Internet Use by Device: Mobile, Desktop, and the Multi-Device World

May 21, 2025

The device landscape is more diverse than ever. While mobile dominates, desktops, tablets, smart TVs, and wearables each play a distinct role in how people connect, work, and play online.

Device Usage Breakdown (2025)

  • Mobile Phones: 96.3% of global internet users access the web via mobile. Smartphones are the primary device for most, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
  • Laptops/Desktops: 61.5% of users still access the internet via these devices, mainly for work, productivity, and complex tasks.
  • Tablets: 27.9% of users, popular for reading, streaming, and casual browsing.
  • Connected TVs: 31.7% use smart TVs for streaming and gaming.
  • Wearables & Smart Home Devices: Growing segment—used for notifications, health tracking, and controlling smart environments.

How Device Choice Shapes Online Behavior

  • Mobile: Used for social media, messaging, quick searches, mobile payments, and on-the-go browsing. Dominates in emerging markets and among younger users.
  • Desktop/Laptop: Preferred for work, research, professional communication, and online learning. Used more by older demographics and in developed economies.
  • Tablet: Favored for reading, watching videos, and casual browsing at home.
  • Smart TV: Used for streaming, gaming, and family entertainment.
  • Multi-Device Use: Many users switch between devices throughout the day—mobile for quick tasks, desktop for productivity, TV for leisure.

Device Trends and Innovations

  • Mobile-first design is now standard for web and app development.
  • Voice assistants and smart home integrations are on the rise.
  • 5G and fiber broadband are making high-quality streaming and cloud gaming accessible on more devices.
  • Security and privacy are top concerns, especially on shared and public devices.

References

  1. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/mobile-internet-traffic Exploding Topics: Mobile Internet Traffic (2025)
  2. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2025-global-overview-report DataReportal: Digital 2025 Global Overview
  3. https://www.allconnect.com/blog/mobile-vs-desktop Allconnect: Mobile vs. Desktop Usage
  4. https://wearesocial.com/us/blog/2025/02/digital-2025-the-essential-guide-to-the-global-state-of-digital/ We Are Social: Digital 2025