Who Sold The Most Records In Music History?

The band who have sold the most records in history is The Beatles - while Elvis Presley is the highest selling solo artist and Madonna is the highest selling female artist in history.

In this list, at least 15% of the number must be certified units, and the rest are the claimed sales from reliable sources which may still have an element of inaccuracy. Notable exclusions include Cliff Richard, who would probably have made the top 5, if there was more information regarding his certified sales.

The sales number takes into consideration the sale of albums, singles, compilation albums, music videos and downloads.

1. The Beatles
- Claimed sales: 1 billion

- Certified sales: 250 million

- Nationality: British

- Active: 1960 - 70

- Genre: Rock/pop

2. Elvis Presley
- Claimed sales: 1 billion

- Certified sales: 200 million

- Nationality: American

- Active: 1954 - 1977

- Genre: Rock n Roll/Pop/Country

3. Michael Jackson
- Claimed sales: 750 million

- Certified sales: 155 million

- Nationality: American

- Active: 1964 - 2009

- Genre: Pop/R&B/Rock/Dance/Soul

4. Madonna
- Claimed sales: 300 million

- Certified sales: 155 million

- Nationality: American

- Active: 1979 - present

- Genre: Pop/Rock/Dance

5. Elton John
- Claimed sales: 300 million

- Certified sales: 150 million

- Nationality: British

- Active: 1964 - present

- Genre: Pop/Rock