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The earphone and headphone market size is estimated to grow by USD 23.34 billion at a CAGR of 10.12% between 2023 and 2028. Technological advancements, such as noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and wireless connectivity, are enhancing the user experience and driving demand for premium earphones and headphones. The increased use of earphones and headphones in gaming and AR-VR applications, driven by the growing popularity of gaming and immersive experiences, is also boosting market growth. Additionally, the increasing adoption of sports and fitness earphones and headphones, which offer features such as sweat resistance and secure fit, is further fueling market expansion. Overall, these factors are creating new opportunities for innovation and growth in the earphones and headphones market.
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In the rapidly evolving landscape of audio technology, advancements such as LDAC audio coding technology and Bluetooth audio are transforming the way we experience sound. Devices like true wireless earbuds and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leverage noise cancellation technology and DSEE Extreme for enhanced audio quality, catering to consumer patterns favoring portable, high-fidelity listening experiences on MP3 players and portable devices. Product miniaturization and improvements in wireless technology have enabled compact designs in Headphones and earphones, meeting the demand for convenience without compromising sound performance. Edge-AI plays a crucial role in adapting audio output in real-time, ideal for virtual events and virtual reality events, where immersive sound enhances user engagement. Bone conduction technology expands accessibility, appealing to human resources professionals and content creators producing online content. As Wireless Headphone and Wireless Earphone solutions continue to innovate, they redefine connectivity standards and elevate the listening experience across diverse environments and applications.
Technological advancements for product enrichment is a key driver boosting the market growth. Earphone and headphone makers are dedicated to advancing their products. In May 2021, Noise unveiled the Flair, India's first touch-enabled Bluetooth neckband earphones, featuring touch controls on the neckband instead of the earbuds. Leading-edge technologies like AR, 3D, and AI are fueling market expansion. PLAY introduced the PlayGo BH70 in April 2020, an AI-powered noise-canceling headphone with smart touch and talk functionalities. AI enhances both audio quality and user experience.
Moreover, global manufacturers are incorporating wireless charging, noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.0, and Dolby Atmos to improve audio quality and reduce product size and weight. These advancements are particularly notable in the market for wireless earbuds and noise-canceling headphones, where durability and customer familiarity are key considerations for consumers. The high demand is leading to frequent product launches, such as Bose's Sport Open Earbuds in January 2021. These innovations are driving the global earphone and headphone market forward, with further growth anticipated in the forecast period.
The IPX-certified devices is one of the major earphone and headphone market trends shaping the market growth. The use of earphones and headphones during fitness activities in various conditions has pushed manufacturers to enhance their durability. Many have introduced new models in the global market that are sweat-proof and water-resistant, with some featuring washable ear padding. These products often carry Ingress Protection (IPX) ratings, which indicate their resistance to dust and water.
For example, IPX7-rated earbuds can withstand 30 minutes of submersion. Such water-resistant audio gear, especially those designed for sports, now offers splash resistance for outdoor use, driving demand for IPX-certified devices. Hence, such factors are driving the market during the forecast period.
High prices associated with wireless variants are a key challenge hindering the growth of the earphones and headphones market. Wireless headphones often come with a substantial price tag, and ongoing technological advancements are likely to drive up their costs. Additionally, the increasing demand for extra features is contributing to the higher price of these headphones. The market for wireless headphones is currently experiencing growth, but many companies position their products at premium price points. This can deter consumers in developing countries from embracing these high-priced premium wireless headphones.
However, the rising costs associated with wireless headphones are anticipated to harm market expansion. Furthermore, existing companies will face increased implementation and acquisition expenses, which could also hinder market growth in the forecasted period.
The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
Bose Corp - The company offers earphones and headphones such as noise cancelling earphones, wireless earphones, sport earphones, aviation headsets, and earbuds.
The market research and growth report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market share growth by the in-ear segment will be significant during the forecast period. Earphones and headphones are electronic audio gadgets that serve the purpose of enhancing the listening experience of the users. They can connect in the wired and wireless form to the source signal. The market has been segmented based on type into in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear earphones and headphones. As in-ear models fit securely in the ear, they allow users to eliminate all external noise effectively. In-ear models of earphones and headphones have witnessed high popularity among fitness enthusiasts. The in-ear earphones and headphones segment can be further divided into two types, namely, wired and wireless earphones. Technological advancements such as the emergence of notch-less smartphones are anticipated to fuel the growth of the in-ear wireless earphones segment during the forecast period.
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The in-ear segment showed a gradual increase in market share from USD 10.40 billion in 2018. Manufacturers of earphones and headphones provide their products with an ingress protection (IPX) rating. The IPX rating is a safety rating that rates earphones and headphones based on the extent of protection offered by these devices against various environmental conditions such as dust and rain. These dust and water-resistant product features, along with other technological developments, are expected to accelerate demand for in-ear earphones over the forecast period. Furthermore, our report provides a brief analysis of the historical and forecast market share and their segment, along with their reasons for growth from 2017 to 2027. The growth of this segment is primarily attributed to the increasing adoption of earphones and headphones, which is driven by an increase in the global demand for the earphone and headphone industry.
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North America is estimated to contribute 31% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. North America is set to lead the market for premium earphones and headphones. The region's consumers have a strong inclination for paid digital audio subscriptions, podcasts, and active participation in fitness activities. This trend fuels sales of headphones as essential accessories, driven by the region's high demand, robust disposable incomes, and smartphone adoption. In the US, wireless earphones and headphones represented over 70% of consumer electronic product shipments in 2020. Tech-savvy consumers in the US are increasingly embracing smart audio devices with features like noise cancellation and echo reduction. The integration of smart elements, including portability, water resistance, advanced sound control, sensors, gesture control, and extended battery life, is boosting adoption. All these factors contribute to the growth of the North American market.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion " for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.
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In today's consumer electronics landscape, smartwatches have become integral devices, offering voice recognition solutions and connectivity range enhancements that cater to diverse consumer applications. Technologies like MCUs and advanced batteries ensure efficient performance across various gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers, facilitating seamless media consumption and enhancing audio players with features like Adaptive Audio and Active noise cancellation. Brands like BoAt, JBL, and Beats by Dre lead the market with innovations in True wireless stereo and Noise suppression technologies, appealing to enthusiasts of high-quality music and OTT services. Devices such as AirPods Pro and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds integrate MagSafe Charging and Conversation Awareness, enhancing usability in virtual reality applications and home theaters. As work from home and fitness/sports trends grow, demand rises for wired headphones and wired earphones for uninterrupted connectivity and immersive experiences in movies, web series, and talk shows.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
172 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 10.12% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 23.34 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
9.28 |
Regional analysis |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 31% |
Key countries |
US, China, Germany, Canada, and Japan |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Apple Inc., Bose Corp., Bowers and Wilkins, GN Store Nord AS, Grado Labs Inc., JVCKENWOOD Corp., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Logitech International SA, Matrics Inc., Panasonic Holdings Corp., Pioneer India Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sennheiser Electronic GmbH and Co. KG, Shure Inc., Skullcandy Inc., Sony Group Corp., Xiaomi Communications Co. Ltd., and Zound Industries International AB |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, market report, market forecast, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Type
7 Market Segmentation by Technology
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
11 Competitive Landscape
12 Competitive Analysis
13 Appendix
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