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

This place is the source of all media downloads for Zune. But it is different from iTunes to iPod. iTune MP3s are not Zune-compatible. In other words, because of the DRM embedded in iTunes files, you cannot play it on a Zune. Since Zune has partnered with 4 major record labels like Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, EMI and Universal Music Group, the selection of songs at the Marketplace is huge and comparable to iTunes.

Zune Marketplace is a subscription based service, which means you need to sign up and pay for the songs you are going to download. Like iTunes store, however, you can also find free legal Zune music downloads. These free songs are recorded by independent artists.

Premium MP3 Services

These websites are neither connected with any media device manufacturers nor with recording labels. Premium mp3 websites are online retailers that offer mp3 downloads on either a subscription free or a per download basis. Most of these websites offer a free 30-day trial with limited number of downloads. You can try out the service for one month, and on the first day after the 30th, you will then be charged for every download you make.

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 Streaming 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.