As open-ear audio transitions into the mainstream, Shokz has published a new white paper mapping out the four major trends defining the industry's future.
Inside the White Paper
The Growth of Open-Ear Audio
Open-ear headphones have quickly become one of the fastest-growing segments in personal audio.
According to data featured in the white paper, global sales outside North America and Russia reached $1.11 billion from January to May 2026, up 45% year over year.
The report explores the market trends behind this growth and the increasing role of open-ear headphones in personal audio.
Changing Expectations and Everyday Listening
What people expect from headphones is changing. Listeners now prioritize long-wear comfort, situation awareness, and open-ear safety alongside sound quality.
The white paper also looks at how open-ear headphones are expanding beyond sports and active use into commuting, work, travel, and other everyday moments.
What Comes Next
The report looks ahead at the technologies and trends shaping the next stage of open-ear audio, including the growing role of AI and the category's movement toward the mass market.
Explore the Full White Paper
From market growth and changing consumer expectations to new use cases, AI-powered audio, and the future of open-ear listening, the Shokz white paper offers a closer look at the trends shaping the category.
Download the full white paper to explore the research and insights behind these shifts and discover where open-ear audio is heading next.
