Comparison of online music stores

Comparison of online music stores

For streaming services, see list of online music databases.

The following table lists online music stores that carry a selection of songs by many record labels and artists. The stores listed below access passive databases and require access through a computer or some allow access and downloads through a mobile phone.[1][2] Only stores that have 1 million songs or will have 1 million songs soon[original research?] and offer a wide general selection of music are listed below.[3]

Store Selection (approximately) Geographic restrictions Platform Format DRM Preview Trial Download Again/Locker Other
7digital +11,000,000 songs[4] 16 countries across Europe and North America[5] Platform Independent for MP3 songs 192, and 320 kbit/s MP3; 192, and 320 kbit/s AAC; 192 kbit/s WMA; FLAC (for a few albums) No 30 seconds None Yes Podcasting; charts; videos; trailers; audiobooks
Addictech 5,000+ songs[6] None Platform Independent 192, and 320 kbit/s MP3; FLAC; and WAV No 60 seconds None Charts of music
Amazon MP3 17,915,992 songs[7] United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Japan Platform independent for individual tracks and browsing the store, Amazon MP3 Downloader is required for downloading albums (Windows 98 or later, Mac OS X or Linux)[8] 256 kbit/s VBR MP3 No 30 seconds None Yes Amazon MP3 Downloader integrates with iTunes and Windows Media Player[8]
Arkade[9] 12,000+ Tracks 8,500+ Artists None Platform Independent MP3 No Controlled by user Free trial site Independent artists. Multi-currency support. Cover versions support
artistxite[10] +11,000,000 songs Some Platform Independent MP3, AAC No 30 seconds None Yes Stylemixer allows users to find new music by combining music styles. Editorial content includes album reviews and music specials
Audimated +10,000 songs None (available worldwide) Platform Independent MP3 No Free to join. Full stream available. Users can earn a commission by sharing their favorite music.
Bandcamp 2,500,000 songs None Platform Independent MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, Apple Lossless, FLAC, No Full None
Beatport +2,000,000 songs Varies by track[11] Platform independent MP3, AAC, WAV No 120 seconds None HTML 5, Waveform Display, Key Display
BuyMusic 1,000,000 songs[12] United States[13] Windows 98 or above, IE 5.01 or above[13] 128, and 256 kbit/s WMA[13] Yes, PlaysForSure[13] Unknown None
CDBaby 3,000,000+ songs[14] None? Platform independent MP3 200 kbit/s VBR No 30 seconds None Full albums only
Classical Archives 620,000+ songs, 7,800+ composers, 27,000+ artists, 120+ labels Worldwide for most tracks, some tracks are only available in the United States and Canada Platform independent (Current browser versions preferred) 320 kbit/s MP3, 256 kbit/s MP3, 192 kbit/s MP3, MIDI No 60 seconds 14 days Stream WMA, download MP3 and MIDI, free Music also available (limits per day)
Digital-Tunes None Platform Independent 320 kbit/s MP3; FLAC; and WAV No 60 seconds None DJ charts; stream
Discogs 404,000+ releases[15] None Platform Independent 192, and 320 kbit/s MP3; 192, and WAV No 130 seconds None Online music cataloging database; community; buys and sells used records
eBay Digital Music Center US and Canada only Platform Independent 320 kbit/s MP3 No 60 seconds None Auctioning, buy and sell
