Internet Users by Device—Percentages and User Behaviors

The way people access the internet has shifted dramatically in recent years, with mobile devices now dominating the landscape. Device choice not only influences how users connect but also shapes their online behaviors, preferences, and daily routines.

Internet Usage by Device: 2025 Breakdown

Mobile phones are the primary gateway to the internet for most of the world. As of May 2025, 96.3% of internet users access the internet using a mobile phone, and 63% of all website traffic comes from mobile devices.

Laptops and desktops remain significant, with 61.5% of users still accessing the internet via these devices, though often for work or more complex tasks.

Tablets are used by 27.9% of internet users, while connected TVs account for 31.7%—a sign of the growing role of streaming and entertainment.

Smart home devices (17.9%), game consoles (11.5%), and virtual reality devices (4.3%) round out the list, reflecting the expanding ecosystem of connected products.

Device Usage Share (2025)

User Behaviors by Device

Mobile Devices

• Used for quick searches, social media, messaging, and on-the-go browsing.
• Peak usage during commuting hours and leisure time.
• In many regions, especially developing ones, mobile is often the only means of internet access.

Desktops/Laptops

• Preferred for work, productivity, and tasks requiring larger screens (e.g., spreadsheets, detailed research).
• Usage peaks during traditional work hours.
• Older demographics and professionals tend to favor desktops for complex or work-related activities.

Tablets & Connected TVs

• Popular for entertainment, streaming video, and casual browsing, especially in the evenings.
• As screen size increases (e.g., tablets, smart TVs), streaming consumption rises—on iPad, streaming accounts for 81% of traffic.

Multi-Device Use

• Younger users (Gen Z, Millennials) often engage with multiple devices simultaneously, such as texting on a phone while streaming on a laptop.
• Urban users and those with better connectivity are more likely to use several devices throughout the day.

Device Choice and Internet Experience

• Speed and Connectivity: Mobile internet has become faster with the expansion of 5G, but desktop connections via Wi-Fi or wired networks still offer higher average speeds.
• Purpose-Driven Use: Social media and video consumption are heavily mobile-centric, while desktops dominate for work and complex tasks.
• Home vs. On-the-Go: Even at home, mobile devices are increasingly used for browsing and streaming, not just when users are out and about.

Trends and Takeaways

• The global shift to mobile is clear and accelerating, but desktops and laptops remain crucial in certain contexts.
• Device choice is influenced by age, geography, connectivity, and the nature of the task.
• Multi-device behavior is now the norm, especially among younger and urban populations.

References

1. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/mobile-internet-traffic Exploding Topics: Internet Traffic from Mobile Devices May 2025
2. https://taglab.net/the-impact-of-multi-device-user-behavior-on-marketing-attribution/ Taglab: The Impact of Multi-Device User Behavior on Marketing Attribution
3. https://www.allconnect.com/blog/mobile-vs-desktop Allconnect: Mobile vs. Desktop usage
4. https://www.ncta.com/news/what-generates-the-most-internet-traffic-in-your-household NCTA: What Generates the Most Internet Traffic in Your Household?