Physical media is still going strong according to a recent survey from Consumer Reports. Despite the shift toward digital downloads and streaming services, a significant number of consumers continue to hold on to tangible media, whether out of nostalgia, preference, or practicality. While we typically look at sales data to determine format preferences, this survey reveals what consumers are actually using on a regular basis.
In my latest video, we dive into the survey results and also interview the Consumer Reports journalist who initiated the survey.
The survey, which included over 2,000 respondents weighted to reflect the American population, found that 45% of Americans still listen to CDs. This number surpasses vinyl records, which have outsold CDs in recent years, but not necessarily in terms of actual usage. Even cassette tapes have a notable presence, with 15% of respondents saying they still use them. Surprisingly, 5% of Americans still listen to eight-track tapes, a format that largely disappeared decades ago.
On the video side, DVDs and Blu-rays remain in use by almost half of Americans. Even as streaming services dominate entertainment consumption, many consumers still rely on physical copies, whether for better quality, affordability, or simply because they own large collections. VHS tapes, once considered obsolete, are still watched by 15% of respondents. Even laser discs, a niche format from the 1990s, still have a small but dedicated following, with 3% of Americans reporting they still watch them.
But consumer-generated media has also seen a more dramatic shift away from older formats. Only 9% of respondents say they use a dedicated camcorder, a sharp decline from past decades when handheld video cameras were common in households. The rise of smartphones with high-quality video capabilities has made camcorders largely redundant. DVR usage has also declined, with only 4% of Americans still relying on devices like TiVo.
Classic video game systems remain popular, however, with 14% of Americans still using older consoles. While this number may seem lower than expected given the strong online retro gaming community, it reflects the difference between casual users and dedicated collectors. Many small businesses and conventions continue to thrive around vintage gaming, and many enthusiasts like myself have even returned to using CRT televisions for a more authentic experience. I think we may see this number actually increase over time.
Legacy home office equipment also persists in some households. About a quarter of Americans still use landline telephones, though many of these are now VoIP-based rather than traditional copper-line connections. Fax machines continue to be used by 11% of respondents, and even Rolodexes and floppy disks still have their niche users, with 5% and 4% respectively.
The journalist behind the Consumer Reports article, Jim Willcox, joined me in the video to discuss how he personally added the questions about legacy technology to the survey out of curiosity. He noted that the longevity of physical media often defies industry expectations. While new formats tend to be predicted as the downfall of older ones, the transition is rarely immediate. Communities continue to form around niche formats, and the appeal of tangible media has proven resilient.
Willcox also highlighted the changing landscape of content ownership. With the rise of streaming, consumers have become increasingly aware of the drawbacks—such as the unpredictability of content availability and the necessity of multiple subscriptions to access favorite shows or movies. In contrast, physical media ensures long-term ownership without concerns over shifting licensing agreements or digital rights management.
While digital convenience is undeniable, the enduring appeal of physical media suggests that many consumers still value having something they can hold, play, and collect. Whether it’s a preference for higher-quality audio and video, a sense of nostalgia, or simply wanting control over their media, this survey shows us that physical formats are far from extinct.