CDs Are Back: 2026 Sales Are Growing Faster Than Vinyl
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For about 15 years, the CD was the format everybody was sure was dead. Vinyl got the comeback stories. Cassettes got the hipster cred. CDs got thrown in thrift store bins at a dollar apiece.
Then 2026 happened. CDs are growing again, and in the US they’re growing faster than vinyl.
The Numbers
According to Luminate’s 2026 Midyear Report, US CD sales rose 16% in the first half of the year to 16.3 million units. Vinyl grew too, but only 2.4% over the same stretch. That’s the first time in about a decade that CDs grew faster than records.
The money side looks even stronger. The RIAA’s mid-year report put US CD revenue up 58.6% in the first half of 2026, to an estimated $171 million. Physical music overall (CDs, vinyl and cassettes combined) was up 25.9%.
Vinyl still sells more copies and brings in a lot more money than CDs. But the direction of the CD line flipped, and that’s the story.
Why CDs Are Coming Back
K-pop and collectibles
A big chunk of the growth comes from K-pop, where CDs are sold as collectibles with photo cards and special packaging. Fans buy multiple versions of the same album. Luminate says CD sales still grew about 6.7% even without K-pop, though, so it’s not the whole story.
Owning music again
Streaming libraries change. Albums disappear, prices go up, and you never really own any of it. A CD is yours forever, and you can rip it to lossless files on your computer.
They’re cheap
A new vinyl record often runs $30 or more. A new CD is usually much cheaper, and used CDs are practically free. If you want physical music on a budget, CDs win easily.
Gen Z discovered them
For younger listeners, a CD player isn’t old tech. It’s a fun, tactile way to listen without notifications popping up every 30 seconds. Discman-style players are showing up all over social media.
Should You Start Collecting CDs?
Honestly? Yes, if you like owning music. It’s the cheapest way to build a physical collection, CDs sound great, and you can still find gems in used bins for a couple of bucks. Just don’t expect them to become valuable collectibles the way some vinyl has.
You’ll need something to play them on. Here are the best CD players you can buy today, starting with the FiiO DM13, which is basically a modern Discman.
FAQ
Are CD sales going up in 2026?
Yes. Luminate reported US CD sales up 16% in the first half of 2026, to 16.3 million units.
Are CDs selling more than vinyl?
CDs are growing faster than vinyl, but vinyl still sells more units and brings in more revenue.
Why are CDs popular again?
Collectible K-pop releases, a desire to own music instead of streaming it, lower prices than vinyl, and younger listeners discovering CD players.
Is it worth buying CDs in 2026?
If you want a physical music collection on a budget, yes. New CDs usually cost less than vinyl, and used ones are very cheap.
