Audio Codec Global Market Report 2024

The audio codec market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $9.28 billion in 2023 to $9.79 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increased usage of smartphones and portable devices, the evolution of digital media, the rise of internet streaming and multimedia consumption, the development of digital audio broadcasting, and the integration of audio codecs in consumer electronics.

The audio codec market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $11.84 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the expansion of 5G and IoT, the adoption of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), advancements in automotive audio systems, integration of edge computing, and the increasing demand for customization and adaptability. Major trends in the forecast period include the development of software and apps, low-latency codecs, AI-powered audio codecs, enhanced audio quality control, and adaptive bitrate streaming.

The proliferation of smartphone adoption is poised to be a significant catalyst driving the expansion of the audio codec market in the foreseeable future. Smartphones, amalgamating cell phone functionalities with computer capabilities, have emerged as the primary streaming media device, creating a heightened demand for codecs capable of delivering high-quality audio while compressing file sizes. Audio codecs play a crucial role in facilitating clear voice transmission for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and smartphone video calling applications. For example, data from Uswitch Limited in February 2023 indicated a substantial rise in mobile connections in the UK, reaching 71.8 million in 2022 - an increase of 3.8% (equating to around 2.6 million) from 2021. With the UK population projected to reach 68.3 million by 2025, an estimated 95% of this populace, approximately 65 million individuals, are expected to own smartphones. Consequently, the surge in smartphone adoption stands as a primary driver propelling growth within the audio codec market.

The burgeoning use of 5G technology is anticipated to act as a driving force behind the audio codec market's expansion. Fifth-generation wireless (5G) technology represents the latest advancement in cellular technology, designed to substantially enhance wireless network speed and responsiveness. Leveraging increased bandwidth, 5G networks enable the transmission of audio codecs that necessitate higher data consumption, facilitating superior voice quality in calls by offering an expanded frequency range capable of capturing more natural sound. For instance, a report by Global Wireless Solutions highlighted the substantial increase in 5G network users in the US, rising from 43% in 2021 to 61% in 2022. This signifies a notable 42% surge in 5G network users compared to the preceding year's single-digit increase (2020-2021) of 7%. Hence, the upsurge in data generation facilitated by 5G technology serves as a significant driver fueling growth within the audio codec market.

Innovative product development emerges as a predominant trend gaining momentum within the audio codec market. Leading companies in this sector are dedicated to introducing groundbreaking products and solutions to fortify their market presence. An exemplar of this trend is showcased by Microsoft Corporation's February 2021 launch of Satin, an advanced AI-powered audio codec designed for real-time communications. Demonstrating a progressive quality-to-bitrate ratio, Satin is capable of generating full-band stereo music from a minimum bitrate of 17 kbps and wide-band speech from a starting bitrate of 6 kbps. Engineered to deliver exceptional audio quality amidst substantial packet loss, Satin's superior performance at low bitrates optimizes available bandwidth, enhancing resilience against packet loss challenges.

Technological advancements, particularly in wireless audio technology, remain a focal point for major companies aiming to meet evolving consumer demands for seamless connectivity and superior audio experiences. Wireless audio technology, facilitating the transmission of audio signals without physical cables or wired connections, is a target area for innovation. In September 2021, Qualcomm, a US-based technology company, unveiled the aptX Lossless Bluetooth Codec. This new Bluetooth codec boasts support for streaming at up to 1Mbit/second, slightly surpassing Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec's maximum bitrate of 990kbits/second. Notably, the bitrate dynamically scales down to 140kbits/second in congested radio interference environments, ensuring audio stream stability and resilience. This technological advancement aligns with the market's endeavor to deliver high-quality audio experiences while addressing connectivity challenges.

In January 2022, Sonos Inc., a prominent US-based audio product developer and manufacturer, completed the acquisition of T2 Software for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move by Sonos aims to leverage T2 Software's expertise and technologies, particularly in the realm of wireless audio solutions. Notably, the acquisition positions Sonos to potentially unveil innovative products, including the prospect of launching its inaugural pair of wireless headphones. T2 Software, recognized for its work on a cutting-edge audio codec named Bluetooth LC3 for Bluetooth LE Audio, contributes valuable advancements in the wireless audio domain to Sonos' portfolio. This acquisition underscores Sonos' commitment to furthering its offerings and enhancing its foothold in the wireless audio space.

Major companies operating in the audio codec market report are Apple Inc., AT&T Inc., Qualcomm Incorporated, Texas Instruments Incorporated, STMicroelectronics N.V., NXP Semiconductors N.V., Analog Devices Inc., Renesas Electronics Corporation, ON Semiconductor Corporation, ROHM Co. Ltd., Realtek Semiconductor Corp., Microsemi Corporation, Cirrus Logic Inc., Dolby Laboratories Inc., Xilinx Inc., Harmonic Inc., Nordic Semiconductor ASA, DSP Group Inc., Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation, AKM Semiconductor Inc., CML Microcircuits, Audio-Technica Corp., VisualOn Inc., Savitech Corp., Tieline Technology.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the audio codec market in 2023. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the audio codec market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the audio codec market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the audio codec market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Audio codecs consist of two main components such as hardware and software. Hardware involves the physical devices and components used for encoding, decoding, processing, or transmitting audio signals. These components operate with or without a dedicated digital signal processor (DSP). Audio codecs find applications in various devices, including desktops and laptops, mobile phones and tablets, music and media devices, home theater systems, televisions, gaming consoles, headphones, headsets, wearable devices, and automotive infotainment systems.

The audio codec market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides audio codec market statistics, including audio codec industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an audio codec market share, detailed audio codec market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the audio codec industry. This audio codec market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The audio codec market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing surround sound, reverberation, spatial effects, and low noise and distortion. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The audio codec market also includes sales of digital encoders, semiconductor devices, and graphic equalizer which are used in providing audio codec services. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.