The global headphones market keeps drawing consumer attention, registering a robust year-on-year growth of 14 percent in 2020 and closing with 549 million goods shipped. This is reflected in the new market analysis report from Futuresource Consulting on headphone production, which shows that the value of retail sales increased by nearly 10% achieving total revenue of $48 billion. Various brands and electronics companies are catering to the growing market now. Some recently fashionable models are presented here by Vogue.
The Market Analysis from 2013 to 2021 & Beyond
The global headphone market has witnessed significant growth in unit shipments from 2013 to 2021. According to recent data, the number of headphones shipped worldwide reached an all-time high of 548 million in 2021. This substantial increase can be attributed to several factors, such as the rise in music streaming platforms, the increasing demand for wireless headphones, and the surge in e-commerce.
Global headphone shipment volumes have increased significantly since 2013. In 2013, upwards of 286 million headphones were shipped worldwide; in 2014, the number increased to 309.5 million. In 2015, global headphone shipments amounted to 331.3 million, continuing to increase through 2016 and 2017. In 2018 as many as 380.7 million headphones were shipped; in 2019 and 2020, the number was 445 million and 549 million, respectively.
It is no secret that music plays an essential role in our lives. With the advent of online music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, people are listening to more music than ever. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for high-quality headphones that provide excellent sound quality and comfort during long listening sessions. Moreover, technological advancements have led to wireless headphones offering greater convenience and mobility than traditional wired headphones. However, also wired headphones are getting more popular again, something like a counter trend described by in detail here and here.
Investors Win Big with Fully-Grown Market
The global headphone market witnessed tremendous growth in 2021, with an increase in the number of shipments. This trend can be attributed to the rise in demand for wireless headphones, as more people prefer the convenience of going cordless. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a significant role. Many individuals turned to music and podcasts to keep themselves occupied during lockdowns.
According to recent reports, global headphone shipments will reach 549 million units by the end of 2021. This marks a significant increase from previous years and indicates an upbeat global outlook for manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, technological advancements have led to improved sound quality and noise-cancellation features that have further contributed to this market’s growth. Overall, the headphone market will continue its upward trajectory into 2022.
Wireless headphones have been a tech industry’s mainstay for several years. As technology evolves, it’s no surprise that global headphone shipments are rising. Vendors are working hard to address critical concerns over price, comfort, and battery life while investing in market education to encourage users to switch.
One of the main concerns for consumers regarding wireless headphones is their price point. However, vendors have been making strides in developing more affordable options without sacrificing quality. In addition, they’re also addressing comfort issues by designing headphones with ergonomic features that fit comfortably and securely on various head sizes and shapes. Another concern has been battery life – nobody wants their music or podcast cut off mid-listen due to a dead battery.
High Competition Market
The global headphone market is highly competitive, with various brands and manufacturers vying for a share of the lucrative industry. Some of the top names in this space include Sony, Bose, Beats, JBL, Grado, Jabra, Focal, Skullcandy, Beyerdynamic, Shure, Philips, Apple, and AKG. Each brand has its unique selling proposition that appeals to different consumers worldwide. Many share the same factories and part suppliers thanks to OEM production solutions.
Headphones Go From Luxury to Necessity
With the rise of remote work and digital streaming services, headphones have become essential for many individuals. Global headphone production has increased significantly in recent years as more people seek to enjoy their music or audio content on the go. However, with prolonged use, some people think wearing headphones can cause discomfort and fatigue. Still, with great technology, users can enjoy music by wearing headphones in their comfort zone.
Manufacturers are introducing new headphone models with comfort features such as soft ear cushions, flexible headbands, and lightweight designs. These features provide a comfortable fit so that users can wear them for extended periods without experiencing any pain or discomfort. Additionally, advancements in battery technology have allowed for more extended playtime, which means no one has to suffer the music cut-off at midnight.
Moreover, some high-end models now come equipped with noise-canceling technology, which blocks out external sounds and creates a more immersive audio experience.
Wrapping Up
The global headphone production market has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years, primarily due to the rise of remote work, digital streaming services, online classes, and business meetings. Some people even claim headphones changed the world. As more people continue to rely on technology for entertainment and education, there is a growing demand for high-quality headphones that can provide clear audio and noise cancellation. Overall, it’s clear that the global headphone shipment market is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
