May 05, 2026
The battle between mobile and desktop rages on, and in a world where we rely on an ever increasing number of devices to go about our everyday, brands looking to get their products or services seen need to be very tech savvy indeed! The latest statistics on mobile versus desktop usage back up this point, but should businesses promoting their wares online lean towards one over the other, or cover all bases?
We rely on the internet for pretty much everything these days, but not all people browse in the same way. As of early 2026, between 55 and 64% of all web visits came from mobile devices compared with desktop visits which declined to approximately 38 to 43%.
Thanks to their ease of use and accessibility on the go, you can appreciate why mobile devices are preferred by the masses. But, desktop usage shouldn’t be discounted.
That’s right - those browsing via desktop are more engaged according to the latest research, with web visits 37% longer in duration and around twice as many pages viewed. The story is a little different when it comes to the way people shop online. Roughly 70% of ecommerce traffic comes from mobile, with smartphones responsible for 80% of all online retail traffic in the UK.
Whether purchasing products or browsing for services, it is clear to see that consumers use these devices in two distinct ways. The discovery process happens more widely on mobile, while bigger or more complex purchases are made via desktop.
As a business looking to make an impression online, how you accommodate and cultivate both mobile and desktop traffic is important.
Start by developing a mobile-first (not mobile-only) experience. Nothing puts a potential customer off more than slow page load times, difficult to read text and poor navigation! Remember, simplicity and speed are vital to a successful mobile experience.
Search engines like Google may prioritise mobile, with mobile-first indexing directly influencing your ranking and visibility, but don’t overlook desktop.
The best brands optimise for both mobile and desktop to keep visibility and conversion high. This is especially important for businesses encouraging complex purchases. Keep the experience optimised yet consistent across devices, reserving more detailed product information for desktop while making navigation and speed key features throughout.
Need help refining your mobile and desktop experiences? Contact us today to discuss your options.