Everyone’s got an opinion on vinyl vs. streaming. Audiophiles swear by the warmth of records.
Streamers argue that unlimited music for $10 a month is unbeatable.
But what about cold, hard numbers?
I wanted to settle this with math—real costs, over a full decade. So, I ran the numbers to see which one actually costs more in the long run.
The results? Way more surprising than I expected.
Step 1: The Cost of Streaming (2025–2035)
Let’s start with the obvious: streaming is cheap, right? A monthly subscription to Spotify, Apple Music, or TIDAL means instant access to 100 million+ songs, anytime, anywhere.
Here’s the math:
- Apple Music: $10.99/month
- TIDAL HiFi (higher quality audio): $10.99/month
- Spotify Premium: $11.99/month
Let’s assume the average person sticks with a $10.99/month plan. Over 10 years, that adds up to:
💵 1,318.80 (without price increases)
That’s every album, every song, on-demand, no storage required.
No surprises here—streaming is cheap.
But is it really cheaper than vinyl?
Step 2: The Cost of Vinyl Over 10 Years
For a decent setup, let’s assume you invest a bit upfront so your system runs well for the long haul. We’ll use our Elevated Audiophile’s Den as the reference:
- Turntable: Fluance RT82 – $299.99
- Speakers: PSB Alpha P5 – $399
- Amplifier: Cambridge AXA35 – $399
📻 Total Setup Cost: $1,097.99 (one-time)
Buying Records (Ongoing Cost)
Instead of assuming all new records, let’s say you buy a mix of used and new—averaging $10 per album.
- 1 record per month = 12 per year
- 120 albums over 10 years
⏺️ Total: $1,200
Record Care & Maintenance
- Record cleaner: $50
- New stylus every 3 years: $60 each (3 replacements = $180)
- Storage (shelves, crates, sleeves): $200
✨ Total: $430
When you add everything up—the setup, the records, and the maintenance—the total cost of a vinyl setup over 10 years comes out to:
💵 $2,727.99.
Comparison Table:
| Category | Streaming (10 Years) | Vinyl (Mid-Level Setup, $10 avg/album) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $10.99 | $10 per record |
| 10-Year Music Cost | $1,318.80 | $1,200 |
| Setup Cost (One-Time) | $0 | $1,097.99 |
| Maintenance (Stylus, Storage, Cleaner) | $0 | $430 |
| Total 10-Year Cost | $1,318.80 | $2,727.99 |
So… Is Vinyl Actually Worth It?
At first glance, streaming obliterates vinyl in cost. $1,318 vs. $2,728? That’s not even close.
But here’s what the numbers don’t tell you:
With streaming, you own nothing.
If you cancel your subscription, your music is gone. With vinyl, you still have every record you bought.
Vinyl holds value.
Some albums actually appreciate over time. That $30 record you bought? Might be worth $60 in a few years. Try selling your Spotify library.
The experience is different.
Streaming is convenient, but vinyl is immersive. For the uninitiated, let me clue you in…The act of dropping the needle, hearing the imperfections, and seeing the album art? That’s something money can’t measure.
Final Verdict: What Should You Choose?
If you care about cost, go streaming.
For $10/month, you get unlimited music with no storage, maintenance, or extra gear.
If you care about the experience, go vinyl.
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it takes effort. But if you love music, collecting, and the physical connection to sound, vinyl is worth every penny.
And if you’re smart? Do both.
Stream to discover. Buy vinyl to own what you love.
What do you think? Is vinyl worth the extra cost, or is streaming all you need?
Let me know in the comments!
