We’re deep in the mobile age, but user habits are still evolving. The numbers don’t lie – mobile traffic continues to grow. However, when it comes to mobile vs. desktop traffic, desktop isn’t dead. Not even close. Even with mobile living its best life, desktop is still getting work done. 

This article will serve as a guide for you, so you know how to best target your traffic across platforms. 

Desktop vs Mobile Usage – The Numbers

How Much of Web Traffic Is Mobile?

Let’s start with the big stat:

◾ ~62% of global web traffic comes from mobile. 

Mobile traffic dominates, and it’s been growing steadily every year. In 2023, there were 313% more visits from mobile devices compared to desktops. 

What About Desktop Traffic?

With stats as dramatic as this, why bother with desktop at all? Because this isn’t the full story. Desktop traffic has some unique advantages. 

◾ Desktop users looked at 100% more pages than mobile users

◾ Desktop users spend 37% longer on websites than mobile users

◾ Bounce rate is higher on mobile than on desktop

When it comes to mobile vs desktop traffic – the world is using mobile more than desktop, but they’re not sticking around very long. 

Mobile vs Desktop Traffic – The Behavior

You only have to think about your own mobile vs desktop usage to realise why these numbers are what they are.

◾ Mobiles are used for fact-checking. You’re having a chat, you’re friend says something that’s clearly not true. You look it up, prove you’re right, and put it away again.

◾ Desktops are used for deeper research. If you sit in front of a computer, you have time to work or study. You’ll be there for longer, clicking on a lot more pages and links. 

◾ Mobiles are used when you have a short amount of time. For example, you’re likely one of the 73% of people who take their mobile into the bathroom with them. 

◾ Desktops are used for bigger purchases. If you’re spending the money, you want to do the research. Think things like travel and electronics. 

The Advantages of Mobile

Massive Reach – People simply use mobile more. More traffic can only be a good thing. 

Always On – Reach people on mobile at any time. From the moment they wake up to the last thing they do at night, and every moment in between.  

Location Targeting – Mobile ads can hit users at the perfect place and time, literally. Geo-targeting adds an extra layer of precision.

Serves the Impulsive – Mobile users are always driven by the next dopamine hit. It’s easy for them to make snappy decisions and think about them later.

The Advantages of Desktop

Higher Conversion Rates – Better UX, a keyboard, and a bigger screen all encourage desktop users to commit to purchases. 

Longer Attention Spans – Desktop users stay longer and read more. Showcase more of your product, and display more in-depth ads. 

Better Performance for Complex Ads – Larger screens mean more creative opportunities with ads. Think dynamic images, more text, in different sizes.

Serves Intent – We sit in front of a monitor for a reason. People are more likely to act on that intention and are more open to making final decisions. 

Final Thoughts 

Mobile vs desktop traffic – it’s not a fight for dominance – they’re closing different kinds of deals. Mobile is where convenience wins; quick buys, fast forms, instant actions. Desktop is where commitment happens; bigger spends, deeper research, longer stays.

Advertisers who split their strategy by device don’t divide their results – they multiply them. The smart move? Stop asking which converts better and start asking which converts what.