Bose Acquires Skullcandy to Reach Budget and Board-Sports Fans
Bose announced it is acquiring Skullcandy, which will remain a separate company based in Park City, Utah. The two brands already worked together through a Bose audio licensing program, and Bose says Skullcandy can help it reach board-sports communities and lower-priced customers it has missed. Bose plans to keep Skullcandy in place while maintaining both premium and affordable audio lines.
Bose disclosed Wednesday that it will buy Skullcandy. The Utah-based brand will operate as its own unit inside Bose’s premium consumer audio division. The companies had already collaborated through a licensing arrangement; Skullcandy’s Method 360 ANC earbuds arrived in 2025, and its Crusher 1080 ANC headphones followed in July.
Bose’s earlier purchase of McIntosh Group in 2024 added McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus Faber. CEO Lila Snyder said Skullcandy reaches listeners Bose largely misses. Skullcandy CEO Brian Garofalow has emphasized board-sports culture; the first product originated on a ski chairlift. A recent WIRED review gave the Method 360 ANC an 8/10 for value.
The deal could affect budget-minded listeners and board-sports fans if Bose improves Skullcandy’s audio while preserving its lower prices and local identity. It may also reshape competition in consumer audio, potentially giving retailers and shoppers more integrated premium-to-affordable options. Employees and communities around Park City may see continuity if Bose keeps the brand separate, though long-term cultural changes remain uncertain.