24 Amazing Browser Usage Statistics [2024 Figures]
Lao Tzu is credited with the proverb that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
But in today’s digital market, the phrase has been adapted to:
“A journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click.” That first click is to open a web browser.
With that in mind:
The latest browser usage statistics should be considered essential knowledge for web developers, business owners, and consumers alike.
From knowing the best web browsers to understanding the changing landscape of desktop and mobile browser users, the latest browser usage stats provide key insight. Here’s all you need to know.
Fascinating Browser Usage Statistics (Editor’s Choice)
- Over 4.5 billion people are currently online.
- Chrome boasts a market share of 63%.
- Over 52% of the over 45s demographic use Internet Explorer.
- In the US, Chrome’s market share is 47.85%.
- Chrome is Mobile’s top-performing browser (61.1%).
General Browser Usage Statistics and Facts
The growth of the internet population over the past 25 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Unsurprisingly, a growing number of web browsers have entered the market, too.
They’ve been rolled out by the biggest computing companies – Google, Apple, and Microsoft. The market trends aren’t coincidental, and here is a look at the fundamentals of the current marketplace.
1. Over 4.5 billion people are currently online.
(Internet World Stats)
This equates to nearly 60% of the world’s population, with Africa (39%) the only region showing a penetration rate of under 50%. The global growth since 2000 surpasses the mind-boggling 1,100%, underlining how quickly browser usage has increased, especially when you factor in the increased frequency of usage per user.
2. Chrome 78 (22.37%) is the number 1 global browser.
(W3 Counter)
Over one in five internet users are currently using Chrome 78, while a further 15.65% are on Chrome 79. These browser usage statistics 2019 highlight that Chrome is out in front, dominating most devices and operating systems. The trend is one that has existed for over 10 years, with Google’s product setting the browser benchmark. However, since a lot of people seek privacy, around two million people all over the world use Tor.
3. Windows 10 (17.36%) is the top operating system platform.
(W3 Counter)
Windows 10 is the most popular platform for browsing, although five of the top ten spaces are taken up by Android platforms (versions 5-9), with Android 8 (10.5%) and Android 9 (13.61%) joined by the iOS 13 platform (10.17%) as the four operating systems to each surpass the 10% barrier.
4. Over 52% of the over-45s demographic use Internet Explorer.
(Elie)
While this number is significantly higher than the overall average, the figures for the 18-44 category are far smaller at just 30%. Conversely, the 18-44 stats for Chrome are more in line with the general stats, while the over 45s show a Chrome-usage percentage of only 18.7%. It shows that older users are set in their online ways.
5. Men are over 6% more likely to use Firefox.
(Elie)
While the gender browser usage stats for Chrome and Internet Explorer are relatively similar for the two sexes, there is a clear contrast in Firefox usage. While 32.7% of men use it, only 26.6% of women do. Conversely, women are significantly more likely to use Safari than men.
Browser User Share
The browser usage statistics across all devices and operating systems give a clear indication of the current marketplace as well as the contrasts between different demographics.
6. Android takes up 40% of the market’s operating systems.
(Stat Counter)
Worldwide operating system figures show that Android’s 40.47% share is followed by Windows at 34.2%, iOS at 14.92% and OSX at 7.24%. Linux and unknown operating systems take up a minimal share of the market. The operating systems have a huge impact on devices, particularly due to pre-loaded applications.
7. Almost all online interactions take place across eight platforms.
(Net Market Share)
Over 95% of all online activity happens on one of the following – Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Samsung Internet, Internet Explorer, UC, Opera, and Edge. All others combined account for under 5%, with 0.52% of this coming from AOSP. The market is saturated with smaller options, but the vast majority of users stick to the tried and tested.
8. Chrome has a 63.2% dominance on Mac.
(Stat counter)
On the Mac systems, Chrome is miles ahead of the competition. Safari, often automatically added, stands at 17.68%, while Firefox has 4.39%. Opera, UC Browser, and Samsung all have a presence, but Internet Explorer is almost non-existent. The habits of Mac users are closer to Windows and Android users than ever before, but the stats show some contrasts still remain.
9. 42% of internet time is on mobile.
(Perficient Digital)
While the number of sessions conducted on mobile is on the rise, desktop browsing sessions still last longer. This reflects the way in which people use their devices, with desktops being used for business, while mobile is often a tool for personal communication.
10. Tablet browser stats 2019 show Safari (55%) to be number 1.
(Stat Counter)
In contrast to desktop, mobile, and overall stats, the tablet market share is dominated by Safari. Meanwhile, Chrome captures 30.24% of this marketplace, while Android represents 11.34%. All other browsers show figures of under 1% on tablet devices.
Browser Usage Stats by Country
Devices and operating systems are only two issues that can impact a user’s browser habits. Internet browser statistics 2019 also highlight clear differences based on geographic location.
Here are the key findings:
11. In the US, Chrome’s market share is 47.85%.
(Stat Counter)
While still the number one browser on the market, Chrome’s market share is significantly smaller in North America than elsewhere. Safari is the primary beneficiary, witnessing a far better presence (36.85%) in the United States compared to its global browser usage statistics.
