Bluetooth headphones, especially True Wireless Stereo (TWS) models, have significantly more users globally than wired headphones, as evidenced by shipment volumes, market share trends, and consumer adoption data.
1. Shipment Volume: Bluetooth Dominates the Market
- Global TWS Bluetooth Headphones: In 2024, global TWS headset shipments reached 330 million units, representing a 13% year-on-year growth . This segment alone accounts for a massive volume, with Apple (76 million units, 23% market share), Samsung (28 million units, 9%), and Xiaomi (26 million units, 8%) leading the market .
- Total Wireless Audio Devices: When including all wireless headphone categories (TWS, neckband, over-ear), global shipments hit 455 million units in 2024, growing 11.2% annually .
- Wired Headphones: No comparable global shipment data exists for wired models, but their market scale is notably smaller. For example, in the audiophile niche—where wired headphones retain relevance—they still only held a 65% share of a $1.8 billion market in 2024 , a fraction of the wireless market’s size.
2. Market Share Trends: Wired Usage Declines Sharply
- Consumer Adoption Shift: Four years ago, 75% of headphone users relied on wired devices. By 2024, this proportion plummeted to 40%, with Bluetooth headphones capturing the majority share .
- Segment-Specific Dominance: In the U.S. call center market, wireless headphones account for 55% of usage, while wired models make up 45% . Even in professional settings prioritizing stability, wireless options have overtaken wired ones.
3. Regional and Demographic Evidence
- China Market: Domestic Bluetooth headset shipments reached 114 million units in 2024 (+19% YoY), with TWS models contributing 72.35 million units . Xiaomi and Huawei, top local brands, saw 50% and 31% growth in TWS shipments, respectively .
- Age Groups: While Gen Z shows minor interest in wired headphones for fashion, the 18–34 demographic—largest headphone users—overwhelmingly prefers wireless options, driving 455 million annual wireless shipments .
4. Wired Headphones’ Niche Retention
Wired models persist in specific scenarios but lack mass adoption:
- Audio Quality Enthusiasts: 61% of wired users cite superior sound quality, but this represents a small audiophile segment .
- Budget-Conscious Users: Only 10% of wired users choose them for affordability , a niche advantage against budget wireless alternatives.