58 Critical Browser Statistics: 2024 Data Analysis & Market Share

It’s easy to overlook the importance of the browser. It has become ubiquitous in our daily lives. But as these apps undergo a renaissance on mobile devices nowadays, browsers are regaining their lost limelight as they now receive increasing interest from many fronts. We’ve prepared this critical selection of browser statistics to help you find out whether the browser you’re using remains the most efficient option for using web applications and from numerous online resources.

1. Browser Market Share Statistics

All browsers are free to use. Having the highest browser market share is very important because vendors rely mainly on the number of people who use their browsers. Their primary business model is to generate revenues via ads.

Desktop Browsers

• From December 2019 to December 2020, Google Chrome accounted for 69.31% of all browser usage, followed by Edge (8.12%), Firefox (7.38%), Internet Explorer (5.05%), Safari (3.74%), QQ (1.93%), Sogou Explorer (1.72%), Opera (1.08%), Yandex (0.89%), and UC Browser (0.35%) (Net Marketshare, 2021).
• In terms of OS-based internet browser market share, browsers with Windows 10 accounted for 63.3% of the whole market as of December 2020. Mobile (13.5%) is at second, followed by Mac (9.6%), Windows 7 (5.9%), Linux (4.8%), Windows 8 (2.4%), Chrome OS (0.5%), and Windows XP (0.1%) (W3schools, 2021)
• For the desktop browser market share, Chrome again led by a commanding 65.96%, followed by Safari at 10.43%, Firefox at 8.39%, Edge at 7.43%, Opera at 2.59%, and Internet Explorer at 2.54% (StatCounter, 2021).
• The most used browser version as of January 2021 is Google Chrome 87.0 (43.06%), followed by Safari Mobile 14 (12.27%), Firefox 84.0 (8.79%), Safari Mobile (6.8%), and Google Chrome 83.0 (5.9%) (Stetic, 2021).

Mobile Browsers

• Chrome is the most-used browser for mobile devices, capturing 67.76%, with Safari (16.20%) at second, followed by Samsung Browser (6.58%), Android Browser (2.46%), and Opera (1.97%) (Net Marketshare, 2021).
• Among mobile browser vendors, Samsung held 29.14% of the market share as of December 2020, followed by Apple (26.91%), Xiaomi (10.02%), Huawei (9.83%), Oppo (5.02%), and Vivo (3.7%) (StatCounter, 2021)

Browsers have gone a long way from their initial designs and capabilities. They now offer some of today’s most sophisticated online functions. Aside from enabling fast page loading, enhanced security, and clean UI, most of today’s browsers are notably less-resource intensive and support extensive customizations. Also, these notable upgrades make the current line of browsers better suited to the particular software needs of small businesses.

2. Browser Usage Statistics

The web browser is inarguably the most common portal for accessing the internet. Here are some key highlights of global browser usage:

General/Desktop Browsers

• Across all devices, around 63.38% of people worldwide use Chrome. Safari is at second (19.25%). Firefox is third at 3.77%, Samsung Internet fourth at 3.47%, and Microsoft Edge fifth at 3.08% (StatCounter, 2021)
• As of December 2020, desktop users were minority internet users, with mobile users accounting for 55.73% of all internet traffic, followed by desktop users (41.46%) and tablet users (2.81%) (StatCounter, 2021)
• Of the 5.2 billion visits to US government websites from November 2020 until January 2021, 55.6 % used mobile devices; 47.1% browsed using Google Chrome, and 35.2% used the iOS operating system to represent the leader of each browsing category (analytics.usa.gov, 2021).
• Microsoft Edge (7.59%) momentarily surpassed Firefox (7.19%) in March 2020 to become the second most-used desktop browser and maintained its position at the end of the year (8.12%) based on Net Marketshare’s data (Bleepingcomputer, 2020; Net Marketshare, 2021).
• According to Net Marketshare’s data, 5.05% of all desktop users still use Internet Explorer as of December 2020 (Net Marketshare, 2021).

Mobile Browsers

• The number of unique mobile phone internet users, as of October 2020, is 4.28 billion (DataReportal, 2021).
• Mobile internet usage has grown from 31.36% in the first quarter of 2015 to 50.81% in the last quarter of 2020 (StatCounter, 2020; StatCounter, 2021)
• 44.57% of tablet owners access the internet using Safari as their main browser as of December 2020 (StatCounter, 2021).
• People have downloaded the Samsung Internet Browser over 1 billion times from the Play Store (Trusted Reviews, 2019).
• In 2021, the projected average time spent on the internet by mobile users is 155 minutes, far more than that of desktop users (37 minutes) (Zenith, 2019).