eMusic 13,000,000 tracks[16] United States, Canada, member states of the European Union, Norway and Switzerland[17] Windows 98 or later; Linux; Mac OS 9/X[18] 256 kbit/s VBR MP3, older tracks: 192 kbit/s VBR MP3[18] No 30 seconds[18] 25 downloads Download concerts, and audiobooks
Fairsharemusic 16,000,000+ 16 countries across Europe and North America Platform Independent for MP3 songs 192, and 320 kbit/s MP3; 192, and 320 kbit/s AAC; 192 kbit/s WMA; FLAC (for a few albums) No 30-60 seconds None Yes From every download half the profit goes to the charity of your choice[19]
GoMusic 2,650,000 songs[20] None Platform independent 192 kbit/s MP3 No 30 seconds None Soundtracks, audiobooks, and charts
HDtracks none Platform Independent 320 kbit/s MP3, FLAC, AIFF No 30 seconds None High quality audiophile tracks, some binaural.
HMV UK Platform independent 256 kbit/s to 320 kbit/s MP3 No Unknown None
immergent.com ~8,000,000 songs USA Platform independent up to 320 kbit/s MP3 No 30 seconds None Charts, Rating, user profiles, blog, chat, social networking features
iMesh[21] 4,000,000 pay-for songs, 15,000,000 free songs[22] United States, Canada XP or Vista with Windows Media Player 10 or later. 320 kbit/s or 256 kbit/s MP3, 128 kbit/s WMA and various depending upon user shared content. Partial, PlaysForSure WMA for subscriptions, 320 kbit/s or 256 kbit/s MP3 for purchases, user shared content (free) may vary. 30 seconds 14 days from first premium download. Artist discovery; Staff created playlists; soundtracks; online community.
INZU 1,000,000 pay-for songs Worldwide Platform independent No format restrictions, popular formats: MP3, WAV, AIF No Controlled by user None User generated content selling digital and physical goods.
iTunes Store 14,000,000+ songs[23] Some[24] Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later; Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later. 256 kbit/s VBR AAC Partial, FairPlay is still in some countries, notably iTunes Japan. 90 seconds[25] None Yes Podcasting; charts; movie trailers; audiobooks; movies; TV Shows; Music Videos; iTunes U; iPod Games; iPhone/iPod Touch Apps;
Jamendo 210,000+ songs None Platform independent MP3; Ogg Vorbis No Full None Yes Free, under a Creative Commons license or Free Art License
Juno / Juno Download 1,000,000 songs? Worldwide? Platform independent? 128 kbit/s MP3; 320 kbit/s MP3; WAV No 60 seconds None 192 mp3 (£0.99), 320 mp3 (£1.49), wav (£1.99). Discounts sometimes for whole release purchase. Only small 700x700 pixel front cover image supplied, not larger iTunes Cover Flow friendly 1500x1500 ones.
Magnatune 10,000 songs None Platform independent MP3 high quality VBR and 128 kbit/s, WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG No Full albums at 128k Free listening at 128k Streaming and download memberships for unlimited listening/downloads (50/50 revenue split with artists); encourages the distribution of up to 3 copies of downloaded albums to friends; exclusive selection
Moozone 6,300,000 songs US only Platform independent MP3 320 kbit/s No 30 seconds None Online music storage (personal digital locker), social network
MAQAM 10,000 songs None Platform Independent MP3 high quality: 320 kbit/s constant rate No 30-120 seconds None Specializes in Arabic, Middle Eastern, and North African Music
Napster +12,000,000 songs[26] United States, Canada, Germany, or United Kingdom[26] Napster Web application (Windows/Mac/Linux), Internet Explorer 7.x (Recommended)

