Smartphones dominate online shopping device preferences across most age groups in the United States, with the most used device for online shopping by age group in USA 2026 data showing peak adoption among 25–34 year olds at . Younger adults overwhelmingly favor mobile commerce, with 18–24 year olds close behind at and usage remaining strong through the 35–44 group at . The generational contrast is stark: among adults 65 and older, only rely primarily on a smartphone for online purchases.
Computers tell the opposite story. Desktop and laptop devices account for of primary shopping activity among those 65 and older — the highest share of any group by a wide margin. Usage declines sharply with age in reverse, dropping to just among 25–34 year olds. The 55–64 cohort sits at a notable transition point, with still preferring a computer, suggesting a clear generational shift in shopping behavior occurs somewhere in the mid-fifties.
Tablets and smart TVs remain marginal across all age groups, with no segment exceeding for tablets and smart TV usage effectively negligible. These devices have not established a meaningful foothold as primary shopping tools in any demographic.
