2020 Premium Audio Consumer Study

Sony comes out on top as most widely recognized audio brand but still comes in second for "premium" perception globally.

The 2020 Premium Audio Consumer Study asked more than 2,000 participants around the world questions regarding audio features and technology to understand consumer sentiment toward feature desirability, willingness to pay, and general interest in the respective technologies. Results indicated sound technology like surround sound, 3D sound, and active noise cancellation were most important and features that respondents were most willing to pay for. The Sony brand was most recognized as an audio brand, yet Bose was most often perceived as a “premium” audio brand. In general, AM/FM was the most frequently used audio source, although stored media on a mobile device and internet streaming/radio followed closely behind.