Best-Selling Computer Brands (1996-2022)


Updated timeline history of the most selling personal computer brands since 1996 to 2022. Ranked by worldwide trailing twelve months sales market share. Includes desktop computers, laptops and tablets. Excludes mobile phones. Data source: quarterly reports by manufacturers and SEC filings.

Best-Selling Computer Brands (1996–2022)

PeriodLeading BrandsKey Notes
1996–Early 2000sCompaq, IBM, Dell, AppleCompaq and IBM dominated early market; Dell grew fast with direct sales; Apple niche market.
Mid 2000sHP, Dell, Lenovo, AppleHP acquired Compaq (2002), Lenovo acquired IBM PC division (2005). Dell strong in US market.
2010sLenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, Asus, AcerLenovo became world’s largest PC vendor (~2013). Asus and Acer grew in gaming and budget PCs. Apple focused on premium market.
Late 2010s–2022Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, Asus, AcerLenovo, HP, Dell top sellers; Apple strong in premium; Chromebook sales boosted Acer and Asus.

Approximate Market Share (2020–2022)

BrandMarket Share (%)Notes
Lenovo~24–25%Largest global PC vendor
HP~21–22%Strong presence in consumer and business segments
Dell~16–17%Popular in enterprise and gaming
Apple~8–9%Premium segment with MacBooks and iMacs
Asus~7–8%Gaming and budget-friendly PCs
Acer~6–7%Known for Chromebooks and affordable PCs

Key Trends

  • Shift from desktops to laptops and mobile devices.

  • Growth in gaming laptops and ultrabooks.

  • Chromebook surge, especially in education.

  • Consolidations through acquisitions (e.g., HP-Compaq, Lenovo-IBM).

  • Supply chain challenges impacting sales during 2020–2022.



Source: Data Is Beautiful

Comments