About Napster
Napster is a digital music streaming service with one of the most storied histories in the music industry. Originally launched in 1999 as a peer-to-peer file sharing network that fundamentally disrupted the music industry before being shut down in 2001 following landmark copyright litigation, the Napster brand was subsequently acquired and relaunched multiple times as a legitimate music service.
The relaunched Napster operated as a paid music download and streaming subscription service, eventually offering on-demand streaming, offline listening, and a catalog of millions of tracks. The service targeted music enthusiasts who valued the nostalgia of the Napster name alongside standard streaming features comparable to Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited.
Napster has undergone multiple ownership changes and rebranding efforts since its legitimate relaunch. Consumers considering the service should verify current availability, pricing, and catalog size relative to established competitors like Spotify and Apple Music, which have significantly larger user bases and feature sets. The Napster brand's historical significance far outweighs its current market position in music streaming.
Quick Savings Tips
- Verify current subscription pricing and catalog size before committing—the service has changed ownership multiple times
- Compare catalog size and playlist features against Spotify and Apple Music as primary alternatives
- Student and family plan discounts are common in the streaming music category—check current promotions
- Offline listening (downloads) is a key differentiator for commuters and travelers with limited connectivity
- Free trial periods are standard across streaming music—test the library depth before subscribing