Bose Wired ANC Earbuds Are Hard to Find: Three USB-C Alternatives Under $30
Bose’s $99 wired ANC earbuds are scarce. These three USB-C picks cost less, with options for noise cancelling, clearer calls or a sealed fit.
Bose’s return to wired earbuds has left buyers with an awkward choice: wait for its $99 Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds to come back in stock, or pick a cheaper pair that’s available now. The Bose model launched last month and has been appearing inconsistently at its own store, while Best Buy and Amazon were sold out when the source article was written.
The appeal is specific: the earbuds connect to a phone over USB-C and draw power from it, so there’s no separate battery to charge. Bose also includes active noise cancelling (ANC), Quiet and Aware modes, 24-bit/48kHz lossless playback, IPX4 water resistance, stability bands and a carry case. That combination is unusual for wired earbuds, but the $99 price and limited availability make alternatives worth considering. These three options cost no more than $30, though each gives up something the Bose pair offers.
Belkin SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds: the closest match
In-ear headphones, active noise cancelling, EQ presets, IPX5 sweat resistant, built-in mic, commute, travel
At $29.95, Belkin’s SoundForm ANC is the most direct alternative for someone who wants wired noise cancelling without paying Bose’s price. It connects through USB-C and uses power from the connected device to run ANC, with no earbud battery to recharge. An in-line remote lets you switch between noise cancelling and ambient mode.
Expect a budget version of the idea, not Bose-level cancellation. Belkin adds 12mm drivers, three EQ presets (Bass Boost, Balanced and Belkin’s signature tuning), Hi-Res Audio and three sizes of ear tips. Its IPX5 rating is a step above the Bose pair’s IPX4 rating. The flat cable is designed to resist tangling, but it can make an audible thump when it brushes against clothing. That could be distracting on a walk, even if the earbuds themselves are doing their job.
Apple EarPods: a stronger pick for calls
- Superior comfort
- High-quality audio
- Built-in remote
Apple’s $19 EarPods make more sense if you regularly take calls than if you’re trying to recreate the Bose listening experience. Their built-in microphone and in-line remote are straightforward to use, and testing reported that the mic sounded better than almost anything else tested, including wireless earbuds. That makes them a practical low-cost choice for calls or laptop meetings.
The open design is the key trade-off. EarPods don’t seal the ear with silicone tips, so they let in more outside sound and offer little passive isolation. In a noisy place, that can also leave bass sounding weaker. They’re comfortable for many people, but their loose fit won’t suit everyone. If blocking out surroundings is a priority, Belkin or Sony is a better direction.
Sony IER-EX15C: small, sealed and simple
- Very small buds
- Low-cost basic audio
The Sony IER-EX15C are compact and straight-forward wired earbuds with microphone and in-line remote. They connect via USB Type-C and are made for maximum device compatibility.
For $29.99, the Sony IER-EX15C offers a small in-ear design with silicone tips, a microphone and an in-line remote. The tips create a seal that helps reduce outside noise passively, without ANC. They’re described as comfortable and suitable for music and podcasts, making them the most straightforward everyday pick here if a sealed fit matters more than active noise control.
The sound differs from Bose’s: Sony puts less emphasis on bass and treble, giving the earbuds a smoother, slightly darker balance. Movement brings another compromise. The cable picks up handling noise, or microphonics, which can reach your music and microphone during calls. In return, the IER-EX15C is inexpensive, comes in several colors and has a discreet design from a familiar audio brand.
Another option for smaller ears
If you’d rather wait for Bose to restock, that’s reasonable: none of these alternatives combines its ANC approach and listed audio features at the same price point. For smaller ears, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKD30C is another possibility at . It includes extra-small ear tips and Bass Boost and Clear Voice EQ modes, but has no ANC. More options are listed in this guide to the best wired earbuds.
For ANC on a tighter budget, start with Belkin. Choose EarPods for their reported call microphone performance, or Sony for a compact sealed fit. The right substitute depends on which Bose feature you’re trying to replace while you wait for stock.
