In today’s connected world, web browsers have become our trusty companions, guiding us through the vast expanse of the internet.
But have you ever wondered which browser reigns supreme?
Get ready to dive into the intriguing world of web browser market share, where Chrome dominates both on desktops and mobile devices.
But that’s not all, as Safari has carved out its own significant slice of the market on mobile.
Brace yourself for some eye-opening statistics and tantalizing tidbits about the evolving landscape of web browsing.
Contents
- 1 market share of web browsers
- 2 Desktop Browser Market Share (October 2021)
- 3 Mobile Browser Market Share (October 2021)
- 4 Tablet Browser Market Share (September 2020)
- 5 Rise Of Mobile Usage In Web Browsing
- 6 Majority Of Web Browsing Shifts To Smartphones
- 7 Mobile-Majority In Asia, Africa, And Australia
- 8 Mobile-Majority In Some European And South American Countries
- 9 Mobile-Only Internet Users Surpass Desktop-Only Users In The US
- 10 Historical Data: Web Browser Market Share (2000-2019)
- 11 Sources Of Market Share Data
- 12 FAQ
The market share of web browsers varies depending on the platform (desktop, mobile, or tablet) and the data source used.
According to the data from October 2021, on desktop, Chrome has the highest market share with 67.17% (StatCounter), followed by Safari with 9.63% and Edge with 9.33%.
In terms of mobile browsers, Chrome leads with 63.57% (StatCounter), followed by Safari with 25.61%.
As for tablet browsers, Safari has the highest market share with 46.86% (Statcounter), followed by Chrome with 39.77%.
It is important to note that these figures may vary depending on the data source and time period analyzed.
Overall, the market share of web browsers is constantly evolving, with mobile devices gaining majority share and certain regions experiencing a mobile-majority trend.
Key Points:
- Web browser market share varies by platform and data source used
- Chrome has the largest market share on desktop with 67.17%
- Safari is the second most popular desktop browser with 9.63%
- Chrome is also the leading mobile browser with 63.57% market share
- Safari follows Chrome on mobile with 25.61% market share
- Safari is the top tablet browser with 46.86% market share
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💡 Did You Know?
1. Did you know that Google Chrome holds the largest market share of web browsers worldwide, with a staggering 65% of users preferring it as their go-to browser?
2. Internet Explorer, which was once the dominant browser, now holds less than 1% of the market share. This decline is largely due to the rise of alternative browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
3. Opera Software, the company behind the Opera browser, invented the tabbed browsing feature, revolutionizing how users navigate the internet. This innovation has been widely adopted by other browsers since then.
4. In 2013, a study conducted by a security company revealed that at any given time, there are over 600 million outdated web browsers in use, making them highly susceptible to security vulnerabilities. It is crucial to regularly update your browser for a safer online experience.
5. The release of Microsoft Edge, the successor to Internet Explorer, marked the end of nearly two decades of IE being the default browser for Windows operating systems. Edge was developed to provide a more modern and efficient browsing experience.
According to the latest data, Google Chrome dominates the market share of web browsers on desktop devices in October 2021. StatCounter reports Chrome’s usage share at 67.17%, while NetMarketShare shows it slightly higher at 72.96%. W3Counter and Wikimedia provide different figures, with Chrome’s market share reported at 63.3% and 58.0%, respectively.
Following Chrome, Safari holds the second-largest market share among desktop browsers. StatCounter records Safari’s usage share as 9.63%, while NetMarketShare puts it at 2.72%. W3Counter and Wikimedia present divergent figures, with Safari’s market share reported at 17.7% and 9.3%, respectively.
Microsoft Edge takes the third position with a market share of 9.33% according to StatCounter, while NetMarketShare reports it as 12.61%. W3Counter and Wikimedia provide lower figures, with Edge’s usage share recorded at 5.4% and 7.8%, respectively.
Firefox follows closely with a 7.87% market share according to StatCounter, whereas NetMarketShare reports it as 5.54%. W3Counter illustrates a similar usage share of 5.8%, while Wikimedia shows a relatively higher figure at 10.7%.