The sophistication of online threats should never be neglected. To improve your privacy and security when browsing online, it is best to use a virtual private network service from a dependable VPN service.

3. Mobile Browser Statistics

The digital world has shifted to become more mobile. Browsers should be fully mobile-optimized and support smooth switching across devices to provide a seamless browsing experience. The US browser market share is distinct since more Americans use iPhones.

Global Mobile Browser

• 67.76% of the global mobile browser market share is owned by Google Chrome (Net Marketshare, 2021).
• 62.36% of the total mobile internet traffic happens in Chrome (StatCounter, 2021)
• 24.55% of the worldwide mobile browser user share is owned by Safari (StatCounter, 2021).
• More than 5 billion mobile users have installed Chrome as of June 2019 (The Geek Herald, 2019).
• Firefox holds 0.51% of the global mobile browser user share (StatCounter, 2021).
• Over 4 trillion photos have been stored in Google Photos while 28 billion photos and videos are uploaded on a weekly basis (Google, 2020).
• 527 million people use mobile browsers that automatically block ads by default in 2020, marking a 64% increase from 2016 (Blockthrough, 2020).
• The most used screen resolution for mobile browsing is 360×640, accounting for 12.98% of all mobile internet users (StatCounter, 2021).
• The number of mobile internet users increased by 102 million from October 2019 to October 2020 (DataReportal, 2021).
• On average, mobile users spend 3 hours and 37 minutes browsing the internet daily (DataReportal, 2021).
• South Korea has the fastest mobile internet connection speed in the world at 121 Mbps (DataReportal, 2021).

U.S. Mobile Statistics

• Facebook is used as a mobile browser by 7.63% of US mobile users, behind only Safari and Chrome (Mixpanel, 2020).
• Washington has the highest usage rate of Facebook as a mobile browser in the US at 13.74% (Mixpanel, 2020).
• 57.22% of mobile users in the US use Safari, making it the leading mobile browser in the country (StatCounter, 2021).
• Chrome holds 35.75% of the US mobile browser market share (StatCounter, 2021).
• The United States has the 18th fastest mobile internet connection speed in the world, clocking in an average of 47.1 Mbps (DataReportal, 2021).

Mobile phones have now become the main tool of choice for browsing the internet and doing various online activities. This is why browser vendors are proactive in making the necessary adjustments to ensure that the growing functions of mobile devices and the expanding needs of mobile users are properly addressed. As mobile gadgets become a staple tool for today’s employees, businesses are recommended to also deploy some of the best mobile device management software solutions to help ensure the efficiency and productivity of their operations.

Most Popular Mobile Marketing Software

1. SharpSpring combines lead tracking, lead nurturing, call tracking, behavioral-based email automation and powerful email analytics in one affordable mobile marketing software package.
2. Textedly is your mobile marketing solution if you are into mass text messaging, single send scheduling, shortcodes and built-in link shrinking among others.
3. PushEngage features geo-segmentation, segmentation automation, contextual triggered notifications and auto-responders for your mobile marketing needs.
4. Mention will tap into real-time conversations across websites, blogs and social media channels, then give you deep insights and actionable data to bolster your mobile marketing campaigns.
5. Adobe Marketing Cloud is Adobe’s thrust into cross-channel marketing, audience and experience management, campaign and powerful analytics.

4. Security of Browsers Statistics

Any technological innovation brings new online threats. The cyber attack’s scope and sophistication will expand. 

Browser Protection

• The UC Browser is the most popular browser for blocking ads, having 405 million users worldwide (Blockthrough, 2020).
• Google’s safe browsing service is protecting over 4 billion devices (VentureBeat, 2019).
• Google sent over 3 million browser warnings for safety daily in the last quarter of 2020 (Google, 2020).
• Google has been detecting over 40,000 phishing and more than 1,000 malware sites daily since the last quarter of 2020 (Google, 2020).

