With a limited subscription, you get access to a set number of music downloads per month. Unlike the unlimited subscription sites such as Napster and Rhapsody, these songs are yours to keep even if you cancel the service. Both options below are focused on independent labels, so you won't find many popular titles. But, they offer the most flexible rights to transfer to as many computers, CDs and portable devices as you'd like, and the music can be played on an iPod or a WMA-based portable player.

Here's a summary of your options: 

Name	Cost	Device Support	Rights	Special Offer	ePinions Rating
eMusic	$9.99 per month/40 downloads	Apple, WMA	Unlimited	25 downloads/ 14 days free	3/5
Audio Lunchbox	starts at $9.99 for 40 monthly, or $0.99 ala carte	Apple, WMA	Unlimited	50 free downloads with the first month's paid subscription	Not rated

eMusic-

eMusic is great value for the money. At 40 downloads and month for $9.99, it’s only 25 cents each. eMusic offers the most flexible format – MP3 – for use with iPods or just about any device. Once you’ve downloaded it, it’s yours to burn to as many CDs, copy to any computer or transfer to as many portable devices as you want. The interface is intuitive and easy to use.

Now the bad news. eMusic includes only artists on independent labels. So if you’re into Jazz, Classical or Alternative Rock music, this is the place for you. If not, you’re better off with a more mainstream service. While you do get 30 second song previews and customer reviews of the artists/albums, these only go so far (it’s hard to find someone who didn’t like the album).

I really tried to keep my subscription going, but I only lasted about 3 months. I did find some good music by the likes of Spoon, Bloc Party, the Decembrists, Gomez and Ryan Adams, but I felt like I didn’t have the time to spend finding 40 new tracks each month let alone listening to them. In college, this would have been my favorite site. Now, unfortunately, I have a job.

eMusic does offer 25 downloads for free to explore some new music, or to grab a few free albums from more well known artists such as Ray Charles or Bob Marley. If you cancel, you keep the music.

Audio Lunchbox-

Audio Lunchbox (ALB) offers features very similar to eMusic. MP3 downloads, unlimited use of the music … and even more obscure artists. Selection includes 500,000 songs from lesser known, independent label artists.

With ALB, you can purchase tracks ala carte for $0.99 without a monthly commitment.

ALB offers 50 downloads if you sign up for the first month Again, these are yours to keep if you cancel the service.