Earbuds Consumer Survey Identifies Key Takeaways for Manufacturers

Austrian company ams, a leading worldwide supplier of high-performance sensor solutions, shared the results of its ‘Comfortable, Smart, High-performing Earbuds Survey’ conducted in Spring 2020 with 2000-plus consumers around the world on their audio earbud uses, habits and preferences. Earbud comfort seems to be a key focus for existing users, with the survey identifying the benefits of active noise cancellation and volume-limiting technology as top earbud innovations. Preference between loose fit and tight-fitting, in-ear earbuds, depends upon type of activity.

Razer, the lifestyle brand for gamers, announced the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds, using a customized Bluetooth 5.0 design that, according to the company, delivers ultra-low latency, high quality audio and extended battery life. Featuring an ergonomic loose-fit design akin to the AirPods, Razer believes the Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds will not only eliminate audio lag but can be also more convenient.

The retail headphone market continues to show strength, with 365 million units shipped in 2019, according to SAR Insight & Consulting’s Latest Headphone and Headset Forecast DATAbase. Wireless headphones and in particular true wireless stereo (TWS) models continue to be the fastest growing categories, with shipments of gaming headphones doubling from a year ago. Consequences for the electronics component industry are also visible, such as the growth in the sales of MEMS microphones.