples. Now, however, the brand is expanding into battery-free options—and today unveiled its first-ever wired earbuds, the Bose Noise Canceling Wired Earbuds. These wearables claim to bring the signature Bose sound using a cable with a USB-C port.

They currently come in two colors and are available for preorder for $99. While you wait for your pair to land on your doorstep on October 15, here’s everything you need to know about my new favorite pair of wired earbuds.

While Bose has historically focused on wireless options that need a separate battery, these earbuds don’t require an external battery. They are powered by the battery in your phone, tablet or other device. The cable includes a handful of extra features, including a tactile command button and volume controls. Press the command button once to play or pause your music, and long-press it to switch between three modes: Aware (transparency mode), Off and Quiet (ANC on). After wearing them constantly for more than 48 hours, I found the controls intuitive and easy to use.

Better yet, the cable includes a microphone on the back of the control panel. If you’re taking meetings on the go, you can connect the earbuds to your laptop and use them for calls and video meetings. Make sure you’re in a quieter area, though; I found the mic gets a little glitchy in loud environments and is prone to picking up external noise, but this is a small quirk in an otherwise excellent pair of earbuds.

In addition to the USB-C cable, the earbuds include two wing tips and three ear-tip sizes so you can find your preferred fit. When I tested them over the course of 48 hours, I found they remained stable and comfortable in my ears for long periods of time. A carry case is also included to help keep them tangle-free.