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The highest share of users was recorded in the Netherlands (94.8%), followed by Ireland (90.6%) and Denmark (87.0%), according to Eurostat.
By contrast, the lowest shares were in Poland (46.1%), Bulgaria (50.8%) and Romania (56.6%).
Internet-connected TVs were by far the most used IoT devices in 2024, as reported by 57.9% of individuals.
This was followed by smart wearables, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers (29.9%). One-fifth of people reported using games consoles and internet-connected home audio systems. 16.0% of people reported using a virtual assistant in the form of a smart speaker.
Home automation devices, on the other hand, were less commonly used. 14.2% of people used an internet-connected home energy management system, 12.8% used smart home appliances, and 11.8% used smart home security devices.
Lastly, 10.5% reported using a car with a built-in wireless connection. 7.9% reported using health-related IoT devices and 2.3% used internet-connected toys.
Looking more closely at different age groups reveals distinct patterns in how internet-connected devices are used. The use of these devices was highest among younger individuals aged 16 to 24 (those born or brought up during the age of digital technology and so familiar with computers and the internet from an early age) and gradually declined with age. In 2024, 84% of people aged 16 to 24 used at least one internet-connected device, compared with just 45% of those aged 65 to 74.
The youngest age group reported the highest shares of users for all types of entertainment-related devices, such as internet-connected TVs (67%), wearables (40%), game consoles (40%), smart speakers (26%), and virtual assistants (23%).
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