There are generally two types online music downloading services Fakaza. There are two types of music download services online. One allows you to download tracks, and the other lets you listen to complete tracks online. A monthly subscription fee is required. Some do both.
Introducing Walmart.com
The service is simple and allows you buy songs to download. Last time I checked, music downloads were available for as low as 88c per download. You can choose from over 800,000. They also offer a service that lets you select up to 20 tracks out of over 500,000 songs, burn them onto CD, and then send you the CD.
These are the only services out of all four that let you view and purchase music directly from their website without downloading any software to your computer. Internet Explorer is all you will need.
Itunes.com: The Grand Dad Of Revolution
Itunes, owned by Apple was responsible to really kickstart the music-download service industry. They were the first to allow users to legally pay 99c per track.
Their music catalogue includes over 2,000,000+ song, more than any other site, and over 3000+ music videos. You will see that they offer more to their music than just a music store. They also have a wide range of multimedia downloads and options.
There is one problem with their service. First, you must download and install the player. At last count, it was over 34MB. Walmart.com on the other hand allows you browse and to purchase music from within Internet Explorer.
Napster – From pirate to superstar
Napster provides unlimited access over 1,000,000+ songs. Each month, you can listen to unlimited amounts of music. You can listen to over 50 interactive and commercial-free radio stations. Use Napster’s easy to use sharing functions to find out what other users are listening too. You can also swap songs with other Napster members.
Napster even allows you to burn the tracks purchased to CD and take them with you. Napster offers a 7-day free trial of their subscription services.
Rhapsody – Real’s music juggernaut
Real owns Rhapsody. Rhapsody offers unlimited access and complete music jukebox software for managing your entire collection. It also includes over 80 adfree radio stations. You can also share and create playlists which is a common feature in most online music services. You can view and even see music videos as well as photos from your favorite band members.
Rhapsody gives you a 14 day trial of Rhapsody Unlimited for free. Rhapsody Unlimited can be used to get hours of music for free if you don’t have a card. These subscription services are not available for everyone. You can download music from their RealPlayer Music Store. Over 1,000,000 songs are available for purchase.
So which one is right for me? I recommend you give each one a try. All allow you to hear short clips of the music and all subscription services come with free trials. You can’t lose.