or Firefox 2.x, Flash Player 8+; Napster software application (Windows only): Windows XP/Vista; Internet Explorer 7.x (Recommended); Windows Media Player 10+.[27]

 Purchase: 128, and 256 kbit/s DRM-free MP3 (Canada - DRM WMA);[28] Subscription: 128, and 192 kbit/s WMA Purchase: no (DRM-free MP3 in some geographical areas, DRM in Canada); Subscription: Yes, PlaysForSure.[28] Napster subscription-Entire song, unlimited; Free Napster-Entire song; Napster MP3 Store-30 seconds. 7 days Hi-res. album art included
NewMusicFeeds.com 2,500 songs None Platform independent 320 kbit/s MP3; 24 Bit Wav No 30 Seconds None 90% payouts to artists.
Nimbit 10,000+ Artists, 1,000,000+ Songs None Platform Independent Most popular formats No 30 seconds Free or Paid Account Sign-ups Distribute digital, physical music, DVDs, merch, bundles, tickets, and more
Optus Music Store Australia MP3 - platform independent 250, and 320 kbit/s MP3 No 30 seconds None
PayPlay.FM 1,900,000 songs[29] United States MP3 - Platform Independent, WMA - Windows 98 or higher; Windows Media Player 9 or higher 192 kbit/s MP3 or 192 kbit/s WMA (DRM) per user choice No[30] 30 seconds None No
PlayNow 4,000,000 songs Worldwide (selected countries) Windows and Mac 320 kbit/s MP3 No 30 seconds None Dual download that allows two downloads of each song (to a PC and to a SonyEricsson phone)
Puretracks 3,000,000 songs[31] United States and Canada[32] Windows 98 or higher; Windows Media Player 9 or higher[32], Mac OS X 192, and 320 kbit/s MP3, 192 WMA[32] Partial, PlaysForSure for majority and none for 50,000 songs[33] 30 seconds None
Qobuz 2,500,000 songs None Platform Independent (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux) 320 kbit/s, Lossless (44 kHz / 16 bits) or StudioMasters (96 kHz / 24 bits), many formats (MP3, ALAC, FLAC, WMA, AAC, OGG)[34] No 30 seconds 4 free albums Download, streaming, high-res. covers, PDF booklets, videos, news, podcasts, forum
Rhapsody +10,000,000 songs [35] United States[36] Windows 98 or later, Mac OS X, Linux[36] 128, 160, and 192 kbit/s (depending on subscription) WMA, or 256 kbit/s MP3 Partial, Real DNA [37], has DRM-free MP3s[38] 30 seconds 14 days 25 Free streams a month[39]
Rhino Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group 2,000 artists  FLAC, WMA, and Apple Lossless 30 seconds
Spotify 13,000,000 songs Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States iPhone, Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Palm, Mac, Windows, Linux (preview, or using Wine) 320 kbit/s MP3 Yes 7/30 days Streaming or download, depending on account type.
Traxsource 500,000 songs None Platform independent 320 kbit/s MP3, 265 kbit/s AAC, WAV No 60 seconds None Dance music specialist.
Vodafone Music 6,000,000 songs Europe, Africa and Australasia[1] Windows 98 or later 320 kbit/s MP3 PC, 64 kbit/s AAC+ enhanced Mobile No 30 seconds None Yes Dual download to mobile and PC, Europe offers java mobile client as well
Walmart Music 6,000,000 songs United States[40] Platform independent 256 kbit/s MP3 DRM discontinued in Feb. 2008[41] 30 seconds None
WiMP 3,000,000 songs Norway and Denmark Cross-platform (Adobe Air) AAC 64 kb or AAC 256 kbit/s No 5-30 seconds 30 days
Zune Marketplace 14,000,000 songs[42] United States , Europe , Japan , Hong Kong , India , Singapore Windows XP or higher[43] 192 kbit/s WMA;[44] 256, and 320 kbit/s MP3[45] Purchase: no (DRM-free MP3). Subscription: Partial, does not support PlaysForSure, 30 Seconds ZunePass 14 day trial Podcasts, Music Videos, TV Shows, Movies, Movie Rentals, Movie Trailers, Zune HD apps, Games, Channels, Unlimited Music Downloads, Keep 10 Songs Every Month
TunesDiary IND Platform independent MP3 320kps No Full Length No Trial No Play full lyrics along with song. Full streaming, Share song with friends and socialize over music
Store Selection (approximately) Geographic restrictions Platform Format DRM Preview Trial Download Again/Locker Other

