Whether you yourself are an avid music fan or looking for a fantastic gift for somebody who is, one of the questions that pop-up in your mind must be where to download music online. Clearly, buying music CDs from actual shops may not be the best (and definitely, not the cheapest) alternative available today. Millions of people have discovered a cheaper, faster and easier way to update their music collections.

So, where to download music? Well, in fact, the websites are so plentiful that you may feel overwhelmed and completely lost in the endless array of loud promises and tempting offers. From absolutely free options to those equal to the cost of a good CD, your choices are never too few. However, all the online sources can be divided into three major groups:

1. Peer-to-peer file sharing websites.

These sites are normally free, because music files are shared among users. To get access to the music database you need to install software in most cases. While these sites do attract a lot of users (mainly because the idea of free stuff is irresistibly tempting), numerous risks involved with uncontrolled file sharing should make you think twice. Not only music files, but the software itself can be harmful for your computer and personal privacy. Therefore, deciding where to download music, don't assume that free is always best.

2. Pay-per-download music websites.

With iTune being on the top, these sites offer huge selection of various music - from all-time favorites to the latest hits. When it comes to the files, you don't have to worry about the quality and compatibility with your player. However, pay-per-download mode or even monthly subscription hardly allow any savings over traditional CDs. Besides, Digital Rights Management restricts your options, when you want to move the downloaded files to a CD or another computer, and may even turn all your files into unplayable once your subscription gets expired.

3. Websites granting a life-time access to unlimited music downloads.

This option allows you to pay only once, but get as many tracks as you want without putting any restrictions whatsoever. What you pay for is basically a life-time membership with no recurring charges at any stage. You become the sole owner of all downloaded files and can burn your own CD, move the songs to another PC, etc. The real beauty of this alternative is that you pay under $50 in most cases, which is affordable to anybody.

Looking at more options where to download music, you can find websites offering combined pay-per-download and subscription mode, but again, they are not from an easily affordable category. Unless you need just a couple of tracks, the variant of life-time unlimited membership is clearly the most beneficial one. It is legal, safe and amazingly inexpensive.

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