Only 2.2% of internet users worldwide do not own a smartphone device

Key takeaways:

  • Smartphones are nearly universal, with only 2.2% of internet users worldwide not owning one.
  • Laptop and desktop ownership (58.3%) lags behind smartphones, reinforcing the shift toward mobile-first usage for internet access.
  • Smart TVs (48.2%) are closing in on traditional computing devices, showing how entertainment consumption is increasingly digital and on-demand.
  • Wearables are rising, with smartwatches (25.8%) and smart wristbands (12.9%) becoming more mainstream, signalling a growing appetite for health and fitness tracking.
  • Gaming consoles (18.9%) and smart home devices (17.4%) have niched but steady adoption, appealing to entertainment and home automation enthusiasts.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) remains a specialty product, with just 4.7% ownership.
  • For businesses, the mobile-first reality is non-negotiable —any service, product, or content must prioritise accessibility via smartphones to reach the widest audience.

The modern digital space is overwhelmingly mobile-driven, with 97.8% of internet users owning a smartphone. This near-universal adoption highlights how smartphones have become the primary gateway to the internet, shaping how people work, communicate, and consume content. In contrast, less than 60% of users own a laptop or desktop, proving that mobile devices are now the default choice for digital interaction.
While smartphones dominate, Smart TVs (48.2%) and tablets (32.4%) have carved out strong positions, reflecting a shift toward entertainment and flexible computing. The growing adoption of smartwatches (25.8%) and smart home devices (17.4%) signals an expanding interest in wearable technology and home automation, even though these remain secondary to mainstream devices.

Source:

Digital 2025 Global Overview Report

Period:

2025
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