Skip to main content

Logitech expanding its audio stable with $50 million Jaybird acquisition

logitech to acquire jaybird 50 million acquisition
Image used with permission by copyright holder
While many might still think of Logitech as a company that makes computer accessories, in recent years it has become a major player in audio devices, mainly thanks to its Ultimate Ears sub-brand of Bluetooth speakers (like the popular UE Boom, pictured above and to the left) and in-ear headphones. Now the company is set to expand its audio lineup even more.

Logitech announced yesterday that it would acquire Jaybird, manufacturer of mainly sport-focused wireless headphones. The company will pay roughly $50 million in cash for the acquisition, with an additional “earn-out” of as much as $45 million to be paid on the condition that the acquisition results in the growth Logitech is looking for.

Recommended Videos

“We’re impressed by the technology, products, and marketing Jaybird has brought to this business,” Logitech President and CEO Bracken Darrell said in a statement. “As one team, we can address the fast-growing wireless audio wearables market with all the advantages of Jaybird’s strong brand and sports expertise, and our combined audio engineering and design capabilities. With both the Ultimate Ears and Jaybird brands in our portfolio, we are expanding the long-term growth potential of our music business.”

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Jaybird has been in business for 10 years, but has grown in popularity in recent years with its BlueBuds X wireless Bluetooth earbuds, which saw a successor last year with the release of the Jaybird X2. The company also makes the Reign activity tracker, and given Darrell’s mention of “audio wearables,” it seems that both types of products might appeal to Logitech.

“It has been an incredible journey. We love what we do, and we’re stoked to continue to innovate and bring amazing new products to our fans,” Jaybird founder and CEO Judd Armstrong said. “Jaybird will benefit from Logitech’s global distribution network and deep engineering prowess. We’ve watched as they’ve connected incredible products with passionate consumers under the UE brand, and we’re thrilled to be part of the team.”

While Logitech is acquiring the company, it won’t be folding Jaybird into its existing ranks. Instead, Jaybird will remain its own sub-brand, similar to Ultimate Ears. The deal isn’t yet finalized, but is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Powerbeats Pro earbuds have a $70 discount, but act fast!
apple airpods pro powerbeats true wireless earbuds deals amazon best buy memorial day sales 2020 feat 2 720x720

We’re getting closer to Christmas, which means we’re going to start seeing a lot more markdowns on popular tech items like wireless earbuds and headphones. As a matter of fact, we came across this fantastic offer on some Beats buds earlier today: Right now, when you purchase the Beats PowerBeats Pro TWS Earbuds through Best Buy, you’ll only pay $130. At full price, this model sells for $200.

We tested the Powerbeats Pro last fall, and reviewer Ryan Waniata praised the Pro for its top-shelf battery life, water resistance, and excellent sound quality.

Read more
Your next TV won’t be micro-LED. Here’s why
Vibrant flora shown on a Samsung 76-inch MicroLED TV.

There is only one reaction anyone has ever had to witnessing a big, modern micro-LED display in person. It goes something along the lines of "whoa!" They are, quite simply, stunning to behold.

It’s no surprise, then, that when popular TV brands started teasing us with micro-LED TV prototypes seven years ago, folks started dreaming about the day they might be able to have one in their own home.

Read more
Dolby Atmos FlexConnect gets its first competitor at CES 2025
Diagram showing Fraunhofer IIS UpHear Flexible Rendering.

Dolby Labs' Dolby Atmos FlexConnect platform is a clever concept. It's software that's designed to be built into a TV, where it performs some room calibration magic, ultimately letting you place your speakers anywhere you want, while still getting an Atmos experience. And now it has its first competitor: Fraunhofer UpHear Flexible Rendering.

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (better known as Fraunhofer IIS, or just Fraunhofer) -- the organization that created the ubiquitous MP3 music format -- will be demoing UpHear Flexible Rendering at CES 2025, exactly one year after the first demos of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect.

Read more