Russia’s smart speaker market shows strong growth in the first half of 2023
During the January through June period in 2023, sales of smart speakers in Russia surged more than twofold compared with the same timeframe a year earlier. The information came to light from the press service of the MTS retail division and was reported by socialbites.ca. In total, about 1.5 million smart speakers were sold for roughly 12 billion rubles. Yandex maintained its leadership, commanding an 86 percent share, while VK’s Capsule held second place with about 10 percent. The overall figures reveal a market swiftly expanding in both units and value, driven by a broader trend toward intelligent home solutions.
In the first half of 2023, total smart device sales in Russia rose by around 40 percent in unit volume and by about 30 percent in monetary terms. Voice assistant speakers accounted for roughly seven-tenths of all smart home sales, highlighting the central role of audio-enabled assistants in household automation.
Smart lighting systems ranked second in the category mix. Sales of smart bulbs and related lighting solutions climbed by about 14 percent within the six-month period. Smart sockets appeared closely behind, posting a roughly 10 percent increase in sales as households continued to adopt convenient and connected power management solutions.
Industry voices point to growing consumer interest not only in optimizing energy use and boosting comfort, but also in safety features. Notable gains included CCTV door locks and smart locks, with sales rising approximately 9.5 times and 7 times respectively. The market has also seen the emergence of smart pet care devices, such as automated feeders, enabling owners to manage routines remotely when they are away from home.
Analysts attribute the growth to two main forces: a wider product range enabled by participation from Chinese brands and ongoing price competitiveness from leading smart speaker manufacturers as new generations are introduced. These dynamics help explain why more households are incorporating connected devices into daily life, creating a broader ecosystem of interoperable tech at home.
In related developments, the former Ministry of Industry and Trade in Russia signaled interest in local electronics manufacturers launching smartphones and tablets with Aurora OS, signaling a potential policy and product ecosystem shift that could influence future device adoption and software environments in the domestic market. This context matters for consumers, manufacturers, and investors watching how domestic platforms and international devices may coexist and compete in the coming years.
In summary, the first half of 2023 demonstrated robust momentum for smart devices in Russia, with smart speakers at the forefront. The market benefited from a combination of expanding product lines, ongoing price accessibility, and a growing emphasis on convenience, energy efficiency, and safety within connected homes. Market participants anticipate continued growth as new generations of devices reach broader audiences and as domestic policies shape the software and hardware landscape for evolving home automation solutions. Source: MTS retail press service and industry reports