True Wireless Headphone Bandwagon gets More Crowded, as Brands vie to Challenge Apple

True wireless headphones sales have enjoyed extraordinary growth in the past year. After a very successful Q4 2018, which saw shipments reach a total equal to the previous three quarters combined, Q1 2019 witnessed year-on-year growth of 223% in units and 188% in revenue. Consumers appear to enjoy the freedom that truly wireless products bring. Although, the continued domination by AirPods does still mean that the market remains a largely Apple phenomenon.

Market research firm Futuresource Consulting released its latest Headphone Market Insights Report which highlights how consumer demand for 'true wireless' headphones was up 182% in Q4 2018. The global headphones market continued its meteoric rise in Q4 2018, with revenue growth outpacing unit shipments by a substantial margin. The firm’s latest headphones tracking quarterly report reveals worldwide Q4 headphones shipments grew by 5.5% in units and 54% in revenues year-on-year.

The headphones market continues its recent trend of solid growth in volumes and substantial growth in revenue. Units are projected to grow 4.1% this year to 377 million, to generate retail revenues worth $19.9bn, a sizable increase of 27% y-o-y. Headphones continue to be a dynamic market, as average price growth is accelerated by demand from consumers for new premium features and form factors such as true wireless and noise cancellation, which provide further strong growth opportunities for the future.