The most used internet-connected devices have been revealed

The Netherlands had the highest usage rate at 94.8 percent, followed by Ireland (90.6 percent) and Denmark (87 percent). Conversely, Poland (46.1 percent), Bulgaria (50.8 percent), and Romania (56.6 percent) had the lowest usage rates.

THE MOST COMMON DEVICE: INTERNET-CONNECTED TVS

The most widely used IoT (Internet of Things) device across the EU is the internet-connected television. By 2024, 57.9 percent of the public reported using these devices.

Wearable technologies like smartwatches and fitness bands came in second with 29.9%. These were followed by game consoles at 20% and smart speakers with virtual assistants at 16%.

HOME AUTOMATION DEVICES ARE NOT YET COMMON

Interest in smart home technologies remained relatively low, with only 14.2% of respondents reporting using a home energy management system, 12.8% using smart home devices, and 11.8% using security systems.

Other less common devices included internet-connected gadgets (10.5 percent), IoT devices used for health monitoring (7.9 percent) and connected toys (2.3 percent).

Usage rates vary by age

There's a significant difference in usage rates across age groups. While 84 percent of young people aged 16-24 own at least one internet-connected device, this rate drops to 45 percent among those aged 65-74.

Entertainment-focused devices are more prevalent among young people. Internet-connected TVs are used by 67 percent of this group, while wearable devices and game consoles are preferred by 40 percent. Virtual assistants and smart speakers have usage rates of 23 percent and 26 percent, respectively.