The 5 biggest headphones trends that you'll be hearing more about in 2024

Low latency describes a network's ability to process a high volume of data with minimal delay. Regarding headphones, the lower the latency, the faster the audio reaches your ears. Low latency is desirable for consumers, especially as the mobile gaming market expands. Audio companies know consumers want a pair of headphones they can wear during their daily commute, in the office, at the gym, and while gaming.

Also: Your Pixel Buds Pro are getting a major software upgrade, and it's totally free

While most consumer headphones aren't optimized for gaming, headphone makers are working towards it. For example, earlier this year, Google announced that a software upgrade would introduce low latency mode for its flagship premium earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro. Google says the Pixel Buds Pro's low latency mode cuts latency in half. Keep in mind that this was all achieved through a software update.

Qualcomm has been manufacturing chips for some of the most recognizable headphone brands, including Bose, Audio-Technica, Jabra, Edifier, and Anker. Naturally, the chipmaker owns several highly-adopted Bluetooth codecs, the most advanced being the Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec.

Thanks to the technology, users can enjoy low-latency listening, and we expect the company to build on the codec in 2024. Just a few months ago, Qualcomm announced two new audio chips and platforms promising high bit-rate audio via Bluetooth connectivity. Lossless audio (CD-quality audio) is currently unachievable over a Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth cannot transmit data at the appropriate speeds for lossless playback. However, Qualcomm says its S7 Pro audio platform will equip your headphones with Wi-Fi, and lossless listening can occur without wires.

Also: How Qualcomm's new audio tech could transform your wireless earbud experience

Last year, Bluetooth SIG, the association that oversees Bluetooth protocols, announced a new set of specifications that define a new audio technology: LE Audio.

LE Audio operates on the Bluetooth Low Energy radio and includes a new codec called LC3. LC3 promises high-quality audio streaming and lower power consumption. LE Audio also introduced a new feature called Auracast, which allows one audio source to broadcast to unlimited devices. For example, multiple smartphones can connect to one Bluetooth speaker and simultaneously stream audio.

Also: Bluetooth SIG's certification of LE Audio means big things are coming to wireless sound

Expect more consumer audio companies to equip their Bluetooth speakers with Auracast, allowing multiple speakers to stream audio from one device and decreasing the need to buy one bulky speaker to get the party going.

Drivers are the tiny speakers inside a pair of headphones, often made of metal and magnets as air moves through them to produce the sounds you hear. The better and well-put the material, the better the sound.

There haven't been many changes to headphone drivers for decades regarding the physics behind their output, but changes are coming, as a California-based startup, xMEMS, uses silicon-based drivers to increase audio clarity and can be used in headphones, in-ear monitors, digital hearing aids, smart glasses, and VR headsets.

Also: I tested the first wireless earbuds with xMEMs drivers, and they've set a new standard for me

xMEMS drivers use silicon to replace the paper or plastic diaphragm found in traditional drivers. The solid-state silicon drivers should improve noise-canceling and spatial audio, and their dust and water resistance is rated IP58 -- ideal in fitness and outdoor settings. Expect to see more adoption next year.

Spatial audio is a relatively new technology for consumer headphones, with Sony launching 360 Reality Audio only a few years ago. In response, Apple released its Spatial Audio feature in 2020, and gaming headphone manufacturers have since popularized the technology to provide the most immersive entertainment experiences.

To take advantage of the technology, you'll need a compatible pair of headphones and a music streaming platform like Apple Music and Tidal. However, this year, Bose changed the game. Bose's take on spatial audio, Immersive Audio, debuted with the new line of QuietComfort Ultra headphones and earbuds.

Also: Bose QuietComfort Ultra review: A rightful heir to the ANC throne

With the new models, you no longer need a compatible streaming service to experience the spatial audio-like sound, which we tested and found to be true. Still, improvements to spatial audio technology will revolutionize the consumer headphones market and continue to flourish as more companies venture into the virtual reality world, as seen with the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3.

Wireless charging is becoming a cornerstone of modern technology. In our quest to go truly cordless, we've found solace in wireless charging stands, pads, and car mounts.

In January of this year, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) announced a new wireless charging standard, Qi2. By leveraging Apple's MagSafe charging, the new wireless charging standard introduced faster charging speeds to all compatible devices, including Android phones.

Also: Faster wireless charging coming soon to more Android phones, thanks to Apple's MagSafe

Some Qi2-enabled charging accessories are available now, and all iPhone 13, 14, and 15 models are compatible with Qi2. In the near future, wireless earbuds will be compatible with Qi2, meaning your Apple, Sony, Google, Bose, and Samsung earbuds won't need to stay on the charging pad for as long.