"The Gray Lady" remains the go-to online newspaper in the country. It is the only news site to make it into the top 15, landing in the last place.

Its renowned journalism—and, let’s be honest, its Wordle and crossword puzzles—have captivated millions, keeping readers coming back for comprehensive coverage of national and international news.

Image: Marco Lenti

Sports enthusiasts have made ESPN the ultimate online destination, securing its spot at number 14 on the list. From live games and scores to in-depth analysis and highlights, ESPN provides a 24/7 feast for sports fans.

Most of us have favorite teams we follow religiously, while others visit the site just to stay casually up to date with the world of sports.

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A powerful and versatile tool, Microsoft Online secured the 13th spot on the list. Its sprawling digital landscape offers everything from cloud computing services (Azure) and productivity software (Microsoft 365) to gaming (Xbox) and search (Bing).

It's a one-stop shop—one that many people have set as their default site when they open their browser!

Image: Bram Van Oost

Officially the newest site on the top-15 list, this powerful AI tool became the 12th most visited in 2024, taking the world by storm with its chat-like approach to artificial intelligence searches.

Launched in late 2022, this chatbot can generate text, translate languages, write various types of creative content, and answer questions—like having a super-smart, endlessly patient research assistant. Of course, it’s always wise to double-check its answers!

Image: Jonathan Kemper

The master of online auctions, eBay has been connecting buyers and sellers since 1995—and we keep coming back for more.

Whether you're looking to thrift, hunt for rare collectibles, or finally get rid of that printer gathering dust, eBay is a treasure trove of unique finds and deals. It’s just as handy for decluttering your attic as it is for fueling your latest obsession at a bargain price.

Image: Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com

The popularity of online Walmart couldn’t fall far behind its physical stores. Products at competitive prices make it one of the most visited retail sites.

From groceries and electronics to clothing and home goods, Walmart.com offers a convenient one-stop shop for online shoppers looking for value and variety. It's a digital extension of the familiar in-store experience.

Image: Marques Thomas

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, is a collaborative project that has become an indispensable resource for information seekers worldwide. Since its launch in 2001, it has helped users navigate everything from academic studies to random curiosities and long-standing doubts.

This crowdsourced encyclopedia covers a vast range of topics, from historical events and scientific breakthroughs to pop culture and biographies. While its accuracy is often debated, Wikipedia remains a go-to starting point for research.

Image: Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com

Instagram, the visually driven social media platform owned by Meta, allows users to share photos and videos, express themselves, and connect with others.

The app has evolved far beyond its early days when heavily filtered meal photos dominated feeds. Today, it serves as a digital hub for exploring interests, building communities, staying in touch with loved ones, and capturing life’s moments.

Image: Solen Feyissa

X, formerly known as Twitter, is a fast-paced social media platform where news breaks, conversations spark, and 280-character thoughts dominate.

It’s the go-to space for staying updated on current events, engaging in lively debates, and following the musings of everyone—from world leaders to your next-door neighbor.

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Did you know that Yahoo was one of the early pioneers of the Internet? While it may not hold the top spot anymore, it remains a popular portal and search engine. (More on the reigning champion later.)

Offering a variety of services, including email, news, finance, and sports, Yahoo provides a centralized hub for online activities. It's a familiar hub for many longtime internet users.

Image: Dylann Hendricks

Reddit isn’t for everyone, but for millions, it’s essential. The self-proclaimed "front page of the internet" is a vast network of online communities where users discuss just about anything and everything imaginable.

From niche hobbies and fandoms to breaking news, psychology, and political debates, Reddit offers a forum for every interest imaginable.

Image: Brett Jordan

Facebook, now known as Meta, the social media giant, has been connecting billions of people worldwide for over a decade.

It’s a space for sharing updates with friends and family, joining communities with shared interests, and discovering new content. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 193.5 million people have a Facebook account!

Image: Timothy Hales Bennett

Amazon has revolutionized the way we shop. What began as a humble bookselling site has grown into an unparalleled retail giant, offering an endless selection of products.

Standing third on the podium among the most-visited websites, Amazon is the go-to destination for online shoppers, making it easy to find just about anything you need—or didn’t know you wanted.

Image: Christian Wiediger

YouTube claims the second spot on the podium as the world’s largest video-sharing platform—it’s a treasure trove of entertainment, education, and information.

From music videos and movie trailers to tutorials and comedy bloopers, users search for just about everything. And, of course, no list would be complete without cat videos.

Image: charlesdeluvio

Naturally, Google sits at the top of this list and has the crown. The ubiquitous search engine is so deeply tied to finding information online that it has even become a verb in everyday language.

Every minute, 5.9 million searches are conducted on Google worldwide, with 60% of U.S. searches coming from mobile devices. Ask yourself—how many times a day do you turn to the great search engine? Probably more than you realize!

Image: Pixabay