Device Usage Trends in 2025 | Mobile vs Desktop Internet Behavior

Device Usage Trends in 2025

As we move deeper into the digital age, how people access the internet continues to evolve rapidly. In 2025, mobile devices have clearly taken the lead in online activity, driven by convenience, app-based ecosystems, and improved mobile connectivity. According to recent data, over 63% of global web traffic now originates from mobile devices—nearly double the figure from a decade ago. Yet, despite this mobile dominance, desktop and laptop computers still maintain a critical role, especially in professional environments and high-involvement tasks like ecommerce and content creation.

Interestingly, device usage patterns vary widely based on geography, age, and user behavior. While countries like the U.S. and much of Europe still see high desktop usage rates (above 70%), nations across Asia and Africa lean heavily toward mobile. Time spent online also reflects a growing shift: users now spend nearly 4 hours per day on mobile internet versus under 3 hours on desktops. However, desktops still account for nearly half of ecommerce purchases and remain indispensable for work-related activities. This article explores these nuanced trends and offers a clear picture of global device behavior in 2025.

Device Usage Statistics 2025

The number of people using computers to access the internet has been steadily declining. As of Q3 2024, only 61.5% of online adults reported using laptops or desktops for internet access, down significantly from 72.3% in Q1 2020. Within that group, 53.6% use their own personal computer, while 26.8% use a device provided by their employer. Interestingly, around 19% use both personal and work-provided computers. While mobile continues to gain ground, these numbers reveal that a substantial number of users—especially those in professional environments—still depend heavily on traditional computing devices.

Despite this decline, over 6 in 10 internet users globally continue to access the web via computers. This emphasizes the lasting relevance of desktops and laptops, particularly in business, education, and productivity scenarios. For marketers and digital strategists, it’s a strong reminder that mobile-first doesn’t mean mobile-only. A significant portion of the audience still interacts with content and platforms via larger screens, and user experiences must be optimized across both device categories.

Regional Computer Usage 2025

Device preferences differ sharply by geography. In Europe, 75.5% of users still access the web through desktops or laptops. The United States follows closely behind at 72.7%, showing high desktop penetration. In contrast, Asia shows a very different picture: India sees fewer than 50% of users accessing the web via computer, while countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand are also well below the global average of 61.5%. These differences underline the importance of localized tech strategies.

One of the most notable exceptions is South Africa, where computer usage is surprisingly high—79.1% of adults use laptops or desktops for their internet activities. This figure surpasses both Europe and the U.S., possibly due to workplace internet infrastructure or desktop-based education environments. The variance underscores that global brands and marketers must consider regional device preferences when developing user experiences, app interfaces, and advertising strategies.

Mobile Web & App Usage 2025

Smartphones have become the dominant gateway to the internet. As of December 2024, mobile devices accounted for more than 63% of global web page requests—nearly double the 31.79% recorded in 2014. However, mobile browsing now forms only a small portion of total mobile activity. Data from data.ai shows that users spend less than 6% of their mobile time on browsers or search apps, highlighting a shift toward native applications for social media, shopping, entertainment, and communication.

Ericsson’s data reinforces this trend: out of the average 21.6 GB of monthly data consumed per smartphone, only 300 MB—just over 1%—is attributed to web browsing. The majority of traffic now comes from app-based usage. For content creators and developers, this shift means native mobile apps are critical for engaging users, while websites must be responsive and optimized for in-app browsers or hybrid experiences.

Device Usage by Age & Gender 2025

Device usage isn’t just about region—it also varies widely by age and gender. Younger audiences tend to use smartphones for nearly all their online activities. Conversely, users over the age of 65 show a stronger preference for computers. In fact, older men are more likely to access the internet through a desktop or laptop than through a mobile device, making them one of the only demographic segments where computer usage surpasses mobile.

Gender differences are also noteworthy and grow more pronounced with age. For example, older women may lean slightly more toward mobile, while men over 65 are more likely to prefer computers. These patterns are vital for UX designers, marketers, and product managers aiming to deliver age-inclusive and gender-sensitive digital experiences. Platforms targeting older adults, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and travel, must ensure that desktop experiences are as robust as mobile versions.

Time Spent by Device 2025

Despite the continued importance of computers in the digital ecosystem, mobile devices have solidified their role as the dominant channel for online engagement in 2025. According to recent data, the average internet user now spends 3 hours and 46 minutes per day on mobile devices, compared to 2 hours and 52 minutes on desktops or laptops. This reflects a usage split where mobile accounts for nearly 60% of total online time. The shift is driven by increasing mobile-first content, app ecosystems, and improvements in smartphone accessibility, screen sizes, and internet speeds.

However, these numbers only tell part of the story. While computers are heavily used during work hours and for productivity tasks, mobile usage is far more immersive and continuous throughout the day. Much of the mobile activity happens outside the browser environment—on native apps for social media, ecommerce, banking, and streaming. In fact, less than 6% of mobile time is spent using browsers, emphasizing that mobile internet habits are deeply rooted in app-based ecosystems. For marketers and digital strategists, this data signals a need to optimize mobile UX and prioritize in-app marketing to meet users where they are spending most of their time.

Device Role in Ecommerce Purchases 2025

Despite mobile’s growing dominance in web usage and digital engagement, ecommerce tells a more balanced story. While mobile now accounts for the majority of overall internet access (63% of web page requests as of Dec 2024), desktop and laptop devices still contribute nearly 50% of total online purchases. This underscores the continued relevance of larger screens and traditional interfaces, especially in high-consideration purchases, workplace browsing, and for older demographics who are more comfortable with desktop workflows. Mobile may be leading in traffic volume, but when it comes to conversion—especially for higher-value items or complex purchases—desktop still holds its ground.

For ecommerce brands and marketers, the key takeaway is clear: dual-device optimization is critical. Mobile-first design should ensure smooth navigation, fast load times, and in-app payment integrations, but desktop experiences must not be overlooked. Many consumers research on desktop and complete purchases on mobile—or vice versa. Segmenting user journeys by device, age, and region allows for more effective targeting. For example, older adults or B2B customers may prefer desktops, while Gen Z and millennials are more likely to shop on mobile apps. Cross-device continuity and responsive UX are now essential pillars in any modern ecommerce strategy.

Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.