That old CD player? Turns out it’s cool again—and everyone’s buying one from Kmart

Who would have thought that something collecting dust in your garage would suddenly become one of the hottest retail items of 2025?

Music lovers across generations are tuning into something unexpected, reviving a sound that defined decades.

The surprise comeback has retailers scrambling to meet demand as nostalgia meets modern convenience.

The humble compact disc is spinning back into fashion, with global CD sales reaching $541 million in 2025—up one per cent from 2023. This isn’t just a passing fad either, as independent record stores recorded a 6.5 per cent rise in CD sales, proving there’s genuine enthusiasm for physical music once again.

Australian retailers have quickly caught on to the trend, with Kmart leading the way by offering a Portable CD Player for $39. The retro-style device includes an LCD display, bass boost function, and headphones—though audio enthusiasts suggest swapping them out for a higher-quality pair.

ALDI has joined in with a $69.99 CD Sound Machine in its Special Buys lineup, while BIG sells a Portable CD Boombox for $29 and a CD/MP3 Player with headphones for $49.95. Even Kmart’s budget-friendly $29 CD Boombox, which doubles as an AM/FM radio, has earned a 4.5-star customer rating.

Behind the CD’s revival lies a broader shift in how people want to experience music. Physical media now makes up 11 per cent of the $17.7 billion in global music revenue recorded in 2024—up five per cent from 2023—a change that has industry experts rethinking the future of music consumption.

CD sales rose for the first time in two decades, with the UK leading the charge. In the US, CD sales hit 16.3 million units in the first half of 2024, closely following vinyl’s 17.4 million units—a remarkable achievement considering CDs were long considered obsolete.

Sound quality has been a major drawcard for many fans rediscovering the format. Unlike streaming, CDs deliver uncompressed audio that isn’t affected by internet connection or data speed.

This comeback has proven to be a cross-generational one, with younger Australians joining older music fans in embracing physical media. Many are drawn to the sense of ownership and connection that streaming can’t replicate, especially when CDs are so much more affordable than vinyl.

The enthusiasm has spilled over into social media, where users like Michael Jaimie celebrate their ‘old school, wide headphone moments’ and rave about the ‘insane’ sound quality.

Collectors are also finding treasure in unexpected places. CDs can often be picked up for mere dollars at op shops, garage sales, or online marketplaces like eBay—especially albums from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.

Local record stores across Australia are reporting record demand, with sellers moving an average of 3,763 secondhand items per day across CDs, vinyl, and other formats.

The CD resurgence forms part of a larger retro revival that includes vinyl and cassette tapes. For Australian seniors who lived through the format’s heyday, this return offers an affordable way to rediscover the joy of owning music without the premium cost of vinyl.

Unlike streaming subscriptions that require constant payments and internet access, CDs provide permanent ownership of your favourite albums.

So before tossing that old CD collection in your next garage cleanout, it might be worth holding onto. This revival isn’t just about looking back—it’s about taking back control of how we listen in an increasingly digital world.

With CD players now available for under $40, there’s never been a better moment to relive that first crisp, uncompressed note.

If the CD comeback has sparked a bit of nostalgia, you’ll love hearing about another classic format making waves again.

Just when everyone thought they were gone for good, another old-school favourite has spun its way back into the spotlight—this time with a modern twist.

It’s a reminder that the sounds of the past never truly fade; they just wait for their moment to shine again.

Read more: Remember when mixtapes ruled the world? They’re back in a surprising way

Have you dug out your old CD player yet—or are you tempted to start your collection all over again?