A quick look at the search engine searches reveals that many are searching for “legal Zune music downloads”. Zune is different from other popular portable media devices. There are no DRM download requirements. DRM is the acronym for digital rights management which is the copyright information which is embedded on MP3s. This encoding prevents downloaders from sharing their songs. Because of this uniqueness offered by Zune, you can freely download Zune music legally.

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 websites

These services are not directly linked to the portable media device manufacturers or record labels. They are online music stores that offer MP3 downloads either on a pay per download basis or a subscription basis. A lot of these sites do let you try them out during a 30 day trial period. There is often a cap on the number of songs you can download. After the trial, you will be charged according to their terms.

The songs offered on the websites are legal and you can search and find any song title easily using their download manager. Organize the songs neatly in your library and sync it with your player. But one thing you need to ensure is that the files are all compatible with your Zune.

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.

Free mp3 download sites are certainly not good resources for Zune music downloads. Don’t take any chances. You’ll most likely get adwares or malicious programs that will just harm your device. Another thing, never share or post your mp3s on the internet because you are expected to be responsible with your legal Zune music downloads.