If you own an iPod, you probably are always on the lookout for affordable sources to download music for iPod. Apart from iTunes, you may have realized that there are similar services on the internet. But it can really be a challenge to figure out which is suitable.

Here are the criteria to stick to:

1. Access to millions of music, songs and other media files of a wide range of genres. Make sure that the service provides this to you. And they must update their library frequently.

2. Best price. By that, make sure you choose one that offers you unlimited music downloads for a one-time membership fee to download music for your iPod.

3. No additional charges. Ensure that what you are paying for is the membership rights to access the music files. If they ever want to charge you additional fees for the software needed to carry out the file downloading and conversion, avoid these. Such tools are often provided free in the membership area.

4. High quality of soundtracks. Unfortunately, even paid music websites sometimes fail to provide good quality of the files due to poor encoding or other reasons. Not to mention free P2P websites, where the quality of the shared files is almost always lousy.

5. Check to ensure that the songs are in MP3, AAC and WMA formats. These are the only ones compatible with your iPod player. Other formats will need to be converted and if the service provides the software, it is still quite alright.

6. Excellent support and simple to use navigation. Lousy sites offer score poorly in this area and leave you confused with poorly written instructions. On the other hand, professional services offer well-produced tutorials, sometimes video to teach you and guide you step by step to download music for iPod. Make sure the company offers you 24/7 support.

7. Fast downloading speed, complete songs and correct songs. All three features are usually not a problem with paid websites, while free music sharing sites are notorious for never-ending downloading process, incomplete songs, and incorrect tracks.

8. Malware and virus protection. Any music site that cares for its users will guarantee full protection from harmful spyware and adware, annoying pop-ups and all known viruses. However, if you download music for iPod from multiple (and not so trustable) sources, make sure your own antivirus program is powerful and up-to-date.

9. Secured environment for payment and a privacy policy. Since you could be using a credit card to make payment, the last thing you want to happen is a leak of your private details.

10. No infringement of copyright laws. The site must be authorized to provide the music files. Professional ones do tie ups with record companies to offer the music so that when you download music for iPod, you need not worry about breaking the law at all. The same cannot be said at some totally free P2P sites.

These factors may seem stringent but necessary to get the best deal when you intend to download music for iPod. Check out the top services which do well in all areas at my entertainment blog today.

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