Earbuds Market Size
| Study Period: | 2018 - 2028 |
| Fastest Growing Market: | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market: | North America |
| CAGR: | 25.3 % |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Earbuds Market Analysis
The Earbuds Market was estimated at USD 13.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to register a CAGR of over 25% during the forecast period, 2022-2027. These products include wireless smart earphones with sensors and chargeable carry cases, capable of controlling the playback, and activating voice assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, and Alexa. The increasing penetration of smartphones and growing demand for smart tech in emerging countries of China and India will boost the demand for medium-range products in the global market. Lately, the focus has also been on providing an aesthetic design to devices to attract customers.
- Integrating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies on a single IC leads to developing cost-effective and compact wireless audio devices, including earbuds. Demand for uninterrupted connectivity to different devices from smartphones. Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi, among other technologies, increase the utility of earbuds by offering them high-speed connectivity.
- For instance, Munich-based tech firm Bragi provides earbuds with 4 GB of storage for mp3 collection, physical and biofeedback sensors to track heart rate and oxygen saturation, measurement of steps and pace, and audio feedback throughout the workout. Toss in touch controls, a microphone, Bluetooth and micro USB connectivity, and water resistance up to a meter.
- Moreover, multiple smartphone manufacturers are transitioning to IP68 specifications, thus, moving away from earphone jack support, further augmenting the wireless earbuds demand and creating opportunities for vendors targeting the market for wireless products. Brand recognition is critical in premium and high mid-range products, where an extended warranty feature can help create a niche space in the market.
- According to a report by Consumer Tech Association (CTA), among emerging technologies, such as smart homes, smart speakers, software, and streaming services, earbuds play a significant role in pushing the revenue for consumer technology. The report further highlights that many consumers are willing to pay for next-generation audio products that support the smarter, more immersive listening experiences they want to enjoy whenever and wherever they go. Many mobile network service providers are augmenting the market by providing audio and music streaming services as complementary services; for instance, Airtel and Jio, in India, offer Wynkand Saavanservices to their customers.
- The demand for earbuds experienced an initial spike, with work-at-home and entertainment-in-place now the standard for many households due to the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. This demand will not diminish consumer expectations for advanced functionality, so device manufacturers must prioritize development and software enhancements to enhance the user experience.
Earbuds Industry Segmentation
Earbuds are a pair of small hearing devices designed to be held outside the ear canal, unlike earphones. They are electroacoustic transducers through which the electrical signal is converted into a corresponding sound. They are typically designed to enable a single user to listen to audio.
The Earbuds Market is segmented by Feature (Wired Earbuds, Wireless Earbuds (Truly Wireless)), By Price Range (Premium Range (Greater than $150), Mid Range ($50 - $150), Low Range (Less than $50)), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), and Geography.
| By Feature | ||||
| Wired Earbuds | ||||
|
| By Price Range | |
| Premium Range (greater than $150) | |
| Mid Range ($50 - $150) | |
| Low Range (less than $50) |
| By Distribution Channel | |
| Offline | |
| Online |
| By Geography | |
| North America | |
| Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | |
| Latin America | |
| Middle-East and Africa |
Earbuds Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Earbuds Market according to our research experts:
Growing Penetration of Smartphones and Consumer Demand for Latest Products is Expected to Increase The Growth
- In January 2022 Consumer Technology Association predicted that Unit shipments of smartphones are expected to grow three percent to 154.1 million. The increasing penetration of smartphones is expected to drive the demand for the earbuds market due to the increased demand for integrating these devices with smartphones for enhanced features.
- The leading vendors are integrating active voice assistance features like Siri, Google Now, and Alexa to offer the consumers convenience of use and ease of handling. Smart earbuds also provide advanced features that allow the consumers to monitor body vitals such as heart rate and calories burnt during a workout session and convenience during a workout. These products are designed and marketed for athletes and health-conscious individuals in the global earbuds market.
- Moreover, the increasing trend of making smartphones slimmer and thinner has resulted in the manufacturers removing the headphones jack. This propels the consumers to adopt earbuds, boosting the market growth over the forecast period.
- Vendors heavily implement various IPX certifications to make their earbuds sweat and water-resistant. This certification helps companies increase their brand reliability and attract more consumers in the global earbuds market. IPX7 means that the product can withstand being submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, increasing the device's portability in many places such as gyms and smartphones for connectivity. Factors such as these also act as a driving factor for the growth of the market.
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Asia Pacific is Expected to Register Fastest Growth
- Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth in the earbuds market during the forecast period. The growing electronics industry, coupled with a rapid rise in disposable income in the region, is driving the earbuds market.
- Further, the expansion of consumer electronics manufacturing capacities, especially in the South Central region of China, coupled with rising exports to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, is expected to boost the market growth.