12. Browser usage stats UK show Chrome boasts 48.54%.
(Stat Counter)
Like the United States, the United Kingdom has a market that is less dominated by Chrome than others, although it is still the most common choice. Safari is the runner-up (33.92%), while, interestingly, Safari iPhone is the top browser version with 22% of the market compared to 20.14% for Chrome Android and 13.92% for Chrome 78.
13. Indian users show a huge 70% preference to Chrome.
(Stat Counter)
India is one of the biggest single markets on the planet. A 70.9% audience share underlines Google Chrome’s dominance, while UC Browser (16.18%) and Opera (3.25%) each outperform Safari and Firefox, which are two popular browsers elsewhere. The influence on global stats is noticeable.
14. 49% of German users prefer Chrome.
(Stat Counter)
The German market is fairly representative of mainland Europe, especially the affluent nations within the region. One in five (19%) of users access the internet via a Safari browser, while 13.51% use Firefox. With the next highest being 6.42% (Samsung), it shows a big three – of which Chrome is still the runaway winner.
Mobile Browser Stats
The growth of mobile browsing is undoubtedly one of the most noticeable recent technological developments. Unsurprisingly, this has influenced the statistics on browsers as well as the actions of browser developers.
Telling stats include:
15. Mobile browsing is now the most popular option, with 48.33%).
(Stats Counter)
Mobile has overtaken desktop (46.5%) in the last three years as the world’s most frequently used device type for online communication. This has naturally seen browser developers become increasingly mobile-centric, with iOs and Android platforms grabbing an even greater level of attention.
16. Over 90% of internet users have mobile access.
(Statista)
So, familiarity with popular mobile browsers across Android and iOS is greater than ever. In fact, an increasing number of users now access websites exclusively through mobile and do not use desktop under any circumstances in business or leisure.
17. Chrome is mobile’s top-performing browser, with a 61.1% market share.
(Stat Counter)
The global mobile browser performance statistics show that Chrome is almost three times as popular as its nearest competitor, Safari, which has a 22.8% market share. Samsung Internet gains 6.49% of the market share, while UC browser has 5.15%. This reflects the Android (70%) v iPhone market, showing how most users on mobile simply opt for the convenient pre-installed option.
Desktop Browser Usage Statistics
Desktop may not have the dominance it once had, but it still carries huge weight in business and any issue relating to finance. The browser usage statistics 2019 make for interesting reading.
Let’s check them out:
18. Desktop market shares are dropping rapidly.
(Internet Marketing)
While mobile browsing sessions are on the rise, the desktop browsing sessions saw an 8% reduction in just two years between 2016 and 2018 to under 50% or the first time. This trend continued in 2019. As people become more accustomed to using mobile, it influences their choices for desktop browsers.
19. Desktop browsers are 68.8% Chrome-based.
(Stat Counter)
While Firefox has a bigger presence (9.44%) on desktop than on mobile, Chrome’s dominance on desktop is even greater. Safari has seen a noticeable increase over the past year or so but is still under 10% of the market share. Both Windows and OSX users are more likely to use Chrome, underlining its universal appeal.
20. The most popular (16.45%) screen resolution is 1920×1080.
(W3 Counter)
Statistics on screen resolution cover all devices, but the 1920×1080 relates to desktop screens and is top by a fair distance. The next highest desktop browser size is 1366×768 (8.57%), while 640×360 (12%) is the highest on smaller devices. It shows the need for content to be visually pleasing and reflects monitor/laptop screen sizes.
21. Google Chrome 79 is number 1 on desktop.
(Clicky)
Desktop users updated from Chrome 78 to Chrome 79 very quickly. It overtook its predecessor in December 2019. Meanwhile, all other browser versions (Chrome or otherwise) take up far smaller levels. Safari 13.0, Edge 18, and IE 11 are the next closest rivals but do not trouble Chrome 79’s dominance.
2022 Browser Usage Trends
A look at the last three years shows that the online trends are still changing at a rapid rate. Moreover, user trends across all devices are set to see further developments in 2200 and beyond.
Here’s what consumers, businesses, and developers should look out for:
22. Chrome entered 2020 with version 81.0.
(9 to 5 Google)
The most popular web browsers 2019 are likely to be updated by the newest versions of Chrome. Chrome 81.0 for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux launched in December and has already been adopted by millions. As security, speed, and browser support moves towards this platform, internet users are likely to flock.
23. Chrome may lose some popularity.
(Stetic)
Google Chrome may lose some of its dominance in 2020, as early stats from the first week of 2020 show it gained just 50% of the market share. Safari saw 31.86%, while Firefox gained 10.63%. However, the statistics could be skewed by the fact that a lot of business desktop users were less active during this time.
24. Chrome updates its security every 15 days.
(Who Is Hosting This)
In comparison, Firefox does so every 28 days. However, it also tops the list of most vulnerabilities. Users wishing to get the best UX will look for speed, performance, and security features. Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, IE, and Safari are the best solutions. However, all users are advised to update to the latest versions.
Wrap Up
Even at a glance:
The most recent browser usage statistics and forecasts for the coming years highlight the dominance held by Google. When you look a little deeper, though, it is easy to see clear differences between contrasting demographics.
Key takeaway:
As well as the variance between mobile and desktop, there is the browser usage by age to consider. Geographic location, gender, and the operating system will all influence the cause, too.
Ultimately, there are several great options available on the market, and it is largely a matter of preference. Nevertheless, the best browser is a current browser.
Sources: