However, always practice safe browsing. Use a VPN for privacy, avoid entering your credit card information anywhere on the site (it should be free), and scan downloads with antivirus software.

Most free download sites compress music to 128kbps, which sounds flat on good headphones. However, items tagged as are often ripped or uploaded at 320kbps or even FLAC (lossless) quality. For listeners using high-end DACs or Bluetooth speakers, this is a game-changer.

Before you click that "Download" button, you must understand the legal landscape.