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Best subscription music download site
- Large music selection
- A la carte and subscription options
- Lower sound quality than some competitors
- Some problems reported installing the Napster media player
With a huge catalogue of over 10 million songs, Napster has become a reviewer favorite among music download sites. Reviewers like the flexibility that Napster offers by providing both the ability to purchase individual tracks along with reasonably priced subscription options that allow for unlimited streaming to a computer. Another plus for Napster is that MP3 tracks are compatible with virtually all MP3 players, including iPods. Mobile apps for iPhone and Android are also available. For iPod/iPhone owners, iTunes (*Est. 69 cents to $1.29 per track) has one of the largest music catalogs, but it doesn't have any subscription options.
We found an excellent, detailed professional review of Napster at PCMag.com. Reviewer Jamie Lendino evaluates Napster's features and notes potential shortcomings. TopTenReviews.com has a useful side-by-side comparison of several music download services along with a detailed review of Napster. There's also a nice write-up by site guide Mark Harris at About.com. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Our Sources
PCMag.com's Jamie Lendino reviews the latest re-launch of the Napster site that now includes a $5 per month subscription plan. Lendino says the unlimited monthly desktop streaming option "one-ups just about everyone when you take into account how much control Napster gives you over your music." He adds, however, that sound quality is somewhat lower than other music download sites and portable options are limited.
Review: Napster (Spring 2009), Jamie Lendino, May 28, 2009
2. About.com
About.com's digital music site guide, Mark Harris, gives Napster a good overall score in this review. He likes the variety of songs available, the ability to listen to songs in full before purchasing and tie-ins with Facebook and Twitter. He says, "Overall, Napster is a well-rounded service that offers something for everyone." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Napster: A Review of the Napster Music Service, Mark Harris
Among 14 music download services rated at TopTenReviews.com, Napster comes in at a close second to iTunes. Reviews of each service include screen shots, a description of specs and detailed ratings. There's also a helpful side-by-side comparison. The individual reviews are not dated and do not indicate which version they are reviewing.
Review: Napster Review, Editors at TopTenReviews.com
Music Downloads Runners Up:
4 picks including: About.com…
