Global Smart Speaker Market Set to Reach 163 Million Units in 2021

With a slightly more conservative forecast than some published reports from other market research firms, Canalys expects the global smart speaker market, including smart displays, to reach 163 million units in 2021, characterized as a growth of 21%. In 2020, Mainland China, which has the COVID-19 pandemic relatively under control, will lead, growing 16%, while the rest of the global market is expected to grow 3% as countries continue to battle the coronavirus.

The smart speaker market will grow by 35% this year, according to SAR Insight & Consulting’s Latest Digital Assistant Platform Forecast DATAbase, with shipments reaching 92 million. Amazon remains the market leader, but its smart speaker market share has declined and now represents approximately a third (33%) of the total volume anticipated in 2019. Total voice software unit shipments are expected to increase significantly to 2024.

2.2 billion digital assistant-enabled devices will ship in 2017, growing to 3.6 billion in 2022, says SAR Insight & Consulting in its latest research, "Digital Assistant Platforms; Use Cases, Technologies, Market Sectors & Competitive Analysis." According to the market research firm, home audio speakers will continue to lead the way, as voice recognition improves, with significant growth opportunities in smartphones, headphones, appliances, automotive, and the enterprise.