About eMusic
eMusic is a digital music download store and subscription service offering MP3 downloads with a particular focus on independent, jazz, classical, and world music that is underrepresented on mainstream streaming platforms. Founded in 1998, eMusic was an early pioneer of legal digital music downloads and built a devoted following among music enthusiasts who wanted to own their digital music files rather than stream.
The platform is notable for its DRM-free MP3 downloads, which remain playable on any device forever without subscription dependency. This ownership model appeals to audiophiles and music collectors who prefer permanent downloads over streaming subscriptions that disappear if the service closes.
eMusic's subscription model provides monthly download credits at a price that typically undercuts buying individual tracks elsewhere. Their catalog strength in jazz, blues, classical, and world music makes them particularly valuable for enthusiasts of these genres.
Quick Savings Tips
- DRM-free downloads mean you own the music permanently—no subscription dependency
- Monthly credit subscriptions reduce per-download cost vs. buying individual albums
- Jazz, classical, and independent music selection is stronger than major streaming platforms
- Annual subscription plans offer better per-download value than monthly billing
- Compare against Bandcamp for independent artist music purchased directly from artists