How to build your CD collection on the cheap

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Since CDs have become popular again during the growth of both retro tech nostalgia and the growing interest in lossless audio, tracking CDs is a logical first step to enjoying them. The older among us may have old collections of CDs to turn to from when that was the hegemonic audio option, but if you're young, sold your collection years ago, or just want to add more to your list, you still have plenty of options for getting CDs. But, many of us still have a budget to stick to, and audio hobbies can get expensive quickly.

Fortunately, CDs can be easily found at low prices, as long as you know where to look. If you're looking for ideas on how to build your CD collection on a budget, here are some options to choose from.

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Check out other retail stores

The best place to find anything cheap

Thrift store wall with TVs and DVDs on shelves.

Joss Broward / Unsplash

One of the best places to look for CDs is your local CD store. People sort through stuff in their basement or storage all the time, feel like they don't really need their CDs anymore because times have changed, give them all away.

Often the CDs you'll find at thrift stores aren't very appealing because most people stick to the best stuff, or they buy quickly once they're in the store. Most of the stock will be holiday albums or niche and small artists you've never heard of, but hey, they might be cool if you try. With time, luck, and a keen eye, you can find gems — or a new favorite artist.

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Go to a record store

They usually have a great selection

Mick Haupt / Unsplash

Yes, record stores sell more than vinyl records — who would have thought? While the front of the store is often filled with new releases and various used vinyl records, you can often find a section full of used CDs. These are usually cheaper, and come with the added bonus of being very well organized by genre and artist.

Even better, some record stores have bargain bins for CDs too, so if you're looking for some really budget-friendly grabs, find that section of the store and check out what they have. And if you're allowed, you can try the CD in the store before you buy it to see if you really like it.

Two Green Day CD cases, one open and sitting on top of the other.

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There are more listings than you will ever know you have done

If you want to find some CDs online, eBay is a great place to look. There are millions of CD listings on eBay, in varying degrees of condition and wear. The good thing about CDs is that they can withstand a little wear and tear without being rendered useless, unlike vinyl records, so you'll probably get good use out of most CDs you find there — regardless of condition. .

CDs in mint condition will cost you a bit more, but you can easily find good CDs on eBay for less than $10, sometimes even less than $5, that have been very popular but work like new.

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Check out Discogs

It's more than a catalog

List of CDs for sale on Discogs at "The things I want" part

Another great online place to find CDs is Discogs, which is often used to find vinyl records and track your collection, but many people sell and list CDs there of varying quality. As on eBay, mint condition and unopened CDs will cost you more, but you can find a lot of good CDs for under $10.

Often times, for Discogs, the biggest consideration will be shipping costs. But sometimes you can find out if a CD is for sale at a particular store, and if that store is near you, you can save a little on shipping and just go straight to the store to buy that used CD.

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Check out a garage sale near you

This is usually the cheapest way

Sean Benesh / Unsplash

Almost every garage sale I go to has a good selection of expensive CDs, sometimes for as little as $1. People who are trying to get rid of junk usually don't care about making a profit from what they sell in their front yard, so you may be able to find great CDs for very low prices at garage sales.

It is more likely to find them in the spring and summer.

The trick with these is actually finding them, so keep an eye out for signs in your area about upcoming yard sales, or look around and keep an eye out for any unexpected surprises. You may also find them in the spring and summer.