Audio is always an exciting sector at IFA, giving visitors to the show the chance to witness and experience innovations from some of the biggest names in the world first hand. GfK, An NIQ Company, has put together a few of the main audio trends this year to give visitors an idea of what to look out for.
Audio trends: Bigger and better
In the audio segment, there’s a growing trend towards speakers with high output power. Sales of speakers with 150W and above 500W have seen significant growth. From January to June 2024, revenue for speakers over 150W increased by 6%, while those over 500W saw a 15% rise versus 1H2023. These powerful speakers are not just for parties; they are perfect for enjoying music at home, in the garden, or even at the beach.
Headphones: Form meets function
Headphones and mobile stereo headsets are also evolving. True wireless earbuds are popular for daily use due to their compact size and good audio quality. However, when it comes to wireless headbands, consumers are often drawn to active noise cancellation, making them ideal for long-distance flights or noisy environments. In Q1 2024, 36% of wireless headband purchases were driven by this feature, compared to 33% for true wireless earbuds.
The emergence of open ear headphones
A notable newcomer in the headphone market is the open ear headphone. These headphones keep the ear canal free, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings, such as traffic when cycling. This feature makes them particularly popular for sports. In fact, 7% of headphone buyers in 2023 purchased headphones specifically for exercising, reflecting a 2 point increase from 2022.
Market Share Shifts
The market shares for different headphone segments are also shifting. From1H2022 to 1H2024, wireless headbands increased their market share from 13% to 19%, while true wireless earbuds saw a decline from 70% to 61%. Meanwhile, wireless open ear headphones grew from 3% to 10%, highlighting their rising popularity.
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