MP3 Music

Many people all over the world are asking about “legal Zune music downloads”. Zune is unlike other popular media devices. It frees owners from DRM download requirements. DRM or digital rights management is copyright information embedded on mp3s. Most mp3s are encoded with DRM, which prohibits downloaders from distributing songs. Because of DRM restriction, it is now possible to legally download Zune music. But where can you find them?

Zune MarketPlace

Zune Marketplace is like the iTunes of iPod. But don’t be confused. Playing iTunes songs on your Zune player can be a little challenging. iTunes mp3s are not compatible with a Zune device because of the embedded DRM. So, the safest way is to download a song from Zune Marketplace. The Marketplace has most of the songs available on iTunes since Microsoft, the manufacturer of Zune, has partnered with America’s biggest recording labels: Sony BMG, EMI, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group.

The Marketplace charges you per song you download, similar to the iTunes store. But well, at least you know that these are all legal Zune music downloads. Occasionally, there are free music and songs available for you to listen to. These are all featured music from new rising stars as a form of promotional ad.

Premium MP3 Download Sites

Such sites are online music stores offering MP3 downloads on a per download or subscription basis. They are not directly related to the MP3 player manufacturers or record labels. Look around and you may come across those which offer a free 30-day trial period just for you to try out their services. There is a limit to the number of downloads you can get though. Once the trial ends, you will be charged thereafter for the songs you download.

They are permitted to distribute the music and they often provide a free download interface or download manager to manage your downloads. It is easy to synchronize this software with your Zune player. But you need to first check if their files are Zune-compatible.

Online Radio Stations

Online streaming radio stations are another good source of legal Zune music downloads. You can see the details of each song they are playing such as the artist and title. Normally, there is a direct link to their online stores where you can get quality downloads.

What about using free sites to get Zune music downloads? My advice is to avoid those totally free sites. Essentially, they earn their money by offering adware and spyware laden client applications to users. You get free music, while they get to flash those persistent and irritating commercial ad pop-ups, pop-overs, pop-unders before you. Worse still, if you are not careful, viruses will make their way to your computer. So, do spend a little money and enjoy your peace of mind downloading legal Zune music downloads today instead.