Global Noise Cancelling Headphones Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Over Ear and On-Ear), By Type (Wireless and Wired), By Application, By Distribution Channel, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2024 - 2031

Global Noise Cancelling Headphones Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Over Ear and On-Ear), By Type (Wireless and Wired), By Application, By Distribution Channel, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2024 - 2031

The Global Noise Cancelling Headphones Market size is expected to reach $41.6 billion by 2031, rising at a market growth of 12.9% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2023, the market attained a volume of 10,536.31thousand units, experiencing a growth of 28.7% (2020-2023).

North American consumers are early adopters of technology and prioritize innovation, functionality, and performance in purchasing decisions. Noise cancelling headphones appeal to tech-savvy individuals who value cutting-edge features such as active noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and customizable audio settings. Many North Americans have busy lifestyles that involve frequent travel, daily commuting, and exposure to noisy environments such as airports, public transit, and urban areas. Noise cancelling headphones offer these consumers a solution to block out unwanted ambient noise, enhancing comfort, concentration, and enjoyment during travel and daily activities. Thus, the North America region acquired 35% revenue share in the market 2023. In terms of volume, the North America region is expected to utilize 125,603.86 thousand units of noise cancelling headphones by 2031.

The major strategies followed by the market participants are Product Launches as the key developmental strategy to keep pace with the changing demands of end users. For instance, In 2024, June, Audio-Technica unveiled the ATH-S300BT wireless headphones featuring hear-through noise-cancellation with three modes, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and an impressive 90-hour battery life. They support Bluetooth 5.1, SBC, and AAC codecs, offer low-latency mode for gaming, and include a 3.5 mm audio jack for continuous use. Additionally, In February, 2024, Sennheiser released the ACCENTUM Plus wireless headphones in India with hybrid ANC, 37mm audio drivers, and up to 50 hours of battery life. They feature Sound Personalization, Adaptive ANC, touch controls, and connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C, and 3.5mm jack, supported by the Smart Control app.

Based on the Analysis presented in the KBV Cardinal matrix; Apple, Inc. is the forerunner in the Noise Cancelling Headphones Market. Companies such as Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sony Corporation and Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG are some of the key innovators in Noise Cancelling Headphones Market. In December, 2020, Apple released the AirPods Max, featuring custom acoustic design, H1 chips for computational audio, and modes like Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and spatial audio. It boasts a 20-hour battery life, stainless steel headband, and a Digital Crown for controls.

Market Growth Factors

Mobile lifestyles and the popularity of portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops have increasingly driven the demand for personal audio solutions. Noise cancelling headphones allow users to enjoy high-quality audio and immersive listening experiences in various settings without disturbance from external noise.

Additionally, awareness is growing regarding the detrimental effects of noise pollution on physical and mental health. Prolonged exposure to high levels of ambient noise can lead to stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even hearing loss. Thus, increasing awareness of noise-related health issues propels the market's growth.

Market Restraining Factors

Noise cancelling headphones are generally priced higher than traditional headphones due to the advanced technology required for active noise cancellation (ANC). This higher cost can be prohibitive for budget-conscious consumers, limiting the market to those willing to invest more in premium audio products.

Product Outlook

Based on product, the noise canceling headphones market is divided into on-ear and over ear. The on-ear segment attained 26% revenue share in the noise cancelling headphones market. In terms of volume 117,177.92 thousand units of noise canceling headphones are expected to be utilized by 2031. Manufacturers have enhanced the design of on-ear headphones with improved ergonomics, softer ear cushions, and adjustable headbands to enhance comfort and reduce pressure on the ears during prolonged use.

Type Outlook

On the basis of type, the market is segmented into wired and wireless. The wireless segment recorded 87% revenue share in the market in 2023. In terms of volume 272,698.15 thousand units of noise cancelling headphones are expected to be utilized by 2031. Wireless headphones eliminate the need for cumbersome cables, offering users greater freedom of movement and convenience.

