Bose QuietControl (906940-0020)

The Bose QuietControl 906940-0020 are wired USB-C earbuds with active noise cancellation. They're extremely comfortable and the ANC is strong, but sound quality is below Bose's usual standard. Buy them if you want wired ANC without battery anxiety, but skip them if audio quality is your priority.

Let's start with the good stuff. Comfort sits in the 94th percentile for wired earbuds, which is excellent. The 22g weight is light, and the customizable tips and fins do their job. People in our database consistently mention wearing these for long stretches without ear fatigue. The ANC is also a standout at the 89th percentile. Bose's QuietControl tech monitors outside noise and adjusts constantly, and it works well for blocking out commutes, office chatter, or gym noise.

But the sound quality is where things get tricky. It ranks in the 28th percentile, which is disappointing for a Bose product. The audio is clear and balanced, but it lacks the richness and depth you'd get from Bose's pricier wireless models. One reviewer called it "good rich sound" but also noted it shouldn't be compared to the more expensive options. The microphone is mediocre too, landing in the 38th percentile. Calls work, but don't expect studio-quality voice pickup. And connectivity is a real weak spot at the 12th percentile. The USB-C cable is fine if your device has a USB-C port, but that's a big if for a lot of laptops, older phones, and audio gear. No 3.5mm jack, no adapter included.

Compared to the Technics EAH-AZ100 or Sony WF-1000XM6, the Bose QuietControl 906940-0020 feels like a step backward in most ways. Those wireless flagships deliver far better sound quality, stronger ANC, and actual connectivity flexibility. The Sony WF-1000XM6 in particular is a benchmark for noise cancellation, and the Technics offers a richer, more detailed sound profile. But both cost significantly more and require charging.

Against budget wireless options like the JLab JBuds Pods ANC, the Bose wins on comfort and build quality but loses on convenience. The JLab buds are truly wireless, cheaper, and sound decent for the price. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation are also in a different league for sound and features, though they're much pricier. If you're comparing the Bose to any of these, the only real advantage is the wired connection and the lack of battery anxiety.

At EUR 100 to EUR 128, the value proposition depends entirely on how much you hate charging earbuds. The spread across vendors is notable, with some Italian, German, and French retailers listing it at the lower end around EUR 100 while others push closer to EUR 128. If you're in Europe, it's worth shopping around to grab the cheaper listing. For CAD 140 in Canada, it's a similar story. The problem is that wireless ANC earbuds from JLab or even Samsung's older models can be found in this price range, and they offer better sound and connectivity. You're paying a premium for the Bose name and the wired convenience, not for best-in-class audio.

The Bose QuietControl 906940-0020 is a bit of an odd duck in the earbuds world. It's a wired, USB-C pair of in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, which puts it in a pretty small niche. Most ANC earbuds are wireless these days, so Bose is betting on people who want the simplicity of a cable without giving up noise blocking. In Europe, you'll find it priced between EUR 100 and EUR 128 depending on the retailer, while Canadian buyers see it around CAD 140.

So who is this for? If you've ever been burned by dead earbud batteries or Bluetooth pairing issues, the wired approach makes a lot of sense. You plug in, you get sound, and the QuietControl ANC does its thing. No charging case, no app, no firmware updates. Just music. Bose includes three ear tip sizes and two stability fin sizes, so most people should be able to get a comfortable fit.

That said, the specs tell a mixed story. Comfort and ANC are genuinely strong here, but sound quality and connectivity rankings are not what you'd expect from Bose. We'll dig into what that means in practice below.

Skip these if you want wireless freedom, top-tier sound quality, or broad device compatibility. The USB-C-only connection is a dealbreaker for anyone with older audio gear or a Lightning iPhone. Audiophiles will find the sound underwhelming compared to the Technics EAH-AZ100 or Sony WF-1000XM6. And if you're on a tight budget, the JLab JBuds Pods ANC offer wireless ANC for less money. These Bose earbuds are really for a specific person: someone who wants wired simplicity, solid noise cancellation, and all-day comfort, and is willing to pay a premium for it.

Should you buy the Bose QuietControl 906940-0020? Only if you specifically want wired ANC earbuds and you value comfort above all else. The fit is genuinely great, and the noise cancellation is better than most wired options out there. But the sound quality is a letdown for a Bose product, and the USB-C-only connection limits where you can use these.

If you're okay with wireless, there are better options at this price. If you need wired, these are one of the few ANC choices available, and they do that job competently. Just know you're trading audio quality for the convenience of no charging.