Apple, Microsoft, and Google Lead the 2026 Global 500 Ranking of the World’s Most Valuable Brands

The world’s 500 most valuable brands reach a combined value of USD 10.4 trillion, driven by technology, artificial intelligence, and global digital ecosystems.

U.S. technology brands continue to dominate the Global 500 2026: World’s Most Valuable Brands ranking, published by Brand Finance, reinforcing the strategic power and global scale of the world’s largest digital ecosystems. In this year’s edition, the total value of the 500 most valuable brands worldwide grew 11% to USD 10.4 trillion, significantly outpacing global economic growth, estimated at 3%.

For the fourth consecutive year, Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon retain the top positions in the ranking, consolidating the leadership of four members of the so-called Magnificent Seven within the global brand landscape.

Apple and Microsoft: Sustained Leadership and Accelerated Growth

Apple remains the world’s most valuable brand, recording 6% growth to reach a brand value of USD 607.6 billion. While hardware growth has been moderate, Apple continues to strengthen its ecosystem through services, with advertising, cloud offerings, and the App Store supporting overall performance. Stable demand across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific has reinforced the brand’s global scale and resilience.

Microsoft ranks second, with a 23% increase in brand value to USD 565.2 billion, narrowing the gap with Apple and surpassing the USD 550 billion mark for the first time. Its performance reflects sustained momentum across its enterprise-focused portfolio, driven by cloud services, subscriptions, and professional software. Microsoft’s expanding role in enterprise AI and cloud infrastructure has further strengthened perceptions of reliability and long-term relevance.

Google, Amazon, and NVIDIA Gain Ground

Google holds third place, with brand value rising 5% to USD 433.1 billion, supported by strength in search, advertising, and cloud services, alongside continued investment in AI-driven platforms. Amazon ranks fourth, growing 4% to USD 369.9 billion, backed by its global e-commerce scale and the strength of AWS, despite margin pressures in its retail operations.

One of the standout performers in the 2026 ranking is NVIDIA, which climbed four positions to become the world’s fifth most valuable brand, posting a remarkable 110% increase in brand value to USD 184.3 billion. The surge reflects NVIDIA’s central role in powering global AI infrastructure, allowing it to surpass established brands such as TikTok/Douyin, Walmart, Samsung Group, and Facebook.

Shifts Within the Global Top 10

China’s TikTok/Douyin climbed one spot following 45% growth to USD 153.5 billion, driven by global expansion and strong user engagement. Walmart, despite a 3% increase in brand value to USD 141.0 billion, fell two positions. Samsung Group (up 8% to USD 119.2 billion), Facebook (up 17% to USD 107.1 billion), and State Grid Corporation of China (up 16% to USD 99.1 billion) complete the top 10.

Brand Strength: YouTube Takes the Lead

Beyond brand value, Brand Finance’s Brand Strength Index (BSI) highlights which brands perform best in terms of reputation, familiarity, and consumer consideration. In 2026, 37 brands earned the highest possible AAA+ brand strength rating.

YouTube emerged as the world’s strongest brand, achieving a BSI score of 95.3 out of 100 and rising from eighth place in 2025. Research across 10 markets shows familiarity exceeding 90% in eight of them, with an average of 70% of respondents considering using the platform. This reflects YouTube’s role as a central hub for entertainment, learning, and community-building, as well as a key storytelling platform for global brands such as Apple, Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s.

WeChat ranks second strongest, with a BSI score of 95.1, supported by its all-in-one digital ecosystem that includes messaging, payments, Mini Programs, and Official Accounts. Meanwhile, Microsoft places third in brand strength (BSI 94.7), surpassing Google, now ranked fourth.

LEGO Defies Generational Trends

Global toy brand LEGO stands out as the fifth strongest brand worldwide, with a BSI score of 94.2. Unlike most toy brands, which typically see a steep drop in familiarity across age groups, LEGO maintains strong recognition across generations. Brand value for LEGO increased 59% in 2026 to an all-time high of USD 17.6 billion, driven by strategic partnerships with iconic brands and major film franchises.

AI and New Entrants Shape the Future

The 2026 results also reflect the growing influence of artificial intelligence on brand value. OpenAI entered the Global 500 ranking for the first time, while fintech brand Revolut more than tripled its brand value, marking a standout debut.

Brand Finance’s valuation results are based on independent and unbiased analysis, incorporating market research on 6,000 brands, surveying more than 175,000 respondents across 41 countries and 31 industry sectors—underscoring the scale and rigor behind the Global 500 ranking.