CD sales growth outpaces vinyl sixfold in 2026 as price gap widens

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