The Baseus Bowie MC2 open-ear earbuds, which recently earned praise for their affordability and sound quality, have now been joined by a new version featuring noise cancellation. The Baseus Bowie MC2 NC was unveiled at IFA 2026, just weeks after the original model was released. Priced at $99.99, the new version is slightly more expensive than the original model, which was available for $79.99. The original Bowie MC2 was highlighted as one of the best open-ear headphones for those looking for a budget-friendly option. The new Bowie MC2 NC closely resembles the original in design and features, including the same sound profile and charging case. However, the charging case in the new model is said to offer a slightly improved battery life of up to 60 hours. That said, the addition of noise cancellation may affect the actual battery performance, as such features typically consume more power. Open-ear earbuds are designed to let ambient sounds pass through, which makes them different from traditional in-ear headphones that block outside noise. Noise cancellation is a rare feature in this category, as it requires a tighter seal around the ear. The Baseus Bowie MC2 NC attempts to overcome this challenge by modifying the "air cushion" surrounding the earbud. This redesign aims to create a better acoustic seal, allowing the earbuds to block surrounding sounds more effectively. While the new model introduces a feature that is uncommon in open-ear headphones, it remains to be seen how well the noise cancellation performs in practice. The success of the Bowie MC2 NC will likely depend on how effectively it balances the need for noise cancellation with the open-ear design that allows users to remain aware of their surroundings.