Opera holds a smaller market share compared to the leading browsers, with StatCounter placing it at 2.89% and NetMarketShare at 1.01%. W3Counter and Wikimedia provide slightly different figures, with Opera’s usage share reported at 1.3% and 2.0%, respectively.
Lastly, there is a category labeled “Others” that represents alternative browsers. According to StatCounter, these browsers hold a market share of 3.11%, while NetMarketShare reports it as 5.56%. W3Counter and Wikimedia present different figures, with “Others” market share reported at 6.5% and 12.2%, respectively.
It is important to note that the market share figures can vary depending on the source of data and the methodology used for measurement.
When it comes to mobile browsing, Google Chrome dominates the market with a significant lead. StatCounter reports Chrome’s market share at 63.57%, while NetMarketShare shows it as 63.07%. Wikimedia provides a slightly lower figure of 48.1%.
Safari, the default browser on Apple devices, holds the second-largest market share among mobile browsers. StatCounter records Safari’s usage share as 25.61%, while NetMarketShare puts it at 19.01%. Wikimedia reports a higher figure of 32.2%.
Samsung Internet, designed for Samsung devices, holds a notable market share of 5.17% according to StatCounter and 5.00% according to NetMarketShare. Wikimedia shows a lower figure of 3.5%.
Opera and UC, two alternative mobile browsers, hold smaller market shares. According to StatCounter, Opera’s usage share is 2.02%, while NetMarketShare reports it as 4.47%. UC, on the other hand, has a usage share of 1.72% according to StatCounter and 0.41% according to NetMarketShare. Interestingly, Wikimedia reports a market share of 0.0% for UC.
Firefox, a popular browser on desktop devices, has a relatively lower market share on mobile. StatCounter records Firefox’s usage share at 0.49%, while NetMarketShare reports it as 0.30%. Wikimedia presents a slightly higher figure of 0.7%.
The category “Others” represents various mobile browsers beyond the top contenders. According to StatCounter, these browsers hold a market share of 1.42%, while NetMarketShare reports it as 7.74%. Wikimedia shows a significantly higher figure of 15.3%.
The market share of web browsers on tablet devices, as of September 2020, shows a slightly different picture compared to desktop and mobile devices.
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Safari, the default browser on Apple’s iPad, holds the largest market share among tablet browsers. According to StatCounter, Safari’s market share is 46.86%, while NetMarketShare reports it as 46.40%.
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Chrome, the dominant browser on desktop and mobile, takes the second position with a market share of 39.77% according to StatCounter and 44.82% according to NetMarketShare.
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AOSP, which stands for Android Open Source Project, holds a notable market share of 11.42% according to StatCounter and a smaller share of 2.45% according to NetMarketShare.
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Samsung Internet, developed for Samsung tablets, has a market share of 3.53% according to NetMarketShare. Unfortunately, data from StatCounter for Samsung Internet on tablets is not provided separately.
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Opera and Firefox hold relatively smaller market shares on tablets. According to StatCounter, Opera’s market share is 0.62%, while NetMarketShare reports it as 0.63%. Firefox has a usage share of 0.30% according to StatCounter and 0.19% according to NetMarketShare.
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The category “Others” represents various tablet browsers beyond the top contenders. StatCounter reports a market share of 1.03%, while NetMarketShare presents a higher figure of 1.98%.
Rise Of Mobile Usage In Web Browsing
The increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets has led to a significant rise in mobile usage for web browsing. This trend can be observed across different regions and countries, indicating a shift in user preferences and habits.
In March 2015, the number of mobile-only adult internet users surpassed the number of desktop-only users in the United States. This milestone highlighted the growing reliance on mobile devices for accessing the internet.
Over the years, the market share of mobile browsers has steadily increased, and in November 2016, smartphones overtook desktops in web use (excluding tablets). This transition marked a significant turning point in the way people access and consume online content.
Since October 27, 2016, desktop devices have not shown majority market share, even on weekdays. This data showcases the dominance of mobile devices in web browsing.
