Technology companies solidified their dominance in 2025 as some of the world’s most valuable brands, driven by robust brand loyalty and advancements in artificial intelligence.
According to the Brand Finance Global 500 report, the combined value of the world’s top 500 brands increased by 10% over the past year to $9.5 trillion (€9.14 trillion), outpacing global economic growth of 3%. Tech brands led this surge, securing three of the top five spots.
Apple retained its top position with a brand valuation of $574.5 billion (€552.94 billion), an 11% increase from the previous year. It has held this spot every year since 2021, except for 2023, when Amazon briefly overtook it.
Microsoft claimed second place with a remarkable 35% rise in valuation, reaching $461.1 billion (€443.8 billion). Google followed in third, reporting a 24% increase to $413.0 billion (€397.62 billion).
Amazon ranked fourth with a 15% growth to $356.4 billion (€343.2 billion), while Walmart climbed to fifth, boasting the highest growth among the top five at 42%, reaching $137.2 billion (€132.12 billion).
Other notable brands in the top 10 included Samsung, TikTok/Douyin, Facebook, Nvidia, and the State Grid Corporation of China. Nvidia made its debut in the top 10, with its brand value surging by 98%.
TikTok/Douyin, DraftKings, FanDuel, Nvidia, and AMD have shown exceptional growth since 2020. Chinese brands like TikTok, Pinduoduo, and BYD are also making significant strides.
David Haigh, chairman and CEO of Brand Finance, remarked:
“Our analysis of what brands have grown the most since 2020 reveals that technology companies do not have a monopoly on sustained brand growth. This longer-term view also reinforces another important global trend: how Chinese brands like TikTok, Pinduoduo, and BYD are leading the charge by creating value and challenging established brand leaders.”
Apple’s brand growth is credited to strategic diversification and strong loyalty. Its recent product launches, including the iPhone 16 and new iPad models in 2024, have been complemented by advancements in artificial intelligence and services like Apple TV.
Haigh added:
“Apple has grown its brand value through strategic diversification and premiumisation… more than 50% of respondents recognised Apple as expensive but worth the price, reinforcing the brand’s ability to demand a price premium.”
Microsoft’s brand value also surged, fueled by its investment in AI through a multi-billion-dollar partnership with OpenAI, focusing on supercomputing and AI-powered experiences.
Amazon benefitted from increased revenues in e-commerce and cloud computing, while Walmart capitalized on digital services and marketing revenue, attracting wealthier shoppers.
The United States dominated the list, contributing 52.9% of total brand value with 194 brands. China followed with 15% and 69 brands, while Germany, Japan, and France rounded out the top five.
Banking emerged as the leading industry by brand value at 12.7%, followed by retail (11.4%) and media (10.3%). Electronics and the internet/software industries also saw notable representation.
The 2025 Brand Finance report underscores the central role of technology in shaping global brand value, driven by innovation, AI, and strategic growth. As Chinese brands rise and industries diversify, competition among the world’s top companies continues to intensify.
