MP3 Search Engines

From LoveToKnow Music

MP3 search engines are useful tools for music fans worldwide. Searching for MP3s can sometimes be like searching for a needle in a haystack – there are tons and tons of them out there, but how do you find the one you’re looking for, from a reputable site, which works with the software you have? Dedicated MP3 search engines could be just the thing to make your search a little less painless.

MP3 Search Engines

There are loads and loads of MP3 search engines out there, so deciding where to begin can be overwhelming. The following sites are the most popular sites (and relatively free of relentless pop-up ads):

AltaVista

AltaVista offers a dedicated audio search engine. You can specify which file extension you after, be it MP3, WAV, WMA, or more, and then search by artists or title. The site is no frills, but functional and reliable.

Lycos

Lycos also has a search page dedicated to audio files, but the site offers much more than just the search function. From their page you can also watch music videos, get music news updates, and follow links to tour dates and online radio stations.

Oth.net

Oth.net is geared towards finding MP3s available through ftp file transfers. You can also join in some music related chat or check out their wiki site. The site isn’t much to look at, but users rave about its reliability.

Search Enginez

Search Enginez is the place to go when you can’t decide where to go. This site lists many of the popular MP3 search engines and provides comments on what to expect when you go to the site, or if you should even bother going at all. Now, it must be said that the webmaster of Search Enginez seems to be well, a little lax in updating the site, but, his facts still hold true, making this site well worth a visit when you’re new to the MP3 search engine game.

MP3.com

This might be cheating a little bit, because MP3.com is not a true, dedicated MP3 search engine – but when they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll send you directly to someone who does, in one click, and also make sure you have the software you need to play your downloads. While you’re there, you might discover your new favorite band, with their similar artist feature, so it’s a good place to pop by from time to time.

Things to Keep in Mind

As was stated in the beginning, there are tons of MP3 search engines out there. The best way to find the one that works for you is to get out there and try a few.

Not all sites are created equal, and like many digital download sites, some of these MP3 search engines can take you to disreputable places where you definitely don’t want to download anything, let alone leave your credit card number. Make sure you all your security measures are tuned up and run your virus scan if you do download something from a questionable source. Don’t purchase any digital music from any site for which you cannot verify their purchase security. If you don’t want to end up with a lot of spam in your inbox, either set up an alternate email address for these kinds of purchases/downloads, or only do business with sites who are not going to pass along your email address to their pals Tom, Dick, and Harry.