- New research reveals a fondness for retro, with just under a quarter (24%) of Brits owning a vinyl record player[1]
- Record players prove popular amongst the younger generations, with 18% of Gen Z (18-28-years-old) and 16% of Millennials (29-44-years-old) owning one
- Research also reveals ownership of other vintage music-related items include owning a Walkman or cassette player (12%) and vintage radio (10%)
- Other retro revivals include owning binoculars and analogue cameras
- Aviva urges people to protect belongings with home contents insurance
New research by insurer Aviva indicates that Brits have a penchant for the past when it comes to music, with 18.8 million Brits owning a vintage music player[1].
The data comes as separate research reveals almost a quarter of Brits (24%) own a vinyl turntable. Unsurprisingly, the silent generation (those aged 80+) are the most likely to own one (39%). However, vinyl record players also prove popular amongst the younger generations, with 18% of Gen Z (18-28-years-old) and 16% of Millennials (29-44-years-old) owning one.
The love of listening to music through more retro gadgets continues, with more than one in 10 (12%) owning a Walkman or cassette player and 10% owning a vintage radio.
Accidents happen and home insurance can help provide peace of mind knowing that your items are protected.
The research also reveals trends in other much-loved pursuits, with more than a quarter (28%) owning a pair of binoculars – which are typically used for past times such as birdwatching, stargazing and plane spotting. The data also indicates a preference for using older gadgets for these pastimes, with two fifths (40%) possessing a digital camera and a fifth (20%) owning an analogue or polaroid camera. In comparison, just 11% own a newer form of camera such as a specialist action camera or drone.
Hannah Davidson, Senior Underwriting Manager at Aviva, comments: “Despite younger generations growing up in the of era of the iPod, MP3 player and CD player, it’s interesting to see a potential shift towards more nostalgic – and potentially costly - ways of enjoying music - even in a digital-first world.
“Record players are often more intricate and can easily be damaged. Some home insurance policies offer an optional add‑on, known as 'accidental damage cover', which can provide cover for things like accidental spills or breakages. Accidents happen and home insurance can help provide peace of mind knowing that your items are protected.”
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Methodology:
18.8 million stat found by finding the number of nationally representative respondents who selected Vinyl record player, Cassette tape player or Walkman, or Vintage radio in Q9 (34%) extrapolated against the 18+ ONS population mid-year estimates 2024: 55,022,253/100 x 34.2% = 18,817,610.5
References:
1. Research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2001 UK Nat Rep Respondents (18+). The data was collected between 02.03.2026 - 04.03.2026.[↑]
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