Majority Of Web Browsing Shifts To Smartphones
By the end of 2016, smartphones became the leading platform for web browsing, surpassing desktops. The rise of mobile applications, improved mobile browsing experiences, and the convenience of using smartphones have contributed to this shift.
With the increasing affordability and accessibility of smartphones, more people now rely on their handheld devices to access the internet. The convenience of browsing on the go, the ability to access information and services anytime and anywhere, and the integration of mobile-friendly design by websites and applications have all contributed to the majority share of smartphones in web browsing.
As a result of this shift, the web industry and businesses have had to adapt their strategies to ensure optimal user experiences on mobile devices. Responsive web design, mobile applications, and mobile-specific advertising and marketing practices have become essential in reaching and engaging with the majority of web users.
Mobile-Majority In Asia, Africa, And Australia
The mobile-majority trend is not limited to a few regions; it is a global phenomenon. In regions such as Asia, Africa, and Australia, the majority of web browsing occurs on mobile devices.
These regions have witnessed a rapid adoption of smartphones and improved internet connectivity, enabling more people to access the internet through their mobile devices. The convenience and affordability of mobile technology have accelerated the mobile-majority trend in these regions.
As mobile devices continue to play a central role in people’s lives and become the primary means of accessing the internet, businesses and online services must prioritize mobile optimization and cater to the specific needs of mobile users in these regions.
- The mobile-majority trend is global, affecting regions like Asia, Africa, and Australia.
- Rapid adoption of smartphones and improved internet connectivity are driving factors.
- Mobile technology’s convenience and affordability have accelerated the trend.
- Businesses and online services must prioritize mobile optimization and cater to the needs of mobile users in these regions.
“The mobile-majority trend is not limited to a few regions; it is a global phenomenon.”
Mobile-Majority In Some European And South American Countries
While the mobile-majority trend is more prominent in regions like Asia, Africa, and Australia, it is worth noting that some countries in Europe and South America have also experienced a significant shift towards mobile browsing.
As smartphone penetration increases and mobile data plans become more affordable, countries such as Spain, Germany, Brazil, and Argentina have witnessed a surge in mobile internet usage. This shift reflects changing consumer behavior and preferences, indicating a transition towards mobile as the preferred platform for web browsing.
The continuous growth of mobile usage in these regions requires businesses and web developers to prioritize mobile optimization and deliver seamless experiences across various mobile devices and platforms.
- The mobile-majority trend is more prominent in regions like Asia, Africa, and Australia
- Some countries in Europe and South America have also experienced a significant shift towards mobile browsing
- Smartphone penetration and affordable mobile data plans are driving the surge in mobile internet usage in countries like Spain, Germany, Brazil, and Argentina
- This shift reflects changing consumer behavior and preferences, indicating a transition towards mobile as the preferred platform for web browsing
Mobile-Only Internet Users Surpass Desktop-Only Users In The US
In March 2015, the United States witnessed a significant milestone in internet usage. For the first time, the number of mobile-only adult internet users exceeded the number of desktop-only users.
This shift in user behavior highlights the increasing reliance on smartphones and other mobile devices for accessing the internet. The convenience, portability, and improved functionality of mobile devices have driven this change in internet consumption patterns.
Businesses and service providers in the US have had to adapt their strategies and designs to ensure a seamless mobile experience. Optimizing websites and applications for mobile devices has become a necessity to meet the demands of the growing mobile-only user base.
- Mobile-only adult internet users surpassed desktop-only users in March 2015
- Increasing reliance on smartphones and other mobile devices
- Convenience, portability, and improved functionality drive mobile internet usage
- Businesses and service providers adapt strategies and designs for mobile experience
- Optimizing websites and applications for mobile devices is crucial
Looking back at the historical data from 2000 to 2019, we can observe the evolution of web browser market share over time. The market share of web browsers during different periods has been provided by various sources, such as StatCounter, W3Counter, Net Applications, and Wikimedia.
