Global consumer spending on artificial intelligence products is expected to reach $40 billion in 2026, more than triple last year's $12 billion, even as overall AI user growth remained limited, Menlo Ventures said Wednesday.
The venture capital firm's annual consumer AI survey found that 64% of US adults use AI, up from 61% in 2025. The findings are based on a survey of 5,067 US adults conducted in July.
Menlo Ventures said growth in consumer AI spending has been driven primarily by existing users increasing their usage. 55% of AI users now pay for at least one AI product, while 46% of those paying said they spend more than they did a year ago.
Daily AI use among US adults increased to 25% from 19%, while 52% of AI users said they use the technology more frequently than they did a year ago.
ChatGPT remained the most-used AI assistant, reaching 60% of US AI users, followed by Gemini at 58%. Claude's reach increased to 20% from 7% a year earlier. The average US AI user now uses three general-purpose AI assistants, compared with 2.2 in 2025.
The survey also found that 41% of AI users have tried an AI agent, while 24% use one regularly. About 32% said they have allowed an AI system to take an action without final approval.
Separately, 48% of US AI users said they have earned money using AI for activities including freelance work, businesses, side projects, and investing.
Menlo Ventures said trust remains a significant factor in adoption. Accuracy was cited by 45% of respondents when choosing an AI product, followed by trustworthiness at 40% and security and privacy at 36%.