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b "Vodafone Music". http://www.vodafone.com/start/about_vodafone/what_we_do/products_and_services/data.html. 
  2. ^ "DROPme > never miss a beat". http://www.dropme.se/en/. Retrieved 2008-06-30. 
  3. ^ Digital Music Stores Compared
  4. ^ "7digital catalogue". http://about.7digital.net/OurServices/MusicCatalogue. 
  5. ^ "Music Start-Up Page". http://about.7digital.net/OurServices/Music-Start-Up. Retrieved 2011-08-23. 
  6. ^ "Catalog". http://www.addictech.com/store/index.php?sort=7d&usetags=true&type=all. 
  7. ^ An empty search query on the Amazon MP3 website shows a catalog of 16.6 million songs
  8. ^ a b http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/dmusic/help/amd.html/ref=dm_gs_amd
  9. ^ "Arkade Home". http://www.arkade.com. Retrieved 2011-07-26. 
  10. ^ "artistxite - online music store". http://www.artistxite.com. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
  11. ^ "Restricted tracks at Beatport". https://knowledgebase.beatport.com/kb/article/000017. Retrieved 2009-04-07. 
  12. ^ "Visiting BuyMusic at Buy.com". http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=244189795607900&id=130757140308919. Retrieved 2011-09-05. 
  13. ^ a b c d "Visiting BuyMusic at Buy.com". https://secure.buy.com/corp/support/downloads_help.asp. Retrieved 2007-03-19. 
  14. ^ "CDBaby.com About Page". http://www.cdbaby.com/About. Retrieved 2011-08-23. 
  15. ^ "Discogs Digital Downloads MP3". http://www.discogs.com/digital. 
  16. ^ "About eMusic". May, 2011. http://www.emusic.com/info/about/. 
  17. ^ "eMusic.com Terms of Use". http://www.emusic.com/info/help/terms-of-use-eu/. Retrieved November 13, 2011. 
  18. ^ a b c "Emusic Technical Help". http://www.emusic.com/help/technical.html. Retrieved 2007-03-13. 
  19. ^ http://www.fairsharemusic.com/about-us/what-we-do
  20. ^ "GoMusic: High quality DRM-free MP3 Downloads". http://www.gomusic.ru/. Retrieved 2008-04-16. 
  21. ^ "RIAA - Legal Music Sites". http://www.riaa.com/toolsforparents.php?content_selector=legal_music_sites. Retrieved 2008-11-11. 
  22. ^ "iMesh.com". http://www.imesh.com. Retrieved 2008-11-11. 
  23. ^ "Apple PR". http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/09/01itunes.html/. Retrieved 2008-09-01. [dead link]
  24. ^ "Apple PR". http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/ww/. Retrieved 2011-02-13. 
  25. ^ "iTunes Music Store". Archived from the original on 2007-03-06. http://web.archive.org/web/20070306104528/http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/music.html. Retrieved 2007-03-12. 
  26. ^ a b "Napster Home Page". http://www.napster.com/. Retrieved 2011-02-03. 
  27. ^ "Napster Quick Help - System Requirements". http://napsterus.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/napsterus.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=33&p_created=1205535269&p_sid=cLhcVC6j&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=430&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MTIsMTImcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPTM1JnBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9MS4zNSZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFuc3dlcnMuc2VhcmNoX25sJnBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=&p_topview=1. Retrieved 2008-05-14. 
  28. ^ a b "MP3 Downloads". http://home.napster.com/devices/not_ntg_compatible.html. Retrieved 2008-06-18. 
  29. ^ "PayPlay.FM website". http://payplay.fm/about. Retrieved 2008-06-01. 
  30. ^ "PayPlay.FM Starts Selling 1,300,000 Tracks of DRM-Free Music". http://payplay.fm/2007/05/29. Retrieved 2007-05-29. 
  31. ^ "Puretracks - Puretracks Music Store". http://corporate.puretracks.com/music.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-31. 
  32. ^ a b c "Puretracks 2.0". http://us.puretracks.com/content/viewer_page.aspx?cid=Help_Main_v2. Retrieved 2007-03-19. 
  33. ^ Nowak, Peter (2007-02-27). "Puretracks takes lead in rights fight". Financial Post. http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=c4fe4fe1-bd7c-489b-bfdf-54991a0587be. Retrieved 2007-03-13. 
  34. ^ http://www.qobuz.com/blogs/qobuzblog/2010/08/18/sur-qobuz-vous-avez-desormais-le-droit-a-la-qualite-et-la-liberte-du-format-de-telechargement-2/
  35. ^ "Rhapsody About Us". http://www.rhapsody.com/about-us. 
  36. ^ a b "Rhapsody Online Help". Archived from the original on 2007-03-12. http://web.archive.org/web/20070312165922/http://home.real.com/product/help/rhapweb/en/rhapweb.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-13. 
  37. ^ "Real cuts cord on PlaysForSure WMA". http://www.betanews.com/article/Real-Cuts-Cord-on-PlaysForSure-WMA/1158597731. Retrieved 2007-03-13. 
  38. ^ "Rhapsody Teams with Universal Music Group for DRM-Free Music Test". http://www.realnetworks.com/company/press/releases/2007/rhap_umg.html. Retrieved 2008-02-04. 
  39. ^ "Rhapsody FAQ". http://www.rhapsody.com/rhapsody_faqs. Retrieved 2007-03-13. 
  40. ^ "Walmart Music Downloads Questions". http://mp3.walmart.com/store/help/help.htm. Retrieved 2011-04-14. 
  41. ^ "Wal-Mart Music Downloads Help". http://mp3.walmart.com/store/help/help.htm. Retrieved 2011-04-14. 
  42. ^ "Zune expands to Canada". http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2011/09/29/zune-expands-to-canada-drops-zune-pass-price-in-us.aspx. Retrieved 2011-01-07. 
  43. ^ "Zune Software Release Notes". Archived from the original on 2007-03-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20070306200741/http://www.zune.net/en-us/meetzune/software/releasenotes.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-13. 
  44. ^ "Zune Marketplace Review by CNET". http://reviews.cnet.com/Zune_Marketplace/4505-9240_7-32150195.html. Retrieved 2007-03-20. 
  45. ^ "Zune Forums". http://forums.zune.net/385255/ShowPost.aspx. Retrieved 2010-01-12. 

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