Hear The Future:
Introduction of the Wireless Headphones Market
The introduction of active noise cancellation and premium wireless audio devices have fueled the earphones and headphones market growth. These innovations enhance the listening experience for customers, leading to increased demand worldwide. Furthermore, these gadgets are highly sought after due to their affordability and user-friendly features. The development and inclusion of navigation and infotainment features like the Global Positioning System (GPS) are propelling wireless audio device market expansion. High-speed internet access and the quickly expanding 5G network infrastructure are further expanding this market.
Keeping up with the trends, from 'wired to wireless', earphones and headphones integrated with Bluetooth technology, battery technology advancements, becomes the new normal. Demand for advanced earphones and headphones will only increase as cities grow larger, commutes become longer, and podcasting networks translate into self-sustaining businesses.
Because of developments in earphone technology, earphone and headphone market sales in the United States are expected to rise in the coming years. The growing trend of mobile shopping, e-banking, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is driving demand for smartphones and tablets, which, in turn, is boosting demand growth for earphones and headsets in the USA.
To achieve unique marketing positioning and retain strong consumer interaction, companies are stressing the improvement of earphone technology, especially Bluetooth earbuds, and Bluetooth wireless accessories. As a result, businesses have been driven to upgrade their earphone product offerings to attract more customers.
Top 5 Game Changers in the Market
Sony Corporation
Sony is a public company headquartered in Japan. In the US, the company has a notable market share in at least four industries: Recordable Media Manufacturing, Movie & Video Production, Video Game Software Publishing, Video Games and Video Game Software Publishing. Their largest market share is in the Video Game Software Publishing industry, where they account for an estimated 20.3% of total industry revenue.
The company generated over 82 billion U.S. dollars in total annual revenue in 2022. Around one third of Sony’s income comes from its game and network segment, which includes the company’s prominent line of gaming consoles. Other products and services in Sony’s diverse portfolio include TVs, cameras, semiconductors, as well as music and motion pictures.
Product Expansion
Sony headphones market focuses on developing novel products that support sustaining its market position and increasing sales. Advanced technology-enabled innovative products to give a competitive edge to the company over its peers. In February 2022, the company launched Sony WH-XB910N wireless headphones in India.
Key Development
In February 2023, Sony announced the launch of its new wireless and new earbuds and headsets for its PlayStation 5 consoles. The wireless earbuds are likely to make their way to stores around the end of 2023
Bose Corporation
Bose is a private company headquartered in Massachusetts. In the US, the company has a notable market share in Audio & Video Equipment Manufacturing, where they account for an estimated 2.9% of total industry revenue. Bose Corporation is renowned for its high-quality audio products. The company focuses on delivering superior sound experiences and has built a strong reputation for their active noise cancellation (ANC) technology.
Product Expansion
Bose audio technology has consistently pursued international growth opportunities, particularly in emerging markets like China and India. The company adapts its distribution strategy based on local regulations, cultural differences, and logistical challenges. Bose established joint ventures with domestic partners in some Asian countries to navigate complex regulatory environments more effectively. One of Bose’s key strategies is maintaining control over the shopping experience by operating their own stores. As of 2021, there were approximately 190 Bose stores worldwide, including locations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Key Development
In September 2022, Bose introduced the QuietComfort II earbuds, an upgraded version of the original QuietComfort. These earbuds features include improved ANC, a personalized fit, and a sleek design. Bose's ability to target frequencies in the mid and high ranges, which are typically harder to eliminate, sets its ANC technology apart from competitors.
Harman International
HARMAN International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, is delighted to announce that it has achieved a tremendous new milestone. The convergence of a thriving headphone market, global demand for high-quality audio, and JBL’s exceptional ability to understand and anticipate customer needs have propelled JBL past the threshold of 200 million headphone units sold in the year 2022. JBL is the world's leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers and studio monitors for musicians, tours, cinema, and recording & broadcasting applications; it leverages these credentials in the consumer headphones category, producing high-quality products that only a true audio company can deliver.
Harman International trends distributes its products directly to automobile manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and customers. It serves automakers, consumers, and enterprises in South America, North America, Europe, and Asia. Harman is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the US.
Over the last 18 months, Harman witnessed how consumer behaviors have continued to evolve and pay more attention to developments in gaming solutions, remote working and home listening – all along with a renewed focus on audio quality.
Product Expansion
Over the past decade, headphones have played a central role in JBL’s mission to help people get the most out of every moment they spend listening. Since 2020, demand for headphones has soared, driven by major new trends arising from the pandemic, such as increased HD music streaming, an uptake of in-gaming music consumption and podcasts, home-based work and teleconferencing, and even sports and biometrics uses. This unprecedented momentum is evident not only in industry forecasts predicting market growth at a CAGR of 17.6% between now and 2028.
Key Development
In December 2022, HARMAN International announced that they had passed the 200 million headphone unit milestone. This milestone was achieved due to the convergence of a booming headphone market, worldwide demand for premium audio, and HARMAN’s unique ability to anticipate and respond to customer needs.
SENNHEISER
Sennheiser, a German audio company founded in 1945, is another prominent player in the high-resolution headphones market. With a reputation for superior audio quality and craftsmanship, Sennheiser market growth has gained a significant share with generated sales of 467.7 million euros with its professional audio solutions in 2022. The company has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio technology development, and its headphones are highly regarded by audiophiles worldwide. Sennheiser has experienced steady market growth over the years, and its dedication to uncompromising sound quality has contributed to its success.
Product Expansion
The Sennheiser Group was able to further expand its strong position as a provider of professional audio solutions in the fiscal year 2022 and grow sustainably on its own. Sales of professional 26 percent to 467.7 million euros. This not only enabled the company to meet the targets it had set itself but also to significantly exceed expectations. The independent family business also used 2022 to make sustainable investments for the future.
Key Development
In August 2022, Sennheiser unveiled a great new pair of Momentum Wireless Headphones. The Momentum 4 Wireless headphones have been designed with two essential aims: Sennheiser wanted them to sound great and be supremely comfortable so they could be worn for long periods, such as a transatlantic flight where noise-canceling headphones are essential.
ZEBRONICS
Zebronics is India’s No.1 IT Peripherals Company. Brand Zebronics is today a household name in India, especially amongst the young. Incepted in the year 1997 and headquartered in Chennai, Zebronics has a wide range of verticals, and has a total of 25 product categories and more than 350 SKUs (Stock Keeping Unit). The product range encompasses IT peripherals, Speakers, Accessories, and Surveillance; operating through 31 offices across the country, employing 1000+ people in 2023. Zebronics operates through a network of about 50,000 direct/indirect channel partners throughout India and has 128+ service centers. The company has received more than 70 prestigious industry awards. The company offers a wide range of earphones and headphones known for their affordability, performance, and stylish designs. Zebronics has gained popularity by providing reliable audio solutions that cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers without compromising on quality.
Product Expansion
Zebronics, spearheading an Indian brand of IT peripherals, Audio/Video, and surveillance products since 1997, now introduces its newest headphone, Neptune; a stylish headphone with a complete package of wireless comfort and an advanced high-end chipset boasting sound to a new level of listening experience.
With robust design and leather covered headband’s appealing guise, the headphones go a step ahead to enhance your style quotient. It is embedded with Rhythmic LED lights which beam a showcase of your tunes and the graphics groves on your beats.
Key Development
In September 2023, Zebronics announced the launch of ZEB-Juke Bar 1000 with Dolby Atmos. This is India’s most affordable 2.1 channel soundbar that packs revolutionary Dolby Atmos for a richer audio experience.
