A comparison between Legal Music Download Sites and P2P Music Download Sites

A Comparison between Legal Music Download Sites and P2P Music Download Sites is given on this page. Learn about the benefits and differences of both here. It can help you to get the fair view.

Comparison between Legal Download Sites and P2P Sites:

1. Legitimate and Licensed

Legal music download sites are duly Licensed by music producers, or record labels to offer music downloads. Legal movie download sites are duly Licensed by movie studios to offer movie downloads. They are legitimate sites providing digital download services.

P2P Sites are not Licensed sites. They source downloads from a network of shared computers with the help of a software. They are also Legal. You, as a member, has to comply with the copy right laws. If you do not download, share and/or distribute publicly the copy right material, you are legal and safe.

2. Number of Files for Download

Legal download sites offer new and latest music or movies, but the number is limited due to the licensing agreements with the music producers or movie studios.

P2P download sites offer huge number of files as the downloads are sourced from the vast network of shared computers. This is the greatest benefit of p2p sites. They are highly popular for this single reason, although new and latest files may not be available.

3. Variety of Downloads

A legal music download site offers music downloads only which are licensed by music producers. A legal movie download site offers movie downloads only which are licensed by movie studios.

P2P download sites source downloads from huge network of shared computers, variety of downloads of music, movies, music videos, games and software are available. This is another attractive benefit of p2p sites.

4. Legal Issues

Legal download sites are licensed by music producers or movie studios. They are legitimate. No legal problems or worries.

P2P download sites carry some legal controversy. You, as a member, need to comply to the copy right laws. NEVER download, share and distribute copy right materials. You are safe and legal if you do so. Cases of harsh law suits against those who broke copy right laws by RIAA and MPAA have been reported.

5. DRM Restrictions

Legal download sites carry DRM restrictions and limitations. They may include requirement of continued paid membership, limited burns, limited network, specific players etc. Downloaded music stops playing if membership is discontinued. Limitations may vary from site to site and the plan chosen.

P2P sites does not have DRM restrictions as they are not licensed. Unlimited use for life without any restrictions.

6. Safety

Legal download sites provide ample safety as they provide secure downloads free of virus, trojans and spyware.

P2P download sites source downloads from vast network of shared computers. Hence, safety can not be guaranteed. Dangers and threats of virus, trojans, spyware and spoofing are common. Strong protections for above threats are highly advisable. Do visit the Resources page for internet security and other useful resources.

We hope, you will find the above comparison useful and helpful for taking an informed decision.