Open earbuds gain popularity globally

Sales of open earbuds grew by 45 percent between January and May 2026, reaching 1.11 billion dollars. This figure excludes North America and Russia, suggesting the actual global market is even larger.

Regional growth varies significantly

Western Europe, including France, saw a 77 percent increase in open earbud sales, while emerging markets grew even more. Eastern Europe saw a 177 percent rise, Latin America 169 percent, and the Middle East and Africa 141 percent. China, already well-served, grew by 38 percent.

Sales focus on higher value, not volume

In the first quarter of 2026, open earbud sales increased by 48 percent in value but only 8 percent in volume. This indicates consumers are buying fewer but more expensive models, suggesting a shift toward higher quality and more advanced features.

New designs drive the market

The market took off in 2023-2024 with the introduction of clip-style models like the Huawei FreeClip and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, and hook-style models that use small speakers near the ear canal. These designs are less intrusive and more comfortable than earlier models.

Comfort is the top priority for buyers

A survey by Shokz and NIQ found that 28 percent of open earbud buyers prioritize comfort, compared to 19 percent who prioritize sound quality. Buyers expect lightweight, well-fitted earbuds that don’t cause sweating and are easy to use.

Open earbuds enhance daily life

Users value the ability to stay aware of their surroundings, which is useful for safety while walking or cycling, and for social interactions without removing the earbuds. This makes them popular for use in offices, public spaces, and during long commutes.

European buyers emphasize comfort and call quality

Europeans are particularly sensitive to comfort, with 39 percent prioritizing it. They also place more importance on call quality, reflecting a use pattern focused on daily life and work, where earbuds are worn for extended periods.

Usage patterns differ by product type

Open earbuds are worn for more than two hours a day by 64 percent of users, compared to 57 percent for headphones and 54 percent for in-ear models. While sports remain a key use, open earbuds are also popular in office and public settings.

User demographics and brand loyalty

Open earbud buyers tend to be younger, with 19 percent aged 18-24, and more likely to be office workers or managers. Over three-quarters of buyers previously owned other types of earbuds, and 43 percent already own a second pair of open earbuds.

Sound quality is a trade-off

Open earbuds cannot provide the same level of sound isolation as in-ear models, leading to some leakage of bass and mixing of external noise. Users accept this compromise in exchange for comfort, and manufacturers are developing technologies to improve sound quality.

AI features are on the horizon

Open earbud users are more interested in AI features such as recording functions, call summaries, and integrated sports coaching. These features align with the all-day use of open earbuds, though challenges remain in voice recognition and data privacy.

French market remains cautious

The French market is growing but remains more cautious than its European neighbors. Only 28 percent of French consumers plan to increase spending on open earbuds in the next six months, compared to 39 percent in Germany and 59 percent in the UK.