- The penetration by foreign players in the region providing premium products that are technologically advanced and provide a better experience has fueled the demand for premium earphones.
- Smartphone giants are also developing innovative earbuds in the region to boost the sales of both earbuds and smartphones. These companies are considering emerging countries in the region, including India, for expansion. An instance of the same would be the launch of a new line-up of Galaxy wearables: Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Fit, and Galaxy Buds by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. The smartwatch, activity tracker, and cord-free earbuds are made for a range of lifestyles.
- The high price tag associated with these products varies across geography because of the manufacturing brand and features provided in the products. Multinational brands are even higher priced when they sell overseas due to the custom and excise duties depending on their country. For instance, Apple sells its AirPods for USD 159 in North America; the same AirPods are sold for USD 203, USD 217, and USD 218 in China, Germany, and the UK, respectively.
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Earbuds Industry Overview
The competitive rivalry in the Earbuds Market remains high owing to some key vendors such as Apple, Samsung, Bose, and Sennheiser, amongst others, as the market remains mostly consolidated. The market players are moving toward providing technologically integrated products through extensive investments in research and development that have enabled them to gain a competitive advantage over other players in the market. Also, through strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions, the players have gained a greater footprint in the market.
- April 2022 - Boat has launched a new TWS hybrid ANC, boat Airdopes 500. The Airdopes 500 ANC features up to 35dB hybrid active noise cancellation and can turn on the Ambient mode with a swipe. Further, the Airdopes are equipped with sweat-resistant silicone.
- April 2021 - Nokia Corporation launched true wireless (TWS) and Bluetooth neckband earbuds on Flipkart in India. The headset has a Qualcomm QCC3034 Bluetooth Audio chipset and noise cancellation technology. The company targeted millennial professionals and college students in the area with this launch.
Earbuds Market Leaders
Apple, Inc.
Samsung Electronics co., ltd.
Xiomi
Boat
BBK Electronics
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Earbuds Market News
- April 2022 - Bang & Olufsen, a Danish company that makes high-end consumer electronics products, announced the launch of a new pair of TWS (true wireless) earbuds, Beoplay EX. There are noise-canceling earphones that come with a fully waterproof design.
- March 2021 - Skullcandy has launched Indy ANC, its first truly wireless earbuds with ANC. The earbuds feature a Tile tracker, which detects the location of earbuds if consumers misplace them—the earbuds Skullcandy'sdy's Active Noise Cancelling technology with customizable Personal Sound via the Skullcandy App.
Earbuds Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.2.4 Threat of Substitutes
4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.4 Assessment of Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 High demand from consumers engaged in fitness activities
5.1.2 Shorter replacement cycle of earphones and the growing adoption of earbuds
5.1.3 Growing penetration of smartphones and consumer demand for latest products
5.2 Market Restraints
5.2.1 Design complexity and distractions caused by earbuds
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By Feature
6.1.1 Wired Earbuds
6.1.2 Wireless Earbuds
6.1.2.1 Truly Wireless
6.1.2.2 Other Types
6.2 By Price Range
6.2.1 Premium Range (greater than $150)
6.2.2 Mid Range ($50 - $150)
6.2.3 Low Range (less than $50)
6.3 By Distribution Channel
6.3.1 Offline
6.3.2 Online
6.4 By Geography
6.4.1 North America
6.4.2 Europe
6.4.3 Asia-Pacific
6.4.4 Latin America
6.4.5 Middle-East and Africa
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Vendor Market Share Analysis - Truly Wireless Earbuds - 2021
7.2 Company Profiles
7.2.1 Boat
7.2.2 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (includes Samsung, Infinity, and JBL)
7.2.3 Apple Inc. (includes Beats Electronics)
7.2.4 Xiaomi Corporation
7.2.5 BBK Electronics (includes Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and OnePlus)
7.2.6 Sony Group Corporation
7.2.7 Bose Corporation
7.2.8 Skullcandy Inc.
7.2.9 Edifier International Limited
7.2.10 QCY
7.2.11 JLab
7.2.12 Huawei Device Co. Ltd
- *List Not Exhaustive
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE OF THE MARKET
Earbuds Market Research FAQs
What is the study period of this market?
The Earbuds Market is studied from 2018 - 2028.
What is the growth rate of Earbuds Market?
The Earbuds Market is growing at a CAGR of 25.3% over the next 5 years.
Which region has highest growth rate in Earbuds Market?
Asia Pacific is growing at the highest CAGR over 2018 - 2028.
Which region has largest share in Earbuds Market?
North America holds highest share in 2021.
Who are the key players in Earbuds Market?
Apple, Inc., Samsung Electronics co., ltd., Xiomi, Boat, BBK Electronics are the major companies operating in Earbuds Market.
Earbuds Industry Report
Statistics for the 2023 Earbuds market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Earbuds analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2028 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
Earbuds Report Snapshots
