Updated December 13, 2011
There are many competing download services that let you sample, stream, and buy music over the Internet. The iTunes Store is probably the best known, but it's far from the only one. All of the services have various strengths and weaknesses. Here's an easy-to-use chart to help you compare a few of the leading companies.
As new services, such as Spotify, come to the U.S. and gain traction, this chart will be updated.
Download Service Reviews
Music Download Stores Compared
| Amazon MP3 |
eMusic | Google Music | iTunes | Napster | Rhapsody | Spotify | |
| Song Price |
$0.69- $1.29 |
$0.49- $0.79 |
$0.99 - $1.29 | $0.69- $1.29 |
$0.69- $1.29 |
$0.99- $1.29 |
N/A |
| Monthly Plans | No | $6.49- $94.99 |
No | No | $8- $10 |
$9.99- $14.99 |
$4.99- $9.99 |
| The Fine Print | N/A | Most, but not all major labels |
Most, but not all major labels |
N/A | If you cancel, you lose access to downloads |
Monthly fee is listening only. Downloads cost extra. | If you cancel, you lose access to downloads |
| Songs Available | 16 million | 10 million | 8 million | 20 million | 12 million | 11 million | 15 million |
| File Type | MP3 | MP3 | MP3 | AAC | MP3 | AAC+ & WMA & MP3 |
MP3 |
| Bitrate | 256 Kbps | 128 - 256 Kbps | 320 kbps | 256 Kbps | Unclear | 256 Kbps | varies |
| DRM | None | None | No | None | see The Fine |
Some | see The Fine |
| Share Songs |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 play via Google+ |
Unlimited using iTunes Plus |
Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Own Songs |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | With extra purchase |
Yes | If you maintain subscription |
| Works with iPod |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | iOS only | iOS only | iOS only |
| Cloud | CloudPlayer | TBA | Google Music | iCloud | Streaming | Streaming | Streaming |