Browser Vulnerabilities

• Browser vulnerabilities continue to rise by 22% in 2020 compared to the previous year (Skybox Security, 2020).
• Mobile operating system vulnerabilities increased by 50% in 2020, mainly due to Android flaws (Skybox Security, 2020).
• As of January 2021, Firefox is the most vulnerable browser, having 1873 vulnerabilities, followed closely by Chrome with 1858 (CVE Details, 2021).
• The average cost of a data breach in 2020 is $3.86 million, a decrease of 1.5% from the cost in 2019 (Cyber Defense Magazine, 2020).
• United States companies pay the highest data breach costs, spending 8.64 million on average (IBM, 2020).
• Those in the US and Western Europe running outdated browsers include 73% of Microsoft Edge users, 35% of Firefox users, and 23% of Safari users (Duo Security, 2019).
• As of January 2021, the second-largest data breach in history involves an internet browser, Yahoo, when hackers compromised around 3 billion accounts (UpGuard, 2021).
• In a 2020 study, Edge and Yandex lagged behind the other browsers in terms of privacy due to persistent identifiers while browsing (Trinity College Dublin, 2020).
• iOS devices are almost four times more likely to receive updates within a month of a security update compared to Android devices (Duo Security, 2020).

Security and privacy are usually neglected for convenience. These browser statistics underscore that no one should ever downgrade the value of online security and privacy. Also, to ensure that your system and data are protected, you should deploy one of the trusted IT security solutions. 

5. Browser Business Issues Statistics

IT managers must continue improving how they protect their company websites and customer data. Any business security protocol should always include the browsers that employees use.

Costs & Damages

• 31% of organizations experienced data loss due to the lack of preparedness for cyber attacks (Mimecast, 2020).
• 17% of the adults in the US store their passwords through their browser (YouGov, 2019).
• As of January 2021, 18.1% of companies are currently protected by the robust HTTP Strict Transport Security website protection (W3Techs, 2021).
• On average, it takes a company 280 days to detect and contain a data breach (IBM, 2020).
• The amount of savings, on average, for containing a data breach within 200 days, compared to more than 200 days, is $1 million (IBM, 2020).
• The average amount lost per stolen customer record is $150 (IBM, 2020).
• At any given time, employees expose their organizations to 18.5 million infected websites by just accessing the internet (Technical.ly, 2019).

Types of Attacks

• In 2020, the total number of cyberattacks and security breaches have dropped by 11% and 27%, respectively, compared to the previous year (Accenture, 2020).
• 40% of security breaches come from indirect attacks (Accenture, 2020).
• The most common type of critical vulnerability faced by external or internet-facing networks is SQL injection (42%) while it’s Bluekeep CVE-2019-0708 (18%) for internal ones (Edgescan, 2020)
• Google detected more than 2 million phishing sites in 2020 (TechRadar, 2020).
• The most common types of cyberattack vulnerabilities across all types of networks are crypto weaknesses (39.7%), cross-site scripting (12%), system patching related (8%), directory listing (7.1%), and exposed systems and services (3.5%) (Edgescan, 2020).

These are among the reasons why it’s recommended to surf the internet using one of the best I.T. security software. This will help ensure you have the highest possible online protection.

6. Modern Browsers Popular Features

Users prioritize certain features that enhance their browsing experience when choosing a browser. Here are some of the most sought-after features in modern browsers:

• Speed and Performance: Users expect fast loading times and smooth navigation. A browser’s ability to handle multiple tabs, complex websites, and high-resource media without slowing down is crucial for an optimal user experience.
• Security and Privacy Protection: Security is one of the top concerns for modern internet users. Features like built-in phishing protection, blocking harmful sites, automatic updates for security patches, and secure browsing protocols like HTTPS are highly valued. Additionally, privacy features such as ad-blocking, tracker prevention, and incognito or private browsing modes are essential.
• User Interface (UI) and Customizability: A clean, intuitive, and customizable interface makes it easy for users to navigate and personalize their browsing experience. Features like dark mode, customizable toolbars, and efficient organizing tabs contribute to a more enjoyable browsing environment.
• Syncing Across Devices: Many users value the ability to seamlessly sync their browsing data—such as bookmarks, history, passwords, and open tabs—across multiple devices. This continuity makes it easier for users to switch between their computer, phone, or tablet.
• Compatibility with Extensions: Extensions enhance browser functionality, and users seek browsers that offer a wide range of compatible extensions. Whether it’s for blocking ads, managing passwords, or enhancing productivity, users prefer browsers that support a broad selection of extensions.
• Built-in Tools and Features: Browsers with integrated tools like a password manager, screenshot capture, reader mode, and even built-in VPNs or cryptocurrency wallets are growing in popularity. These added features eliminate the need for third-party applications, simplifying the user experience.

