According to the State of Markets report by Andreessen Horowitz, only 2% to 2.2% of US households paid for AI services in April and May 2026. This data is based on an analysis of PNC Bank transaction records, which tracked actual payments rather than self-reported usage.
While the adoption rate remains low, it has grown from near zero in early 2023. The average monthly expenditure for paying users increased from approximately $22 in May 2024 to $31 by May 2026. Bank of America data provides a slightly higher estimate, placing the share of paying consumers at 3% in March 2026.
Corporate adoption also shows limited metrics. About 30% of S&P 500 companies report a measurable impact from AI, but only 2% of these firms consistently track relevant performance indicators. The report notes that current consumer revenue is insufficient to cover the high operating costs of major AI providers.
The a16z report, released around September 30, 2026, highlights that consumer spending has not kept pace with the massive infrastructure investments in the sector. Despite the introduction of various subscription tiers offering faster responses and higher usage limits, free versions remain the primary choice for most users.
