AirPods are the best-selling wireless earbuds worldwide

Image: zlata ivleva / mashable

Wireless earbuds are quickly becoming a thing and leading the pack is Apple’s AirPods.

A new Counterpoint Research report estimates about 12.5 million “hearables” (as the firm calls them) were shipped worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2018 with Apple sitting pretty at the top with 60 percent of the global market share.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods 2 review: Still the best wireless earbuds you can buy

According to Counterpoint Research, North America was the largest market for wireless earbuds, followed by Asia Pacific (excluding China). 

With a 60 percent global market share, AirPods are were way ahead of the competition, which consisted of wireless earbuds from brands such as Jabra, Samsung, Jlab, and Bose.

After AirPods, Jabra’s Elite Active 65t, Samsung’s Gear IconX, and JLab’s JBuds Air TW, and Bose’s SoundSport Free were the most popular wireless earbuds.

Though AirPods are very popular in North America, the report claims Apple’s wireless earbuds didn’t perform as well in Europe. Jabra, for example, managed to claim 14 percent of the wireless earbuds market in Europe and new brands such as “Arbily, HolyHigh, and Vigoshop” reportedly made inroads in Western Europe.

In Asia Pacific (excluding China), the Counterpoint Research claims AirPods “seemed healthy” but also acknowledged Asian brands such as “Britz and GLIDiC” had gained popularity.

Image: counterpoint research

AirPods performed the worst in China with pricing reportedly the biggest barrier. The report claims “Apple’s market share was relatively lower as compared to other regions” and cheaper wireless earbuds from local Chinese brands performed stronger.

Despite tons of competition, it’s important to remember that it’s still very early days for wireless earbuds. The report doesn’t account for the latest wireless earbuds released last month. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds and Apple’s AirPods 2 could significantly affect the standings.

Both are excellent in their own right (and better when paired with their own respective smartphones) and it’ll be interesting to see if Apple manages to hold onto its estimated 60 percent market share or not for the first quarter of 2019.