Ed Sheeran Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Few artists define a generation of songwriting quite like Ed Sheeran. His discography is a map of modern pop, from acoustic beginnings to global stadium anthems.
This naturally leads to a passionate debate among fans: what is the best Ed Sheeran album?
To explore this, we're diving into the Ed Sheeran albums ranked, not just by our own take, but primarily by fan sentiment. We've looked at community discussions and online buzz to see which records hold the most special place in the hearts of listeners.
We'll also see how they stack up based on current popularity data.
Ranking Ed Sheeran's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. + (2011)
Ed Sheeran's debut studio album, +, marked his arrival on the mainstream scene. It was the raw, heartfelt introduction that launched a global career.
The album is built on the acoustic, singer-songwriter foundation that Sheeran had honed through years of EPs and live shows.
It was a massive commercial success, establishing him as a significant new voice in British music and beyond.
Key tracks:
- Lego House
- Give Me Love
It's no surprise that + claims the top spot according to the fans. This is the album that many fell in love with first.
Its blend of raw storytelling, folk-pop melodies, and youthful honesty created a connection with listeners that clearly endures to this day.
2. ÷ (2017)
The third studio album, ÷ (Divide), elevated Ed Sheeran from a star to a global phenomenon. It was an exercise in crafting universally appealing pop music.
The record spawned some of the biggest hits of the decade. It showcased Sheeran's ability to seamlessly blend pop, folk, and even Irish traditional influences.
This album dominated charts and airwaves worldwide, cementing his status as a hitmaking machine.
Key tracks:
- Shape of You
- Perfect
As a commercial titan, ÷'s high ranking is expected. It's filled with songs that became the soundtrack to countless moments for people everywhere.
While some long-time fans may prefer his more acoustic work, the sheer quality and impact of this album's biggest tracks keep it near the top of any discussion.
3. = (2021)
Released in 2021, = saw Sheeran fully embrace a polished, synth-pop sound. It was a reflection of a new chapter in his life, touching on themes of love and fatherhood.
The album delivered massive, upbeat singles alongside the tender ballads his fans have come to expect.
It continued his streak of commercial success, proving his songwriting could adapt and thrive within a more produced, electronic landscape.
Key tracks:
- Shivers
- Bad Habits
The placement of = shows that a large part of the fanbase is happy to follow Sheeran's musical evolution.
While not as raw as his debut, the album's strong hooks and emotional core resonate well, securing it a solid place in the fan hierarchy.
4. x (2013)
x is the second studio album from Ed Sheeran. It was an international commercial success that solidified his position in pop music.
The album saw him working with iconic producers like Rick Rubin and Pharrell Williams, expanding his sonic palette to include elements of soul and funk.
It produced an incredible five singles, including the career-defining "Thinking Out Loud," and earned a Brit Award for British Album of the Year.
Key tracks:
- Photograph
- Thinking out Loud
For many fans, x represents the perfect balance. It retains the acoustic heart of + while showcasing a growing confidence and pop sensibility.
This album is often praised for its consistency and for capturing Sheeran at a creative and commercial peak, making it a crucial part of his catalog.
5. - (2023)
Serving as the final mathematical-themed album, - (Subtract) is a deeply personal and mostly acoustic record.
Production was primarily handled by Aaron Dessner of The National, giving the album a raw, atmospheric, and intimate sound.
The album was praised by critics as one of his best works, stripping back the pop polish to reveal a vulnerable and emotional core.
Key tracks:
- Eyes Closed
- Curtains
This album was a welcome return to form for fans who cherish Sheeran's singer-songwriter roots. Its introspective nature was a powerful shift after the pop sounds of =.
Its position here reflects a deep appreciation for his lyrical honesty, even if it doesn't have the massive singles of his other projects.
6. Autumn Variations (2023)
Autumn Variations was Sheeran's seventh studio album and his second project of 2023. It continued his collaboration with producer Aaron Dessner.
Inspired by the composer Elgar, each of the 14 tracks was written about a different one of his friends and the changes in their lives.
This was also his first studio album released independently on his own label, Gingerbread Man Records, without a major single campaign.
Key tracks:
- American Town
- Magical
As a quieter, more thematic release, Autumn Variations is a gem for dedicated fans. It feels like a companion piece to -.
Its lower ranking is likely a reflection of its more subdued nature and recent release, but it's highly regarded for its lyrical depth and cohesive feel.
7. No.6 Collaborations Project (2019)
No.6 Collaborations Project is the follow-up to Sheeran's 2011 EP, No. 5 Collaborations Project. The album is packed with guest appearances.
It features an eclectic mix of artists, including Justin Bieber, Cardi B, Travis Scott, Eminem, and Bruno Mars.
The project was a commercial success, but represented a significant departure from his solo studio albums, focusing entirely on collaboration across different genres.
Key tracks:
- South of the Border (feat. Camila Cabello & Cardi B)
- Beautiful People (feat. Khalid)
This album's position at the bottom of the fan ranking is telling. It was an ambitious and fun project filled with huge hits.
However, it seems the core fanbase prefers the personal, singular vision of Sheeran's solo work over the star-studded, genre-hopping nature of this release.
Picked your top Ed Sheeran classic? Check out Ed Sheeran's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.
Ed Sheeran albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of Ed Sheeran's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ÷ | 2017 |
| 2 | = | 2021 |
| 3 | x | 2013 |
| 4 | No.6 Collaborations Project | 2019 |
| 5 | + | 2011 |
| 6 | - | 2023 |
| 7 | Autumn Variations | 2023 |
So there you have it – a deep look at the incredible catalog of Ed Sheeran albums ranked by different measures.
It's clear that while the massive hits of albums like ÷ drive incredible engagement, the raw honesty of his debut, +, still holds the top spot for many dedicated fans.
Ultimately, the best Ed Sheeran album is the one that means the most to you. Each record represents a different era, both for the artist and for his listeners.
What does your ranking look like?