CD Baby vs Artlist: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CD Baby and Artlist comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
CD Baby
Distribute your music to 150+ global platforms with a one-time fee and keep over 90% of your earnings.
Best for you if:
- • You need music distribution features specifically
- • Distributes music to 150+ global platforms for a one-time fee.
- • Artists keep over 90% of their earnings with no annual fees.
Artlist
Unlimited royalty-free music, sound effects, and stock footage for creators.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need stock assets features specifically
- • Unlimited royalty-free music, SFX, and footage
- • Universal license for all projects
| At a Glance |  CD Baby |  Artlist |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Music Distribution | Stock Assets |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | CD Baby | Artlist |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Music DistributionRoyalty Management | Stock AssetsDigital Asset Management |
How CD Baby and Artlist Compare
CD Baby
Distribute your music to 150+ global platforms with a one-time fee and keep over 90% of your earnings.
Paid
Artlist
Unlimited royalty-free music, sound effects, and stock footage for creators.
Free tier available
CD Baby is a music distribution tool. Artlist is in stock assets.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Artlist has a free tier. CD Baby is paid only.
Go with: Artlist
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: CD Baby
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: CD Baby
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CD Baby is paid. Artlist is freemium. Artlist lets you start free.
What's your use case?
CD Baby is a music distribution tool. Artlist is in stock assets. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
CD Baby
- Our pick for this comparison
Artlist
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for stock assets
The Bottom Line
CD Baby is our pick. Artlist has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CD Baby or Artlist better?
CD Baby scores high/100 in our evaluation. CD Baby is paid and Artlist is freemium.
What are CD Baby and Artlist used for?
CD Baby: Distribute your music to 150+ global platforms with a one-time fee and keep over 90% of your earnings.. Artlist: Unlimited royalty-free music, sound effects, and stock footage for creators..
What does CD Baby cost vs Artlist?
CD Baby is a paid tool. Artlist is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.