The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, reviewed by The Verge, arrive as wired audio equipment enjoys a revival that industry data suggests is real. After five years of falling sales, wired headphone sales went up this year, according to market research cited in the review.
The turnaround is being driven partly by younger generations, who have embraced wired earbuds alongside revivals of tape decks and vinyl. Celebrities have been photographed wearing them, and an Instagram account now tracks the trend.
The format has practical advantages over wireless alternatives. Wired earbuds do not need a battery, so they do not suffer the eventual death of wireless models whose internal batteries degrade over time. The Verge's review describes the new Bose earbuds as simple in the best way, praising their straightforward approach at a moment when the market is crowded with increasingly complex wireless products.
The launch marks a notable move for a major audio brand known primarily for wireless headphones and earbuds, signalling that the wired segment has enough momentum to justify dedicated noise-cancelling hardware.