Global Earphone and Headphone Market Research Report: by Type (Wired Headphones and Earphones, Wireless Headphones and Earphones) by Application (Fitness/Sports, Gaming & Virtual Reality, Media & Entertainment, Corporate, Others) and by Region - Forecast till 2027
ID: MRFR/SEM/6159-CR | July 2019 | Region: Bric | 123 pages
Earphone and Headphone: Market Snapshot
The global earphone and headphone market is expected to grow at ~9% CAGR during the forecast period.
Earphones/headphones are listening devices that are worn on, over, in the ear, or around the head depending on the type of use such as hearing music and tape recording among others. There are several types of earphones and headphones, namely earbuds, in-ear-canal headphones, full-size headphones, and canal buds. Technological advancements in the industry have further led to the development of lightweight Bluetooth headphones that have noise cancelling capabilities and long battery life.
For instance, in January 2019, Bose Corporation filed a new patent for earbud insertion sensing method with infrared technology. The technology aims at extending the battery life of earbuds by automatically deactivating it when not in use.
North America continues to be the dominating region for earphone and headphone market; valued at USD 4380.8 million in 2017. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the highest growing region at a CAGR of 10.89% during the forecast period. Some of market players such as audio-technica, Sony Corporation, Apple Inc., Sennheiser, and beyerdynamic are expected to dominate the earphone and headphone market during forecast period. In January 2019, Audio-Technica Corporation launched its sound reality ATH-SR50BT and ATH-SR30BT wireless over-ear headphones, which provide high-resolution audio playback. In January 2019, beyerdynamic launched Xelento wireless headphones; it is a combination of convenient everyday solutions and sophisticated luxury headphones.
Global Earphone and Headphone Market, By Type, (2013 Vs 2017 Vs 2023)
Based on type, the market has been classified into wired earphones and headphones and wireless earphones and headphones. Wireless headphones and earphones work without a cable. Wireless headphones and earphones operate by transmitting audio signals through infrared (IR) or radio signals depending on the connected device. Currently, wireless headphones and earphones are widely used by consumers in call centres, fitness centres, and others. Wireless headphones and earphones often use Bluetooth transmission standard to transmit audio connect to various devices simultaneously. Devices with Bluetooth technology can connect and exchange data over a short distance using radio transmission. Wireless headphones and earphones are widely used in fitness, sports, gaming, and virtual reality.
Wired headphones and earphones are more beneficial than wireless headphones and earphones in terms of audio/sound quality, pricing, and battery life. Wireless headphone transfers the signal over the Bluetooth technology thereby degrading the sound quality. Most of the wired headphones and earphones do not require a battery backup which helps in minimizing the noise created due to the battery power source. Wired headphones and earphones have a 3.5mm audio jack which is compatible with all the latest smartphones and audio devices. Wired headphones and earphones are widely used in the corporate sector, aerospace & defence, and media & entertainment. 
Source: - MRFR Analysis
Increased integration of new technologies in headphones and earphones and increasing ownership of mobile phones, tablets, and mp3 players is expected to drive the earphone and headphone market during forecast period. However, high cost of wireless headphones and earphones poses a challenge for the market during forecast period.
Over the last decades Asia-Pacific has become a global manufacturing hub, with many multinational companies setting up high-volume production facilities in the region. Countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia have a great scope in the earphone and headphone market as these countries are witnessing significant developments in wireless technologies. Moreover, in these countries, along with the growing manufacturing facilities, competition among manufacturers is also growing. China and India are the fastest growing economies in Asia-Pacific, and the telecom industry is expected to grow substantially during the forecast period. Moreover, the electronic industries in these countries have witnessed some revolutionary changes in the past few decades in terms of its application in consumer electronics, IT & telecom industry, and other application areas, which is driving the market for earphone and headphones in the Asia-Pacific region.
Earphone and Headphone Market: Regional Analysis (2013 Vs 2017 Vs 2023)
The global earphone and headphone market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa, and South America. North America is expected to dominate the market during forecast period due to high presence global players in earphone and headphone market. The companies active in this region are constantly reinventing and rebranding their existing products to increase the level of quality and innovation in design. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow rapidly during forecast period due to rise in urban population and increase in disposable income.
Companies Covered
The key players of global earphone and headphone market are Apple Inc (US), Sony Corporation (Japan), Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Bose Corporation (US), Skullcandy Inc. (US), AIAIAI ApS (Denmark), AKG Acoustics GmbH (Austria), Audio-Technica Corporation (Japan), beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Creative Technology Ltd (Singapore), Denon Electronics (USA), LLC (US), Grado Labs Inc. (US), House of Marley, LLC (US), and Jays AB (Sweden) among others.
Key Developments
- In June 2018, Jays Group AB (publ) acquired Krusell United AB, including all the subsidiaries. The acquisition has enabled Jays Group AB to expand its market globally, impacting the rise in annual growth.
- In February 2018, Bose Corporation launched Bose SoundSport Free wireless in-ear headphones in India. These headphones provide five hours of music and has water repellant surface, especially designed for the people who workout
- In January 2019, Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG launched the Grey headsets series that consist of Presence Grey UC and Presence Grey Business. These are Bluetooth headsets with high-quality sound.
Market Segmentation
- By type: wired earphone & headphone and wireless earphone & headphone.
- By application: fitness/sports, gaming and virtual reality, media & entertainment, corporate, and others.
Key questions addressed by the report
- What was the historic market size (2017)?
- Which segmentation (Component / Solution/ Industry is driving market?
- What will be the growth rate by 2024?
- Who are the key players in this market?
- What are the strategies adopted by key players?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The global market is predicted to expand at a rate of 9% in the years to come.
The APAC market is expected to progress at a rate of 10.89% during the review period.
Wired earphones and headphones, as well as wireless earphones and headphones, are the type-dependent segments in the market.
North America is expected to retain its dominance in the coming years.
Wired headphones and earphones are far more superior than wireless headphones and earphones, with respect to pricing, battery life as well as audio/sound quality.
Asia Pacific is one of the top manufacturing hubs in the world, with several multinational companies planting high-volume production facilities in countries like Indonesia, Australia and Singapore. These countries are also experiencing substantial developments in wireless technologies, which further benefits the regional market.
High cost of wireless headphones and earphones is the top market restraint outlined in the report.
