New 2025 Share of Ear data from Edison Research shows how device habits for streaming AM/FM radio have shifted. Smart speakers remain the leading access point, with streaming minutes up 73% since 2020, while connected TVs have climbed 23%, mobile phones 8%, and desktop or laptop listening has fallen 31%.
Smart speakers have gained traction with older generations. Boomers lead with 38% of all smart speaker AM/FM listening, followed by Gen X at 36%, Millennials at 17%, and Gen Z at 9%. By the end of 2025, 75% of U.S. households are expected to own at least one smart speaker, up from fewer than half in 2020.
Desktop and laptop streaming is still dominated by Gen X, responsible for 53% of total minutes. Millennials account for 23%, Boomers 13%, and Gen Z 11%. This reflects workplace habits where AM/FM is often played at desks during work hours.
Gen Z, however, leads connected TV streaming, accounting for 38% of all AM/FM listening on TVs. Gen X follows closely at 37%, with Boomers at 14% and Millennials at 11%. The data highlights how younger listeners gravitate toward shared living spaces where connected TVs serve as both video and audio hubs.
Mobile listening is relatively even across generations. Boomers hold 30%, Gen X 29%, and Gen Z 27%, with Millennials trailing at 14%. While mobile remains a universal access point, growth is slower compared to other devices.