The range of MP3 music download services available these days is impressive, especially because a few years ago the choices were so limited. The success of the iPod/iTunes broke open this market, but since then, many other competitors have flooded in. And now, with Amazon's AmazonMP3 service, iTunes has its first true competitor. The original is still the best - for now - but it seems likely that Amazon is going to give Apple a run for its money in the world of online music sales - and consumers should benefit.
For now, here are the top 4 music download services that work with the iPod.
1. iTunes Store
image copyright Apple Inc.
The original is still the best. The iTunes Store has the largest selection of music, continues to add cool new features like iTunes Movie Rentals and iTunes LP, and the integration of the store with the iPod is unparalleled. Despite appealing offerings elsewhere, clicking the iTunes Store link in iTunes is most people's first move when they want to download new music, TV shows, movies, or podcasts.
2. AmazonMP3
The newest entry in this space, AmazonMP3 is also the one most able to give iTunes a real challenge. Though it doesn't have the benefit of iTunes/iPod integration, Amazon's store boasts more DRM-free tracks than any other store and great prices. If Amazon can successfully add other content like video to its store, and find a way to break the "downloads-mean-iTunes" belief that people have, it could take the crown away from Apple.3. eMusic
image coypright eMusic
I'm sorry to put eMusic third on the list because I have a real affection for this scrappy indie. EMusic has been in this space for a long time (I first subscribed in 2000 or so) and offers DRM-free music at good prices. While eMusic used to only offer indie labels, it recently added Sony's music catalog, bringing major artists from Columbia, Sony, and other labels. Still, they've only got one major record label, while iTunes and Amazon have them all. Plus, eMusic doesn't offer video or podcasts (though they have added audiobooks). EMusic is great for my needs, and I wouldn't leave it now, but it's likely to continue to be a specialty offering until it can add more major label music.
4. Napster
image copyright Napster
Napster was once the darling of the digital, free-music revolution. Times sure have changed. After a groundbreaking lawsuit and two sales of the company, it's a subscription-based legal file-sharing service that also offers an MP3 store a la iTunes and AmazonMP3. And while it offers a similar catalog to those sites, its user interface is difficult and it has no features to tempt users away from the market leaders.
