10 Biggest Tech Hardware Companies

AAPL, SSNLF, and HNHPF lead the 10 biggest tech hardware companies list

Computer companies today might more accurately be called technology without software companies.

Software companies issue their latest advances at a rapid pace. But computer companies are the anchor on this boat. The computer companies are the ones that design and produce the devices that keep people connected.

And that makes computer companies some of the world's most profitable operators by market value.

Here are the 10 biggest hardware companies right now. Data is from CompaniesMarketCap.com as of Oct. 6, 2024, unless otherwise specified.

An important note: Investopedia limits its 10-biggest lists to publicly traded companies in the U.S. or Canada, either directly or through American depositary receipts (ADRs). Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, which are based in Korea, are included because of their importance in the industry and because you can gain exposure to them through Korea-based ETFs.

Apple is a tech giant and a household name. The company designs and manufactures mobile communication devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and digital watches. The company also sells a range of related software, services, accessories, networking solutions, music and entertainment streaming, as well as third-party digital content and applications. Apple is best known for its series of iPhones, iPads, and Mac personal computers.

Samsung is a South Korea-based multinational corporation that manufactures electronics and computer peripherals through various business segments. It produces semiconductors, personal computers, monitors, televisions, digital cameras, and home appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators. Samsung also produces internet access network systems and telecommunications equipment, including mobile phones. Its Galaxy mobile phones are a major rival to Apple's iPhone models.

Hon Hai Precision Industry is a Taiwan-based electronics contract manufacturer for many U.S. and global technology companies. The company is also known as Foxconn Technology Group or simply Foxconn. It designs, develops, and manufactures products related to nanotechnology, heat transfer, wireless connectivity, and material sciences. Foxconn also produces cables, connectors, and personal computer components.

Some stocks that trade over-the-counter (OTC) carry higher trading costs than stocks that trade on exchanges. This can lower or even outweigh potential returns.

Dell is a holding company that provides information technology (IT) hardware, software, and service solutions through its subsidiaries. It produces laptops, desktops, tablets, workstations, servers, monitors, printers, gateways, software, and storage. Dell also provides cloud management, networking and security, and other end-user computing offerings.

Sony is a Japan-based multinational conglomerate that develops, designs, and manufactures electronic equipment, instruments, personal computers, home audio and entertainment systems, devices, game consoles, mobile phones, and software. The company also has a semiconductor solutions segment that produces image sensors and camera modules.

Lenovo is a Hong Kong-based multinational technology company that develops and manufactures various technology products and services. It produces personal computers, workstations, servers, storage, smart televisions, and mobile products such as smartphones, tablets, and applications. The company also provides internet and IT services.

Intel is an American electronics company. It is the largest public semiconductor chip maker in the country. The company produces and sells microprocessors. This includes the x86 microprocessor, which is in nearly every personal computer in the world. Major companies including Apple, Dell, and HP buy these microprocessors to put in their personal computers.

LG is a South Korea-based multinational electronics company that manufactures digital display equipment and home appliances. Its products include flat panel televisions, A/V products, personal computers, washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, LED lighting, and telecommunications equipment such as smartphones and tablets.

Panasonic is a Japan-based multinational electronics manufacturer. The company develops and manufactures home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, car navigation systems, digital devices, computer peripherals, telecommunications, industrial equipment, lighting fixtures and electric lamps, and various electronic parts.

HP is a multinational IT company that provides personal computing and other access devices, imaging and printing products, as well as related technologies, solutions, and services. The company offers commercial and consumer desktop and notebook personal computers, and workstations. It also provides consumers and businesses with mobility devices, printer hardware, supplies, scanning devices, and more.

That depends on which Apple product line you're looking at.

Samsung is Apple's biggest competitor in the cellphone business, but Apple is definitely on top, with three of its iPhone models leading the list of the world's best-selling phones in the third quarter of 2024.

In the computer hardware business, Apple shares the top 10 list with Lenovo, HP, and Dell, among others.

In the streaming entertainment business, Apple has a host of competitors from Netflix to Amazon, Disney, and Hulu.

No. The pioneering computing company sold its personal computing division to Lenovo in 2004. It still makes mainframe computers but its largest revenue segment is its software division. IBM provides global business consulting services and cloud services and is now heavily investing in the development of artificial intelligence.

Samsung is South Korea's largest company. Other companies in the top three include SK Hynix Inc., a semiconductor company, and LG Energy Solution, Ltd. a battery manufacturer.

Apple sits at the top of the list of the world's biggest technology hardware company, bringing in revenue that puts it well ahead of its nearest rival, Samsung Electronics.

In fact, U.S. companies hold four of the places on the top 10 list, although they have plenty of tough competition from China and South Korea.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "Apple, Inc., Form 10-K For the Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2022," Pages 1-2.

Samsung. "Consumer Electronics."

Samsung. "Device Solutions."

Samsung. "IT & Mobile Communications."

Hon Hai Technology Group. "Annual Report 2021," Pages 108-109, 704-786.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "Over-The-Counter (OTC) Securities."

Dell Technologies. "IT Infrastructure and Workforce Technology."

Dell Technologies. "Solutions for IT Infrastructure, Workforce, Industry and OEM."

Sony Group Corporation. "Businesses & Products."

Sony Group Corporation. "Who Are We."

Lenovo. "Who We Are."

Intel Corporation. "About Intel."

Intel Corporation. "Introduction to Intel Architecture," Page 2.

LG Global. "Consumer Electronics."

LG Global. "Our Brand: Overview."

Panasonic Group. "Annual Report 2022," Page 59.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "HP, Inc., Form 10-K, For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2022," Pages 5-6.

Counterpoint. "iPhone 15 World's Best-selling Smartphone in Q3 2024."

CEO World. "South Korea's Largest Companies by market capitalization, 2024."