CD Sales Rebound in 2026 as Interest in Retro Technology Grows

Compact disc sales are showing unexpected growth as renewed interest in older technology and physical media brings consumers back to formats that were once considered outdated. New data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) show that CDs generated higher revenue and unit sales in the first half of 2026 than in the same period a year earlier.

According to the RIAA’s mid-year report, CDs generated $171.1 million in revenue during the first half of 2026, a 58.6% increase from approximately $107.9 million during the first half of 2025. Unit sales also increased to 17.5 million, up 45.7% from about 12 million units during the same period last year.

The comeback follows several years of declining CD sales. RIAA’s 2025 year-end report showed CD revenue declined from $338.9 million in 2024 to $312.4 million in 2025, while annual unit sales dropped from 33.3 million to 29.5 million.

Retro Technology Finds New Audience

The renewed interest in CDs is part of a broader shift toward older technology, including simpler mobile phones, digital cameras, typewriters, landline phones, and other physical products. Many younger consumers have shown interest in technology that offers fewer digital distractions and more control over how they interact with devices.

Companies are responding to this interest with products designed around simpler technology experiences. Startups such as Tin Can and Ooma are among the companies exploring alternative communication devices for consumers seeking options beyond traditional smartphones.

Some consumers are also buying older gadgets through secondhand marketplaces and vintage technology retailers such as Retrospekt, which specialises in refurbished and retro products.

Physical Media Growth Extends Beyond CDs

The RIAA’s CD figures do not include used CD purchases from thrift stores, garage sales, or collections passed between family members, meaning the overall size of the secondhand market is not reflected in the reported numbers.

There is also a measurement limitation because the RIAA changed its revenue calculation method in 2025, moving from estimated retail value to wholesale value. As a result, revenue comparisons between some earlier years are not directly comparable, although unit sales still show the broader decline before the 2026 recovery.

Other physical formats are also seeing growth. Physical media revenue reached $731.5 million in the first half of 2026, up 25.9%, driven by rising CD revenue and a 17.7% increase in vinyl revenue.