In August 2013, global usage share data from GetClicky.com indicated a shift in browser popularity. Internet Explorer led with 28.76%, followed by Chrome with 39.48%, Firefox with 20.86%, Safari with 9.55%, Opera with 1.04%, and other Mozilla browsers with 0.31%.
Similarly, StatOwl.com monitored sites in the United States in November 2012 and found that Internet Explorer dominated with a market share of 92%. Firefox followed with 3.4%, Chrome with 1.7%, Safari with 0.6%, and others with 0.43%.
Moreover, the AT Internet Institute (formerly XiTi) examined European usage share data from July 2007 to June 2010. In June 2010, Internet Explorer held the majority with 53.8%, followed by Netscape with 30.6%, Firefox with 2.4%, Opera with 6.8%, Safari with 5.7%, and Chrome with 0%.
These historical data points highlight the fluctuating fortunes of different web browsers over the years, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the web browsing landscape.
- Internet Explorer led the global market share in August 2013 with 28.76%
- Chrome followed closely with 39.48%
- Firefox accounted for 20.86% of the market
- Safari had a share of 9.55%
- Opera and other Mozilla browsers had smaller market shares of 1.04% and 0.31% respectively
- In November 2012, Internet Explorer dominated the United States market with a share of 92%
- Firefox and Chrome had smaller shares of 3.4% and 1.7% respectively
- Safari and other browsers accounted for 0.6% and 0.43% of the market
- In June 2010, Internet Explorer held the majority in European usage with a share of 53.8%
- Netscape followed with 30.6%
- Firefox, Opera, and Safari had smaller shares of 2.4%, 6.8%, and 5.7% respectively
- Chrome had a minimal share of 0%
Overall, these data points demonstrate how web browsers have experienced fluctuations in market share over the years, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the web browsing landscape.
When analyzing web browser market share, considering the sources of data used for measurement is essential. Different organizations and analytics platforms provide data on browser usage, each using varying methodologies and data collection techniques.
Some widely recognized sources of market share data include StatCounter, NetMarketShare, W3Counter, and Wikimedia. These platforms gather data from websites and analyze browser usage patterns to estimate market shares.
Other sources that have historically provided data on browser market share include OneStat.com, ADTECH, WebSideStory, GVU WWW user survey, EWS Web Server at UIUC, ZD Market Intelligence, Zona Research, AdKnowledge, Dataquest, and International Data Corporation. These sources have contributed valuable insights into browser trends and usage patterns.
It is important to note that market share figures can vary between different sources due to variations in data collection methods, sample size, geographical coverage, and other factors. As such, considering multiple sources and examining trends over time is advisable to gain a comprehensive understanding of the web browser market share.
FAQ
According to recent market research conducted by Statista, Google Chrome maintains the largest market share among browsers, capturing a significant 61.80% of all users. This finding solidifies Google Chrome as the preferred choice for a majority of internet users. Coming in at second place is Safari with a 24.36% market share, while Edge, Firefox, and other browsers collectively account for the remaining share.
In 2023, the browser market share landscape is dominated by Chrome, maintaining its strong grip with 63.55% of users worldwide opting for the popular browser. Following at a distance, Safari secures the second spot, capturing approximately 20% of the market share. These statistics highlight Chrome’s overwhelming popularity and solidify its position as the leading browser in the market, while Safari maintains a significant but comparatively smaller user base.
Chrome currently dominates the market share with 68.79% on desktop and 63.72% on mobile. In contrast, Edge’s market share is notably lower, with 8.1% on desktop and a mere 0.1% on mobile. This discrepancy can likely be attributed to the fact that Edge enjoys the advantage of being the default browser on Windows computers, whereas Chrome holds the default position on Android devices.
What is the number 1 browser?
Google Chrome is widely regarded as the number 1 browser in terms of overall performance and user experience. With its sleek design, fast loading speed, and extensive range of features, Chrome has won the hearts of millions of users worldwide. It offers a seamless browsing experience, reliable security features, and compatibility with various operating systems and devices, making it the browser of choice for many internet users. Google Chrome’s dominance in the browser market is a testament to its exceptional performance and the trust it has earned from its users.