How to Go Analog in 2026

For all its benefits, the modern digital world can be quite a grind. Endless notifications, subscription everything, devices that always need recharging -- it can be a lot. What if you could go back to a simpler time? Or at least a time that seemed simpler. Nostalgia for analog has become quite popular, from the resurgence of vinyl and cassettes, to film and instant cameras and the surprising success of used book stores.

But how do you do it? How do you go analog in the digital world of 2026? Depending on how committed you are to ditching digital, it might be pretty easy. I've arranged the categories from easiest to most difficult based not only on how simple the transition is, but also on how much the switch will affect your day-to-day life.

Photos

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

One of the easiest ways you can go analog is to get a real film camera instead of using your phone or digital camera. While you can get a new film camera fairly cheaply, and there are countless used ones, if you don't know anything about cameras, that switch can be daunting (and film processing can get pricey).

Consider one of Fujifilm's Instax cameras instead. These instant cameras print out the photo you just took, just like the Polaroids of old (or Polaroids of now). This keepsake of a special moment can be something you put on a wall or in a photo album, or you can give them away to friends and family so they can remember the moment, too. They also make great fridge decorations.

Books

Shelves of new and used books at Powell's City of Books in Portland, including plenty of good reads and one great one. Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

Reading for pleasure has become sort of a lost art, but if you're going analog, this is a great way to entertain yourself that doesn't require a TV, subscription or charging a device. There are a lot of great books out there, ahem, in whatever genre you're interested in. Best of all, you can enjoy books for free. Your local library would love to meet you. They often have lots of other things you can check out for free as well, including music.

One of the more surprising trends I've seen recently is the rise of independent book stores. You might be surprised to learn there's one in your area now.

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