Developed by Apple, iTunes is a media download service. Users download music, videos, movies and television programs directly to a computer or portable device. The application is free to download to a Mac, a personal computer, an iPhone, iPod, iPad or to Apple TV. Downloads on iTunes cost as little as 0.69 cents, as of March 2011. Additional features include free podcasts, iTunes U and iTunes Ping. Users can download compact discs and load pictures directly onto iTunes. A Wi-Fi network is required to download from iTunes.
Napster is a digital music service with a catalog of more than 12 million songs. Features include music on-demand, new releases, playlists and streaming radio. The cost of Napster is $4.17 per month, with additional plans available for as little as $8 per month, as of March 2011. Devices compatible with Napster include Android, BlackBerry, Blu-ray players, televisions and personal computers.
Amazon MP3 offers a catalog of more than 15 million songs including new releases and classic tracks. An Amazon account is required to download music. Select music is free, with additional songs starting at 0.69 cents per song, as of March 2011. Amazon MP3 offers daily deals as well as 100 albums as low as $5. Music from Amazon MP3 is downloaded directly to iTunes or Windows Music Player.
Rhapsody is a streaming music service offering downloadable content of more than 10 million songs. Downloading Rhapsody is free, with monthly plans then starting at $10, as of March 2011. The monthly fee allows users to download an infinite amount of songs. Music is streamed on iPhone, iPods, Android, BlackBerry and home audio systems.
Legal Sounds is a free streaming service offering new releases as well as classic tracks. Songs cost as little as 0.09 cents each as of March 2011. A minimum deposit is required to download songs. Legal Sounds features top Billboard releases from the U.S. as well as European nations.