Samsung Owns JBL, Denon, AKG and More: 10 Premium Audio Brands Under the Tech Giant’s Empire
Digitnomics 
By Francisca Anuforo
Samsung Electronics is widely recognised for its Galaxy smartphones, smart TVs and home appliances, but the South Korean technology giant has also established itself as one of the world’s biggest players in the premium audio industry.
Through a series of strategic acquisitions over the past decade, Samsung has assembled an impressive portfolio of globally respected audio brands spanning consumer electronics, professional recording, luxury automotive sound systems and high-fidelity home entertainment.
The company’s expansion into premium audio gained momentum in 2017 when it acquired Harman International in an $8 billion deal. The acquisition brought several renowned brands into Samsung’s ecosystem, including JBL, AKG, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson and Lexicon.
Samsung further strengthened its position in 2025 after Harman completed the acquisition of Sound United from Masimo. The deal added iconic brands such as Denon, Marantz, Bowers & Wilkins and Polk Audio to Samsung’s growing audio portfolio.
Samsung-owned audio brands
Today, Samsung’s premium audio portfolio includes:
- JBL – Popular for Bluetooth speakers, headphones, professional audio equipment and automotive sound systems.
- AKG – A leading manufacturer of studio microphones, professional headphones and premium vehicle audio.
- Harman Kardon – Known for high-end home audio systems, soundbars and luxury automotive sound solutions.
- Denon – One of the oldest Hi-Fi brands, recognised for AV receivers, amplifiers, turntables and home entertainment products.
- Marantz – A premium audio company celebrated for high-fidelity amplifiers and home theatre equipment.
- Bowers & Wilkins – A British loudspeaker manufacturer trusted by audiophiles and professional recording studios.
- Polk Audio – Produces home speakers, soundbars and automotive audio systems.
- Mark Levinson – Designs ultra-premium home audio equipment and exclusive sound systems for Lexus vehicles.
- Lexicon – Specialises in professional digital audio processing, recording technology and home theatre solutions.
- Roon – A software platform that enables users to organise and stream digital music across multiple compatible devices.
Samsung expands beyond smartphones
Samsung’s growing presence in the premium audio market reflects a broader strategy of diversifying beyond smartphones and televisions into connected technologies, automotive electronics and digital entertainment.
The acquisitions also allow Samsung to serve different segments of the global audio market—from everyday consumers looking for portable Bluetooth speakers to audiophiles, music producers and luxury vehicle manufacturers seeking high-performance sound systems.
As competition intensifies in the consumer electronics industry, Samsung’s ownership of multiple established audio brands positions the company to benefit from growing demand for premium home entertainment, wireless audio products and in-car sound technologies.
Industry analysts say the strategy demonstrates how major technology companies are increasingly building integrated ecosystems that extend well beyond their flagship products, giving consumers access to a wider range of connected experiences under a single corporate umbrella.
