CD sales growth outpaces vinyl sixfold in 2026 as price gap reshapes physical media

A 2026 report found CD sales growth at 16%, versus 2.4% for vinyl. A vinyl record typically costs about £35; a CD about £12. Retailer John Lewis reported a 96% surge in CD player searches since July 2026, with two models sold out online. Manchester retailer Richard Farnell said rising vinyl prices made the format largely unaffordable for younger buyers now driving CD demand.