Plan Your Browser Business Strategy Using these Statistics

Using the right web browser can spell the difference between productivity and inefficiency. Browser selection requires considerable study and testing to know if it fits your requirements. Here are some of the essential takeaways of this selection of today’s browser statistics:

• Browsers’ unique challenge is to have the most users to succeed in the market.
• The type of device predominantly used in a place governs browser competition. Chrome is not that affected by this norm.
• The continuing increase in mobile usage worldwide offers numerous implications on how people and businesses use technology.
• No one can control the threat of cybercrimes. Individual and business users do have the choice to stay protected or not.

Browsers will remain very important as years go by. If you’re looking for ways to optimize the use of your browser in your business operations, why not try integrating it with the best mobile marketing software available in the market today to help improve your marketing efficiency and enhance your bottom line.

Key Insights

• Dominance of Google Chrome: Google Chrome holds a commanding lead in both desktop and mobile browser markets, with a significant market share that far surpasses its competitors.
• Mobile Browser Usage Surge: Mobile internet usage has seen a considerable increase, with mobile devices now accounting for over half of all internet traffic. Chrome and Safari dominate this space.
• Browser Security Vulnerabilities: Browsers like Firefox and Chrome have the highest number of reported vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for robust security measures.
• Shift Towards Mobile Browsing: The global trend shows a significant shift towards mobile browsing, with mobile devices becoming the primary tool for internet access.
• Ad-Blocking Popularity: UC Browser leads in ad-blocking, reflecting a growing user preference for ad-free browsing experiences.
• Impact of Cyber Attacks: Data breaches and cyber attacks remain a significant concern, with substantial financial impacts on businesses.
• Regional Variations in Browser Usage: There are regional differences in browser preferences, with Safari leading in the US mobile browser market, while Chrome leads globally.
• Increasing Mobile Internet Speeds: Countries like South Korea lead with the fastest mobile internet speeds, influencing the browsing experience.
• Importance of Browser Security: The need for secure browsing is underscored by the high frequency of phishing and malware sites detected daily by Google.
• Adaptation to Mobile-First World: Businesses and browsers must adapt to a mobile-first world, ensuring that browsing experiences are optimized for mobile devices.

FAQ

1. What is the most popular browser for desktop usage?
   Google Chrome is the most popular browser for desktop usage, holding a market share of around 65.96%.
2. Which mobile browser has the largest market share globally?
   Google Chrome holds the largest market share globally for mobile browsers, with a market share of 67.76%.
3. How significant is mobile browsing compared to desktop browsing?
   Mobile browsing has surpassed desktop browsing in terms of internet traffic, accounting for over 55.73% of all internet usage.
4. Why is browser security important?
   Browser security is crucial because browsers are common targets for cyber attacks, including phishing, malware, and data breaches, which can have significant financial and operational impacts on businesses and individuals.
5. What are the key features to look for in a secure browser?
   Key features include ad-blocking capabilities, regular security updates, phishing and malware protection, and support for secure browsing protocols like HTTPS.
6. How does browser market share impact revenue for vendors?
   Browser vendors rely on user numbers to generate revenue, primarily through ads. A higher market share means more users and potentially higher ad revenues.
7. Which browser is most commonly used in the United States for mobile browsing?
   Safari is the most commonly used mobile browser in the United States, with a market share of 57.22%.
8. What are the common vulnerabilities found in browsers?
   Common vulnerabilities include outdated software versions, lack of security patches, and susceptibility to phishing and malware attacks.
9. How has mobile internet usage changed in recent years?
   Mobile internet usage has grown significantly, with the number of unique mobile phone internet users reaching 4.28 billion as of October 2020, and mobile devices now accounting for over half of all internet traffic.
10. Why do users prefer browsers with ad-blocking features?
    Users prefer browsers with ad-blocking features to avoid intrusive ads, enhance their browsing experience, and improve page load times. Ad-blocking also helps protect against malvertising, where ads can be used to distribute malware.

References:

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By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.