The Most Successful Products of All Time, Ranked

Choose the products you think is the most successful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 06:17
In a world brimming with options, identifying the most successful products becomes crucial. As trends shift and new items flood the market, it’s invaluable to reflect on those products that have resonated widely with consumers through the years. This assessment helps us understand longstanding preferences and the qualities that elevate a product to a celebrated status. On this website, every vote casts a spotlight on the distinguished and beloved products that have made significant impacts. By participating, users contribute to an authoritative community-based ranking. This live ranking not only reflects collective admiration but also guides new consumers in making informed choices based on historical success and lasting value.

What Are the Most Successful Products of All Time?

  1. 1
    32
    votes
    The iPhone is one of the most successful products of all time, with over 2.2 billion units sold since its release in 2007. Its success can be attributed to its innovative design, user-friendly interface, and constant updates and improvements.
    The iPhone is a line of smartphones developed by Apple Inc. It revolutionized the mobile phone industry with its sleek design, advanced features, and user-friendly interface. The iPhone combines a cellular phone, an iPod, and an internet communication device into a single device, offering a wide range of capabilities to users.
    • Operating System: iOS
    • Processor: Various (e.g., A14 Bionic)
    • Display: Retina display, OLED or LCD (varies by model)
    • Camera: Dual or triple-lens rear camera system (varies by model)
    • Storage Capacity: From 64GB up to 512GB (varies by model)
  2. 2
    46
    votes
    Coca-Cola is a classic American soda that has been popular since its creation in 1886. It has become a staple in households worldwide and is one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
    Coca-Cola is a worldwide popular beverage brand known for its flagship product, Coca-Cola. It is a carbonated soft drink that is adored by millions of people around the globe.
    • Year of creation: 1886
    • Type: Carbonated soft drink
    • Taste: Refreshing, sweet
    • Ingredients: Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors
    • Caffeine content: 34 mg per 12 fl oz (355 mL)
  3. 3
    21
    votes

    Microsoft Windows

    Microsoft Corporation
    Microsoft Windows was first released in 1985 and has since become the most widely used operating system in the world. It has been constantly updated and improved, making it an essential product for businesses and consumers alike.
    Microsoft Windows is a widely used operating system that was first introduced by Microsoft Corporation in 1985. It revolutionized personal computing by providing a user-friendly graphical interface for IBM-compatible PCs.
    • Release Date: November 20, 1985
    • Current Version: Windows 10
    • Market Share: Over 75% of the global PC market
    • GUI Interface: Introduced graphical user interface for PC-based operating systems
    • Multitasking: Supports multitasking for running multiple applications simultaneously
    Microsoft Windows in other rankings
  4. 4
    26
    votes
    Toyota Corolla
    EurovisionNim · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car of all time, with over 44 million units sold since its release in 1966. Its success can be attributed to its reliability, affordability, and practicality.
    The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its comfortable and practical design. It is manufactured by Toyota, a renowned automotive company based in Japan.
    • Seating Capacity: 5
    • Fuel Efficiency: up to 31 city / 38 highway mpg
    • Engine Options: 1.8L 4-cylinder
    • Transmission Options: CVT or 6-speed manual
    • Cargo Space: 13.1 cubic feet
    Toyota Corolla in other rankings
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    The PlayStation was first released in 1994 and has since become one of the most successful gaming consoles of all time. Its success can be attributed to its innovative design, user-friendly interface, and extensive library of games.
    The PlayStation is a series of video game consoles created by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It revolutionized the gaming industry and became one of the most successful gaming platforms of all time. The PlayStation offers immersive gaming experiences, cutting-edge technology, and a vast library of games.
    • Console release date: December 3, 1994
    • Processor: Custom RISC-based MIPS R3000 CPU
    • Graphics: Sony-designed GPU
    • Memory: 2 MB RAM, 1 MB VRAM
    • Storage: CD-ROM, Memory Cards
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Harry Potter books

