Last tested: June 2026

DistroKid vs CD Baby (2026) — Annual vs One-Time Fee Compared

Bottom line up front

DistroKid charges a low yearly fee for unlimited uploads and takes 0% of royalties — best if you release often. CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release (no renewal) but keeps ~9% of streaming royalties — best for occasional releases you want live forever.

Try DistroKid →Try CD Baby →

DistroKid vs CD Baby — compared

FeatureDistroKidCD Baby
Pricing model~$22.99/yr unlimitedOne-time per release
Royalty cut0%~9% of streaming
Stays live without renewal✗✓
Unlimited releases✓Pay per release
Publishing / syncAdd-onYes
Best forProlific artistsOccasional / set-and-forget
Accepts AI music (with disclosure)✓✓

Verified June 2026. Pricing & features change — check each vendor's own page for the latest. "—" = not a standard feature to our knowledge.

Some links to third-party tools are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our honest, dated picks.

The verdict

Release frequently → DistroKid (annual, 0% cut). Release rarely and want it live forever → CD Baby (one-time fee, ~9% cut).

FAQ

Is DistroKid or CD Baby better value?

If you release several tracks a year, DistroKid's flat annual fee usually wins. If you release once and want it live forever with no renewals, CD Baby's one-time fee can be better despite its ~9% royalty cut.

Does CD Baby take a cut of royalties?

Yes — CD Baby keeps roughly 9% of streaming and download royalties. DistroKid takes 0% but requires an annual subscription to keep your music live.

Sources: Ari's Take — distribution comparison 2026

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