Brief Overview
- Bose has launched $99 wired USB-C earbuds with noise-cancelling that need no battery and no pairing.
- Nothing’s $399 Headphone (1) Pro adds triple drivers, 46dB noise cancelling, and a Flat EQ switch made with Metropolis Studios.
- Bose suits commuters and gamers who want simplicity, while Nothing suits listeners who want more sound control.
Two new audio products have launched this week, and they take very different paths. Both products focus on different types of users.
Bose is bringing back wired earbuds with noise cancellation, whereas Nothing is aiming higher with the Headphone (1) Pro, designed for music creators.
Let’s take a closer look at these new products and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds
These are Bose’s first wired earbuds in about a decade. They plug into a USB-C port and draw power from your phone, tablet, or laptop. That means no battery, no charging, and no pairing.
The trade-off is that they do not work with a 3.5mm headphone jack. The noise-cancelling needs power that an analog jack cannot supply.
On top of that, each earbud has two microphones for noise cancelling. Users get three modes: Quiet Mode, Aware Mode to let outside sound in, and a mode with noise cancelling off.
Audio output is 24-bit/48kHz, and the low delay suits gaming. The earbuds have an IPX4 splash rating, a call mic on the remote, and a zippered carry case.
Some features are missing. There is no app, no EQ, and no spatial audio.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro
The Headphone (1) Pro costs $399, which is $100 more than the original Headphone (1). It goes on sale September 29, 2026.
The headphones use aluminium, titanium, and scratch-resistant glass. They weigh 327g, slightly lighter than the non-Pro model, and have an IP52 dust and water rating.
The bigger upgrade is inside. Each ear cup holds three drivers: a 40mm driver for bass, one for mids, and an xMEMS driver for high notes. Splitting the work should keep sound clearer, even at higher volume.
Additionally, there is also a Flat EQ switch inside the left ear cup, made by Metropolis Studios. It gives a neutral sound that producers and critical listeners can trust.
Over the supplied USB-C cable, audio can reach 24-bit/192kHz.
The Pro uses 10 microphones and offers up to 46dB of noise cancelling. That is 5dB stronger than the original model.
Battery life is about 30 hours with noise cancelling on and around 68 hours with it off. The 30-hour figure is lower than the 35 hours claimed for the original, which is an odd step back.
What Is the Difference?
Bose costs $99, and Nothing costs $399. Bose wins on simplicity and price, whereas Nothing wins on sound control, build, and studio features.
Bose has no battery to worry about, and Nothing gives you a real battery, an app with EQ options, and spatial audio.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Bose earbuds if you commute, travel, or game and want quiet without charging anything. They’re cheap and easy to use, as long as your device has USB-C.
On the other hand, you can choose the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro if you care about sound detail and want tools to shape it. It does cost more, but in terms of features, it offers far more.
Read More: MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro vs Dimensity 9600M
Simple or Studio: The Choice Is Yours
Both launches show that audio brands are listening. Some buyers want less hassle. Others want more control. This week, you can find a pair for either.
Choosing one depends on your needs; both products have their own benefits and are suitable for different types of usage.
Nothing gives music creators an option to enhance their experience in a studio session. The Bose earbuds are suitable for everyday users who don’t like charging.
FAQs
When were the Bose USB-C Earbuds and Nothing Headphone (1) Pro revealed?
Bose launched its wired earbuds on September 28, 2026, and Nothing unveiled the Headphone (1) Pro in the same week, with sales starting September 29, 2026.
What features do the Bose Wired USB-C Earbuds offer?
They offer battery-free noise cancelling powered through USB-C, Quiet and Aware modes, 24-bit/48kHz audio, IPX4 splash resistance, and a built-in call mic.
What is the price of the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro?
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro costs $399, which is $100 more than the original Headphone (1).