    J.K. Rowling
    The Harry Potter book series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful book series of all time. Its success can be attributed to its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and imaginative world-building.
    The Harry Potter books are a series of fantasy novels written by British author J.K. Rowling. The story follows the journey of a young wizard named Harry Potter and his friends as they attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and battle against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. The books have captured the imagination of millions of readers around the world with their enchanting storytelling and intricate magical world.
    • Genre: Fantasy
    • Publication Year: 1997-2007
    • Total Book Series: 7
    • Main Protagonist(s): Harry Potter
    • Number of Languages Translated: 80+
    Harry Potter books in other rankings
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    Nike Air Jordan
    HI 622 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Nike Air Jordan is one of the most successful shoe lines of all time, with over $2.6 billion in sales since its release in 1984. Its success can be attributed to its iconic design, association with basketball legend Michael Jordan, and constant updates and improvements.
    The Nike Air Jordan is a line of athletic shoes, clothing, and accessories created by Nike in collaboration with basketball legend Michael Jordan. Originally introduced in 1984, Air Jordans revolutionized the sneaker industry and became one of the most iconic and successful product lines in history. The shoes are known for their unique design, high-quality materials, and innovative technology, making them highly desirable for both athletes and sneaker enthusiasts.
    • Design: Distinctive and eye-catching design that stands out.
    • Technology: Incorporation of advanced cushioning and support technologies such as Air cushioning and Flyknit.
    • Materials: Usage of premium materials like leather, suede, and synthetic fabrics.
    • Model Range: A wide range of models and colorways released over the years, catering to different tastes and preferences.
    • Limited Editions: Limited edition releases with unique designs and collaborations, creating extra exclusivity and collectibility.
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    The iPad was first released in 2010 and has since become one of the most successful tablet computers of all time. Its success can be attributed to its innovative design, user-friendly interface, and extensive library of apps.
    The iPad is a tablet computer that revolutionized portable computing with its sleek design and intuitive touch interface. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities, making it a versatile device for various tasks, from productivity to entertainment.
    • Operating System: iPadOS
    • Display Size: 10.2 inches (10.5 inches for the iPad Air)
    • Resolution: Retina display with up to 264 pixels per inch (PPI)
    • Processor: A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
    • Storage Options: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (varies by model)
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    McDonald's Big Mac
    Domind8 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The McDonald's Big Mac is one of the most successful fast food items of all time, with over 550 million sold annually. Its success can be attributed to its iconic design, unique sauce, and consistent quality.
    The McDonald's Big Mac is a popular hamburger sandwich famous for its distinctive flavor and iconic double-decker structure. It consists of two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, all sandwiched between a Sesame seed bun.
    • Fat Content: 30g
    • Protein Content: 25g
    • Patty Quantity: 2
    • Sauce: Special sauce
    • Bun Type: Sesame seed bun
    McDonald's Big Mac in other rankings
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Amazon Kindle
    NotFromUtrecht · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Amazon Kindle

    Amazon.com, Inc.
    The Amazon Kindle was first released in 2007 and has since become one of the most successful e-readers of all time. Its success can be attributed to its innovative design, user-friendly interface, and extensive library of e-books.
    The Amazon Kindle is a series of e-readers designed and marketed by Amazon, which allows users to browse, buy, download, and read e-books, newspapers, magazines, and other digital media via wireless networking. It revolutionized the way people read books by providing a portable and convenient digital reading experience.
    • Display: E Ink Pearl display
    • Resolution: Varies across different models
    • Storage Capacity: Varies across different models, from 4GB to 32GB
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, optional cellular connectivity
    • Battery Life: Lasts weeks on a single charge

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Ranking factors for successful products

  1. Sales revenue
    The total amount of money generated from the sales of the product. This indicates the popularity and commercial success of the product.
  2. Units sold
    The total number of products sold worldwide. A high number of units sold signifies a strong market presence and acceptance by consumers.
  3. Market impact
    How the product has influenced its industry or market. Factors to consider include changes in consumer behavior, the introduction of new technologies or trends, and the product's ability to disrupt existing markets.
  4. Longevity
    The duration for which the product continues to be popular and in demand. A successful product typically has a longer lifespan in the market compared to its competitors.
  5. Profitability
    The overall profit generated by the product. This takes into account factors such as production costs, marketing expenses, and other costs involved in bringing the product to market.
  6. Brand value
    The product's contribution to the overall value and reputation of the brand. A successful product often boosts the image of the brand and creates loyalty among consumers.
  7. Customer satisfaction
    The level of satisfaction customers derive from the product. This can be measured through customer reviews, ratings, and feedback.
  8. Innovation
    The degree of innovation and uniqueness the product brings to its respective industry, as well as its potential to inspire new products or advancements.
  9. Cultural impact
    The product's influence on society and popular culture at large. This could be measured by the product's presence in media, pop culture references, and its ability to shape consumer preferences and behaviors.
  10. Environmental and social impact
    The product's impact on the environment and society in terms of ethical production, sustainability, and fair labor practices. A product that is considered successful should ideally have a positive and responsible approach to these factors.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful products of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Product is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 4271 views
  • 170 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Product once every 24 hours. The rank of each Product is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most successful products of all time

When it comes to the most successful products of all time, there are a few key factors that come into play. These products have typically stood the test of time, maintained popularity for decades, and have had a significant impact on the industries they belong to. Some of the most successful products of all time include technology giants like the iPhone and Microsoft Windows, household names like Coca-Cola and McDonald's, and entertainment staples like Star Wars and Harry Potter. These products have not only generated billions of dollars in revenue, but have also become cultural touchstones that have influenced generations. What sets these products apart from others is their ability to adapt and evolve with changing times, while still maintaining their core appeal. The iPhone, for example, has continued to dominate the smartphone market by introducing new features and designs with each iteration, while Coca-Cola has remained one of the most recognizable and beloved brands in the world for over a century. Overall, the most successful products of all time are those that have captured the hearts and minds of consumers, and have left an indelible mark on the world around them.

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