State of U.S. Home Tech: Who's Upgrading and Who's Left Behind
High-performance technology, characterized by powerful specifications, multi-monitor arrays, and professional-grade peripherals, is no longer the exclusive domain of IT professionals or hardcore gamers.
As our culture increasingly emphasizes online careers and immersive hobbies, the definition of a standard workstation is evolving. Workplace setups are shifting to prioritize raw processing power and the complete ecosystem of flexibility and comfort that sustained productivity requires.
Our survey examines the current state of technology on the average person’s desk. While complex office or home computer setups aren't yet universal, our data indicates a growing shift toward the capability and versatility they provide. More people are seeking the tools necessary to bridge the gap between basic utility and high-performance output.
Read on to uncover how Americans are upgrading their setups, the surprising generational gaps in tech access, and why the demand for performance is higher than ever.
Key takeaways
- If given the proper budget, 58% of people with a tech setup at home would upgrade to a faster, more powerful computer, while 29% would upgrade to a dual-monitor or 4K display.
- Gen Zers want the convenience of a computer setup, but they’re still primarily working from their phones. Thirty-five percent of Gen Zers (ages 18-28) don’t have a primary computer setup, even though 55% believe their current technology is holding them back.
- Adult students are more likely than employed people to use their computers for content creation and learning, but they’re also more than three times as likely to lack a dedicated tech setup.
High-Performance Tech Goes Mainstream: 58% of Americans Want Upgrades
Fifteen years ago, the home office was a rarity. In fact, regular telecommuting grew by 216% between 2005 and 2019, a shift that has fundamentally changed how we equip our homes today. Our Digital Hobby Survey revealed that 58% of Americans use technology at home specifically for personal projects and activities.
Today, high-end technology is accessible to a wider audience, and they’re putting it to work. This shift is visible in how people accessorize their spaces. Over one-half (55%) of Americans have added extra hardware to their primary tech station, including second screens, dedicated microphones, or printers.
These devices often support complex tasks. We found that 18% utilize their setups for editing video, photos, or podcasts for work or side projects. Smaller percentages are using their setups for AI, learning technical skills, or gaming.
The data reveals an interesting contradiction in attitudes. Over one-half of adults claim their current technology does not actively hold them back (53%). Yet there is a clear demand for better performance.
Among those who already have a tech setup, 58% say they would prioritize upgrading to a faster computer if given an additional budget. This ranks higher than a dual-monitor setup (29%) or a professional-grade printer (29%).
The disconnect between current satisfaction and the desire to upgrade suggests users may simply be accustomed to relying on less powerful tools. Lengthy render times or tabs freezing during video calls might seem like minor annoyances, but they represent hidden productivity costs that effectively limit what a user can achieve.
This is where the history of a brand like HP becomes relevant. The company has built a reputation for creating reliable technology, making it a trustworthy source of high-performance solutions that solve these speed issues at an affordable price.
Gen Z Tech Gap: 35% Have No Computer, and 55% Say It’s Holding Them Back
Dual monitors and high-speed printers are powerful tools, but for a generation accustomed to advanced smartphones, a traditional desktop setup might seem optional. However, the survey data suggests that for Gen Z, this lack of dedicated hardware is less of a preference and more of a constraint.
Thirty-five percent of Gen Zers (ages 18-28) do not have a primary tech setup or computer. This figure is higher than that of any other generation, as only 22% of millennials, 23% of Gen Xers, and 24% of baby boomers lack a primary setup.
This lack of hardware correlates with significant frustration. Over one-half (55%) of Gen Zers believe their current technology is holding them back. Twenty-four percent specifically state their tech cannot keep up with their work speed. This is the highest reported rate of any generation for this specific problem.
The main issue may be the mismatch between their devices and their goals. Gen Z leads other generations in demanding tasks like content creation and AI use. They also engage heavily in immersive entertainment. These tasks require processing power that mobile devices often lack. Additionally, 39% say they are constantly "window juggling" to manage apps and tabs. This indicates a clear need for more screen real estate.
This friction has potential implications for the creator and gig economies. Inadequate tech can serve as a barrier to income generation. Without a powerful computer, a creator cannot run professional-grade software or render complex projects efficiently, which could negatively impact the quality of work they can produce for a portfolio.
Upgrading to a dedicated setup could be the key to unlocking professional opportunities.
41% of Students Don’t Have a Computer Setup
While 87% of full-time employees utilize dedicated computer setups, 4 in 10 students navigate their academic careers without one. Full-time roles typically provide workplace-funded equipment as a standard benefit. Students must often make personal investments to acquire similar technology while simultaneously managing tuition costs and living expenses.
This disparity is notable given how students actually use their devices. Among those with computer setups, 78% use them for at least one specialized task, such as content creation, gaming, AI tools, or learning technical skills. This outpaces the 58% of full-time employees performing similar work.
Students and employees are equally likely to report that their technology holds them back from achieving their goals. However, there is a crucial difference in recourse.
When an employee's laptop fails, their company’s IT team usually orders a replacement laptop. When a student's computer struggles, they often must access campus labs, rely on outdated hardware or feel compelled to buy a new one.
Programs designed to lower these barriers are essential. If you can’t afford to gift a laptop to a student in your life, options like the HP Education Program or the HP Laptop Subscription service can help students access necessary tools without the burden of a large upfront investment.
Technology That Grows With Your Goals
High-performance technology is no longer reserved for niche experts. It has become a daily necessity for modern work, education, and personal projects. Upgrading a home workstation is often the key step to overcoming current limitations and unlocking future potential.
Whether you are looking to streamline your workflow or build a professional-grade creative station, the right tools make the difference. Exploring HP’s high-performance laptops that can handle heavy workloads, reliable printers for professional output, and essential accessories like ergonomic peripherals can help you build a workspace that supports your ambitions rather than holding them back.
Methodology
The survey of 1,206 adults ages 18 and over was conducted via YouGov Audience for HP on December 18-19, 2025. Data is weighted, and the margin of error is approximately +/-3% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.
