TuneRegistry vs CD Baby CDB Boost: Quick Comparison Guide
Need a fast comparison of TuneRegistry and CD Baby CDB Boost? This guide breaks down the key differences in pricing, features, and value proposition so you can make an informed decision about your US publishing administration.
At a Glance
TuneRegistry: Comprehensive US music rights administration platform. $15/month, zero commission, direct society relationships.
CDB Boost: Limited MLC-only mechanical collection. $39.99/release + 15% commission, CD Baby becomes intermediary.
Pricing Comparison
TuneRegistry
Solo: $15/month ($180/year).
Team: $35/month ($420/year).
Business: $95/month ($1,140/year).
Commission: $0 on any royalties.
Per-release fees: $0.
Per-songwriter fees: $0.
CD Baby CDB Boost
Upfront: $39.99 per release (one-time).
Commission: 15% on all mechanical royalties.
Sync commission: 40% (if placement occurs).
3 releases over 5 years: $1,619.97 total.
10 releases over 5 years: $4,149.90 total.
Services Comparison
What TuneRegistry Includes
PRO registration facilitation (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) ✓
MLC registration ✓
Harry Fox Agency facilitation ✓
Music Reports facilitation ✓
SoundExchange registration via DDEX ✓
Professional catalog management ✓
Document storage ✓
Registration tracking ✓
Responsive human support ✓
What CDB Boost Includes
PRO registration facilitation ✗
MLC registration ✓ (only service provided)
Harry Fox Agency facilitation ✗
Music Reports facilitation ✗
SoundExchange registration ✓ (label share only)
Professional catalog management ✗
Document storage ✗
Registration tracking ✗
Responsive human support ✗ (AI-only, weeks wait)
Business Model Comparison
TuneRegistry
You remain publisher of record.
Direct payments from all societies.
No intermediary taking commission.
Cancel anytime (24 hours).
No re-registration if you leave.
CD Baby CDB Boost
CD Baby becomes publisher of record for submitted works.
CD Baby collects, then pays you minus commission.
CD Baby is intermediary between you and The MLC.
Complex cancellation (15-24 months).
Must re-register with societies if you leave.
When to Choose TuneRegistry
You want comprehensive US publishing administration (not just MLC).
You want to avoid per-release fees and commission.
You need PRO, Harry Fox, Music Reports facilitation.
You want professional catalog management.
You value direct society relationships.
You want freedom to cancel without complex process.
You prefer predictable flat monthly pricing.
When CD Baby Distribution Makes Sense
Many artists use CD Baby for distribution and TuneRegistry for publishing. This keeps services separate:
CD Baby distributes your music to streaming platforms.
TuneRegistry handles all US publishing administration.
You avoid CDB Boost's limitations and commission.
Each service focuses on what it does best.
The Bottom Line
CDB Boost is an extremely limited service charging both upfront fees and ongoing commission for MLC-only mechanical registration. TuneRegistry provides comprehensive US music rights administration: PRO registration, MLC, Harry Fox, Music Reports, SoundExchange, catalog management, and responsive support, all for one flat monthly fee with zero commission.
For independent artists serious about their publishing administration, TuneRegistry offers significantly more value at a fraction of the long-term cost. You maintain control, collect 100% of royalties, and can exit cleanly if needed.