Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)

The Tech Reviewer Extraordinaire

Marques Keith Brownlee, widely known by his professional name MKBHD, has established himself as one of the most influential technology content creators on YouTube. Born on December 3, 1993, in Maplewood, New Jersey, Brownlee has built an impressive digital empire centered around his calm, collected, and premium approach to technology reviews.^[1] With over 19.9 million subscribers and nearly 4.8 billion total video views as of May 2025, Brownlee's channel stands as a testament to his dedication to quality content and technical expertise.^[3] ^[9]

Journey to YouTube Stardom

Brownlee's path to digital fame began humbly when he created his YouTube channel on March 21, 2008. He uploaded his first technology review in January 2009 while still in high school, focusing on explaining the features of his newly purchased HP Pavilion laptop.^[1] ^[8] His initial videos were created through screencasting, demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for technology that would become his trademark. Despite his parents' initial skepticism about social media potentially interfering with his academics, Brownlee persevered with his content creation.^[8]

A major turning point in Brownlee's career came in 2013 when Vic Gundotra, then a senior vice president at Google, called him "the best technology reviewer on the planet right now." This recognition significantly boosted his visibility in the tech community.^[1] Another milestone was reached in July 2014 when his video reviewing and scratch-testing a rumored sapphire display for the iPhone 6 went viral, garnering coverage from major publications like The Verge, HuffPost, CNET, and Time Magazine. As of November 2024, this video has accumulated over 9.2 million views.^[1]

Content Style and Approach

Unlike many content creators who opt for fast edits, cheap production, and loud expressions, Brownlee has distinguished himself with a more measured approach. His videos are characterized by their calm, collected demeanor and premium production quality, earning him respect from both viewers and industry professionals.^[6] This distinctive style has helped him secure interviews with tech luminaries such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk.^[5]

Education and Personal Background

Brownlee grew up in a family that valued education, arts, and sports. His parents, Marlon and Jeaniene Brownlee, supported his diverse interests, which eventually led to his passion for technology.^[2] As a student at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, he excelled academically while also participating in ultimate frisbee, golf, and playing the trombone. His parents encouraged him to balance what they called "the three As": academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits.^[2]

After graduating from high school in 2011, Brownlee attended the Howe School (now known as the School of Business) at Stevens Institute of Technology, where he majored in business and information technology. He graduated in May 2015 and immediately transitioned to becoming a full-time YouTube content creator.^[1] ^[2] In a full-circle moment, Brownlee delivered a commencement speech at Stevens Institute of Technology in May 2024, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate of business administration.^[1]

Business Ventures and Expanding Presence

As his influence has grown, Brownlee has expanded beyond standalone YouTube reviews into various business ventures. In August 2019, he launched "Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast" (often referred to simply as "Waveform" or "WVFRM"), focusing on product reviews and interviews with influential figures in the technology industry.^[1] He also stars in "Retro Tech," a YouTube Original series produced by Vox Media Studios that examines iconic pieces of technology from the past and their impact on modern life and culture.^[1]

In February 2024, Brownlee joined everyday accessories company Ridge as a board member and chief creative partner, marking a significant step into product development. According to Ridge CEO Sean Frank, the company has ambitions to become the "American Montblanc," with Brownlee playing a key role in shaping their creative direction.^[6] This partnership evolved after Frank made a post on X (formerly Twitter) offering $1 million for a creator to join Ridge, ultimately leading to the collaboration with Brownlee.^[6]

In September 2024, Brownlee launched "Panels," an iOS and Android app for browsing and downloading curated wallpapers. The app initially received criticism for its subscription model pricing and other issues, though Brownlee later addressed these concerns by reducing the price and fixing many of the problems.^[1] ^[7]

Ultimate Frisbee Career

Beyond his digital presence, Brownlee is also a professional ultimate frisbee player. He plays for the New York Empire of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA), which won championships in 2019, 2022, and 2023.^[1] His athletic career includes previous stints with the Philadelphia Phoenix (2017) and Garden State Ultimate (2015-2017). One of his most significant sporting achievements came on July 31, 2022, when he won the WFDF World Ultimate Club Championship with New York PoNY.^[1]

Recognition and Achievements

Brownlee's impact on digital media has earned him numerous accolades. In 2018, he was named "Creator of the Decade" at the 10th Shorty Awards, recognizing his long-standing influence in the digital sphere.^[1] ^[7] He was honored in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the social media category in December 2020.^[1] During this period, his videos were attracting approximately 700 million views per year, earning him an estimated $5 million.^[8]

Channel Statistics and Digital Footprint

As of May 2025, Brownlee's primary YouTube channel boasts approximately 19.9 million subscribers and over 4.76 billion total views across more than 1,730 videos.^[3] ^[9] His content consistently performs well, with an average of 2.4 million views per video and an excellent engagement rate of 3.18%.^[9] His estimated monthly earnings range from $28,882 to $39,569.^[4]

Beyond his main channel, Brownlee has established several secondary channels that further expand his digital footprint: WVFRM Podcast (438,000 subscribers), Auto Focus (1.08 million subscribers), The Studio (977,000 subscribers), Waveform Clips (487,000 subscribers), and MKBHD Shorts (647,000 subscribers). Collectively, these additional channels contribute approximately 3.52 million subscribers and 394.75 million views to his overall presence.^[1]

Content Production

Brownlee works out of a studio in Kearny, New Jersey, having moved from producing videos in his apartment in 2016.^[1] His production setup has evolved from simple screencasting to what is now described as "a futuristic workstation packed with expensive cameras, devices, and an equally dedicated workforce."^[2] This investment in quality equipment and production values is evident in his content, which maintains a consistently professional standard across all his channels.