Wireless Headphones Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The wireless headphones market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.94% throughout the forecast period, thereby reaching a market size of US$14.382 billion by 2029 from an initial value of US$7.897 billion in 2022.

Wireless headphones represent a category of audio devices that establish connections with various gadgets, including smartphones, stereo speakers, laptops, PCs, and gaming consoles, among others, without the need for wires or cables. This surge in popularity is driven by a multitude of factors, fundamentally altering the way of experiencing music, podcasts, and more. The presence of smartphones has transformed them into go-to music libraries, communication hubs, and entertainment centres. Advanced Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology actively eliminates ambient noise, creating a personalized auditory experience, particularly beneficial during activities like commuting and working. The increased prevalence of fitness trackers and workout apps has introduced a data-driven and interconnected dimension to exercise. Furthermore, the paradigm shift towards remote work has heightened the necessity for noise-cancelling headphones, enhancing concentration and productivity in shared workspaces. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 560 million individuals worked from home in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic. Additionally, data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a threefold increase in the number of people primarily working from home between 2019 and 2021. These multiple factors led to a substantial rise in the demand for wireless headphones, driven by their convenience and ease of use in various settings.

The increasing penetration of smartphones propels the market.

Smartphones have become an integral part of daily life, encompassing various aspects of experiences, from facilitating digital payments to booking air tickets. They have achieved ubiquity, functioning as versatile tools serving as music libraries, communication hubs, and entertainment centers. The removal of the headphone jack in numerous smartphones has contributed to rising demand for seamless wireless connectivity, establishing wireless headphones as the preferred choice for on-the-go listening.

The increasing prevalence of smartphones is evident in global statistics, with approximately 600 million smartphone users in India alone. Similarly, Europe has witnessed the adoption of over 158 million 5G connections by 2022. These data points underscore the growing worldwide presence of smartphone users, emphasizing their pervasive role in modern society. According to gsm.com, smartphone adoption in the United States reached 83% in 2021 and is projected to increase to approximately 85% by 2025. In Canada, smartphone adoption was at 89% in 2021, and it is expected to rise to around 92% by 2025. These figures underscore the significant penetration and growing demand for smartphones, consequently driving the wireless headphones market as well.

It is projected that the market in North America will grow steadily.

The widespread adoption of wireless headphones among gamers in the country has positively impacted the market demand. According to the data from the Entertainment Software Association, a substantial 66% of Americans, surpassing 215 million individuals spanning various age groups and demographics, engage in regular video game consumption. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of indoor leisure trends, encompassing activities like music listening and movie watching, is poised to propel the demand for wireless headphones in the local market. According to the annual report of Apple Inc. the revenue from wearables, home, and accessories includes the wireless headphones and air pods as well. In 2020 the revenue was US$30,620 million, which increased to US$38,367 million in 2021 and 41,241 in 2022. With the rising adoption of the product among the people the revenue is increasing and is expected to propel the market for wireless headphones in the coming years.

Market Key Developments

• In September 2023, Bose Corporation unveiled the next generation of its renowned QuietComfort line. This release includes the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, featuring top-tier noise cancellation, high-quality audio, and a reputation for comfort and stability. Both these wireless headphones also come equipped with wireless charging.
• In September 2022, Apple announced the launch of the second generation of "AirPods Pro" equipped with an H2 chip and enhanced Noise cancellation & transparency mode. In October 2021, the company launched a third generation of "AirPods" the featured H1 chip, and was equipped with the Apple-designed acoustic system.

Segmentation:

By Type:

• In-ear
• Over-ear
• On-ear

By Connectivity:

• Bluetooth
• WiFi
• NFC

By Technology:

• Active Noise-cancelling Headphones
• Headsets
• Ambient Sound Headphones
• Bone Conduction Headphones

By Distribution Channel:

• Online
• Offline

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Australia
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Thailand
• Taiwan
• Indonesia
• Others