Application Outlook

By application, the market is divided into gaming, virtual reality, music & entertainment, and others. The gaming segment procured 27% revenue share in the market. In terms of volume 104,708.76 thousand units of noise cancelling headphones are expected to be utilized by 2031. in 2023. Many Noise Cancelling Headphones for gaming come equipped with high-quality microphones and noise-cancelling technology.

Distribution Channel Outlook

Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into online and offline. The offline segment attained 52% revenue share in the market in terms of volume offline distribution is expected to sale 180,809.36 thousand units of noise cancelling headphones by 2031. in 2023. Offline retail stores provide a personalized shopping experience where customers can interact directly with products, receive expert advice from sales staff, and make informed purchasing decisions based on physical product demonstrations and trials.

Regional Outlook

Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2023, the Asia Pacific region generated 31% revenue share in the market. In terms of volume, the Asia Pacific region is expected to utilize 128,637.69 thousand units of noise cancelling headphones by 2031. Asia-Pacific is home to leading technology hubs and manufacturers that drive innovation in consumer electronics, including headphones.

Market Competition and Attributes

The Noise Cancelling Headphones market is fiercely competitive, driven by technological advancements and consumer demand for immersive audio experiences. Key attributes include active noise cancellation (ANC) effectiveness, audio quality, comfort, battery life, and design aesthetics. Major players like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser dominate with innovative features such as adaptive noise cancellation and smart assistants’ integration. Market growth is fueled by increasing travel and remote work trends, emphasizing the importance of superior noise reduction and audio performance in headphones.

Recent Strategies Deployed in the Market

• Jun-2024: Audio-Technica unveiled the ATH-S300BT wireless headphones featuring here-through noise-cancellation with three modes, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and an impressive 90-hour battery life. They support Bluetooth 5.1, SBC, and AAC codecs, offer low-latency mode for gaming, and include a 3.5 mm audio jack for continuous use.
• Feb-2024: Sennheiser released the ACCENTUM Plus wireless headphones in India with hybrid ANC, 37mm audio drivers, and up to 50 hours of battery life. They feature Sound Personalization, Adaptive ANC, touch controls, and connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C, and 3.5mm jack, supported by the Smart Control app.
• Jan-2024: Sennheiser released the HD 490 PRO open-back studio headphones, designed for precise sound reproduction in mixing and mastering. Featuring two sets of ear pads for different sound profiles, they offer a wide sound stage, ultralight voice coils, and ergonomic comfort. The headphones include a dearVR MIX-SE plugin for enhanced mixing capabilities.
• Oct-2023: Logitech released the Zone Wireless 2 headset, featuring AI-powered two-way noise cancellation for clear calls in noisy environments. It includes hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, Advanced Call Clarity with AI, multipoint Bluetooth, and up to 40 hours of battery life.
• Sep-2023: Bose introduces the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Earbuds featuring Bose Immersive Audio for enhanced spatial sound. The Ultra Headphones offer 24-hour battery life, improved noise cancellation, and voice clarity with Bose Aware Mode.

List of Key Companies Profiled

• Bose Corporation
• Audio-Technica Corporation
• Sony Corporation
• Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG
• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Samsung Group)
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Apple, Inc.
• Logitech International S.A
• Shenzhen Grandsun Electronic Co., Ltd.

Global Noise Cancelling Headphones Market Report Segmentation

By Product (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion, 2020-2031)

• Over Ear
• On-Ear

By Type (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion, 2020-2031)

• Wireless
• Wired

By Application (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion, 2020-2031)

• Music & Entertainment
• Gaming
• Virtual Reality
• Others

By Distribution Channel (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion, 2020-2031)

• Offline
• Online

By Geography (Volume, Thousand Units, USD Billion, 2020-2031)

• North America
• US
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Russia
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• LAMEA
• Brazil
• Argentina
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Nigeria
• Rest of LAMEA