Headband headphones vs TWS

The last two days have seen two high-end headphone manufacturers release brand new over-the-ear headphones. Firstly, Focal, who have announced the world’s first beryllium headphones retailing for $4999. Alongside this, Meze Audio have released a more affordable high-end pair of open back headphones priced at $799.  

SAR believes that these new releases are interesting as there are rumours of the TWS market reaching saturation with more interest returning for on ear and fully enclosed headphones. 

Currently SAR estimates that the TWS market is shipping just over 300 million devices per year, however, the growth curve is expected to begin to round off at around 500 million shipments in 2027. This estimate has dropped since last quarter due to growing fears of a recession through 2023. Growing interest in headband headphones could explain the numerous new headphones that are coming to market more recently, alongside a anticipated slow in the adoption of TWS earbuds. 

Keep an eye out for SAR’s 3Q22 database updates and in particular DATAbase: TWS FORECAST 

Joe Murray Market Analyst, DATA Lead

Joe is a market analyst for audio devices and technologies at SAR Insight & Consulting. He is tasked with analyzing, comparing, and forecasting new technologies, markets, and products in the industry.

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