Bose has acquired Skullcandy, the popular lifestyle audio brand known for its headphones, wireless earbuds and bass-focused sound. The acquisition will help Bose expand its consumer audio portfolio and reach younger audiences through Skullcandy’s established connections with music, gaming and action sports communities.
Announced on October 21, 2026, the deal builds on a multi-year partnership between the two companies. Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed
Skullcandy Will Remain a Separate Brand
Despite the acquisition, Skullcandy will continue operating as a separate brand within Bose’s Premium Consumer Audio business. The company will also retain its headquarters in Park City, Utah, where it was founded in 2003.Bose Acquires Skullcandy to Expand Its Audio Business and Reach More Consumers
Bose plans to invest in Skullcandy’s growth by providing access to its audio technology, engineering resources, global distribution network and commercial partnerships. The aim is to combine Bose’s audio expertise with Skullcandy’s distinctive designs and understanding of younger consumers.
Skullcandy CEO Brian Garofalow said the acquisition would provide opportunities to improve future products by incorporating more of Bose’s technology and expertise.
Existing Partnership Paved the Way
The acquisition follows several years of collaboration in which Skullcandy integrated Sound by Bose technology into selected headphones and earbuds.
Products associated with this partnership include the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds and Crusher 1080 ANC headphones. The collaboration has brought Bose audio engineering and noise-cancellation technology to products carrying Skullcandy’s own design identity.
With the acquisition, the companies will have greater opportunities to develop new products together while preserving the features that distinguish Skullcandy from Bose.
What It Means for Future Headphones and Earbuds
Bose is widely recognised for its audio engineering and active noise cancellation, while Skullcandy has built its identity around bold designs, accessible pricing and bass-heavy audio products.
Combining these strengths could lead to Skullcandy headphones and earbuds with improved noise cancellation, sound processing and overall audio performance. Bose could also use Skullcandy’s existing customer base to introduce its technology to consumers who may not typically purchase premium Bose products.
However, neither company has announced a specific post-acquisition product roadmap or confirmed which future Skullcandy devices will receive additional Bose technologies.
Part of Bose’s Broader Expansion
The acquisition is part of Bose’s wider strategy to grow beyond products sold exclusively under its own name. The company previously acquired the McIntosh Group, which includes high-end audio brands McIntosh and Sonus faber, in 2024. It has also expanded its technology portfolio through other acquisitions.
Bringing Skullcandy into its portfolio gives Bose a stronger presence in the lifestyle audio segment, complementing its premium headphones and home-audio products.
For Skullcandy customers, the immediate message is that the brand and its identity will remain in place. Whether the acquisition leads to better-performing products or a wider range of options will become clearer as the companies introduce their next generation of headphones and earbuds.
