When it comes to ringtones, the battle of the sexes continues. While ringtones are universally popular with both males and females, females tend to purchase them more, according to a recent study by M:Metrics.

The measurement firm reports that 11.6 million American females downloaded a ringtone in August compared to 9.9 million American males. Theres also a difference in the genre of music that the sexes prefer. Females purchased 66% of the pop ringtones sold and 65% of the country ringtones sold. Not surprisingly, males dominate in the testosterone-laden world of heavy metal and hard rock ringtones where males purchase 68% of such ringtones.

The findings are not a surprise to Anthony Wayne who publishes the Cool Ringtones Blog (www.coolringtones.blogspot.com). Males were the early adopters of ringtone technology, but now ringtone providers are seeing their largest orders being placed by females who want to accessorize their cell phones the same way that they accessorize their outfits. Ringtones provide personalization and a fashion statement to females and allow males to project their masculinity to those around them.

The most popular kind of ringtones is rap ringtones; 6.7 million Americans downloaded a rap ringtone in a recent month. The next most popular categories are rock or alternative ringtones, pop ringtones, TV/movie/game theme ringtones, and classic rock ringtones. Rounding out the top 10 ringtone genres are country ringtones, hard rock and heavy metal ringtones, voice ringtones, oldies ringtones, and dance or electronic ringtones.

Ringtones are all about making a personal statement of who you are, especially in the teen and young adult demographics, said Wayne. And 22 million Americans are making personal statements every month.