INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
The advancement in technology, manufacturing, transmission, and portable consumer goods is leading to innovations in the global wireless headphones market. The vast transformation in the appearance, sound delivery, portability, and connectivity of these products is fueling the demand of wirelss earphones. In-line microphones are now primarily a standard feature, wireless connectivity becoming more affordable in the future with health sensors and other extra capabilities are likely to increase the multifunctionality of these devices. The leading vendors are investing in the testing and adoption of different technologies to reduce or block external noises. The introduction of noise-cancellation and noise-isolation devices has revolutionized the industry. The integration of products with smart features such as hearing aids, fitness tracker wearables, and speech modulation devices will contribute to the development of the global wireless headphones market.
The market is currently witnessing the incorporation of newer technologies such as gesture recognition and control, active head tracking, biometric monitoring, 3D surround sound delivery, and onboard storage in over-ear. The integration of these products with a home entertainment system will result in the evolution of the global market.
MARKET DYNAMICS
The increasing number of collaborations between the manufacturers and several industry partners is one of the major factors attributing to the growing revenues. The industry partners comprise sectors such as smartphones, other mobile devices, music, fashion, and entertainment including several music artists and celebrities. These collaborations have led to the launch of new variants of existing models and garnered new sales. The collaborations with complementary industry partners also allow the vendors to minimize research and development costs to develop new products. The rising demand for high-quality products at affordable prices is encouraging the players to invest in the development of new earphones and headphones with value-added features at competitive prices. For instance, in 2014, Apple acquired Beats Electronics for $3.20 billion. This acquisition aimed to manufacture listening products that are compatible with Apple line of products such as iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook.
WIRELESS HEADPHONES MARKET SEGMENTATION
This research report includes a detailed segmentation by
- Features
- Type
- Price range
- End-use
- Geography
INSIGHTS BY FEATURES
Smart features such as water resistance, gesture recognition, sensors, and biometric recognition are driving the global wireless headphones market
Smart features segment dominated more than half of total share in 2018, growing at a CAGR of approximately 23% during the forecast period. The introduction of smart products that offer real-time problem-solving capabilities is gaining immense popularity. The vendors are introducing products with smart features such as virtual assistants, gesture recognition, biometric monitoring, voice controls, and language translation to attract the maximum number of consumers. The increasing application of these products in the sports and fitness industry will drive revenues in this segment during the forecast.
Non-smart products offer basic functionality such as connecting via Bluetooth, answering calls, and streaming music. The increasing availability and adoption of technologically advanced product portfolios will adversely impact the growth of the non-smart devices.
INSIGHTS BY TYPE
Hi-fidelity sounds of over-ear earphones are contributing to the market revenues
The over-ear wireless headphones are the fastest growing segment, at a CAGR of around 27% during the forecast period. The launch of over-ear products with built-in capability to reduce external noise and extra comfort to the user is propelling the growth of this segment. The introduction of features such as hi-fidelity sound is fueling the demand for these products. The major feature of this product is the ability to reduce outside noise significantly and improve the sound experience of the end-user. The leading vendors are investing in several advancements in the manufacturing and audio technology to gain a larger global wireless headphones market share.
The availability of in-ear phones with the balanced armature and that offer detailed sound with higher treble range is propelling the demand for these products. The additional capabilities of on-ear earphones such as noise cancellation, active noise cancellation, and controlling ambient sound are contributing to the growing revenues in the segment.
INSIGHTS BY END-USE
Need for personalized listening experience is fueling the growth of the global wireless headphones market
Entertainment segment dominated close to 2/3rd of the total share in 2018, growing at a CAGR of approximately 21% during the forecast period. The evolution of the music industry and the popularity of portable devices such as iPods, MP3, MP4 players, and online music sites are the major factors attributing to the growth of this segment. The introduction of smart technology that provides features to control the ambient sounds and deliver a personalized listening experience will transform this segment over the next few years. The manufacturers are collaborating with several music artists to launch their name edition products to attract a maximum number of consumers. The growth of the streaming industry will fuel the growth of this segment. The increasing adoption for smart wearable devices that track activities, heart rate, calories, and blood pressure will contribute to the growing demand in the fitness and sports segment.
INSIGHTS BY PRICE RANGE
Medium range wireless headphones with equalizer settings and multifunction buttons will boost sales in the market
Moderate priced wireless headphones are the fastest growing segment, growing at a CAGR of approximately 22% during the forecast period. The introduction of medium-priced products that offer equalizer settings, multifunction buttons, better battery life, and some degree of resistance to water and sweat is fueling the growth of this segment. The medium price wireless earphones range from $50 to $99.99. The launch of newer models with activate voice assistants such as Siri and Google Now is enabling players to gain a larger global wireless headphones market share.
The increasing availability of low range products on various e-commerce websites and domestic electronic stores is fueling the growth of this segment. Premium range products offer hi-tech functionalities such as layered hearing and speech amplification in the global market.
INSIGHTS BY GEOGRAPHY
Digital audio subscription across Europe will lead to the development of new products
Europe occupied the largest shares in 2018, growing at a CAGR of more than 17% during the forecast period. The growing adoption of paid digital audio subscriptions and engagement in fitness and sports activities is fueling the growth of the European region. The research analysts at Arizton believes the consumer trend of investing in music and fitness subscriptions, as well as fitness gear, creates opportunities for vendors operating in the European market. The rising rate of savings will lead to the sale of high-cost consumer durables and electronic products in Europe. Celebrities endorsing these products will fuel the demand for earbuds and other music accessories in the region, thereby, contributing to the growth of the global wireless headphones market.
Introduction of products with features such as convenient wireless charging, portable designs, water resistance, advanced sound control, sensors, gesture control, and better battery life is driving the growth of the market in North America. Japan, South Korea, and Australia in the APAC region are contributing to the largest revenues.
KEY VENDOR ANALYSIS
The global wireless headphones market is moderately diverse due to the presence of several international and regional players. The increasing demand for specialized, high-end, and better sound quality products will create lucrative opportunities for the leading players. The growing focus on the development of advanced products will help manufacturers access emerging regions worldwide. The recent innovations in the charging technologies will help players sustain the intense competition.
Major vendors in the market are Apple, Bose, Samsung, Sony, and Sennheiser.
The wireless headphones market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry analysis with revenue and forecast insights for the following segments:
By Feature
By Type
By End-Use
- Entertainment
- Fitness & Sports
- Gaming
By Price Range
By Geography
- North America
- Europe
- APAC
- Latin America
- MEA