Music ringtones

Free Versus Paid Ringtones

Many people wonder what the difference is between paying for ringtones and getting them for free.  

Many people wonder what the difference is between paying for ringtones and getting them for free.  When searching for ringtones there are certain things that are important to us.  First is price and second is a having a large selection to choose from.  From there, important factors are quality of the ringtone and ease of use.  

The use of ringtones is dependent on licensing.  All songs are licensed and there are royalty fees associated.  Companies that offer ringtones are paying those licensing fees and therefore the cost is passed on to you.  Most sites offer a yearly flat fee with unlimited downloads, making it easier for users to join and downloads the ringtones they love.  The reason why some ringtones are free is that their licensing has expired over time and they are now open to the public.  These songs are mostly older songs, but still songs we love or remember.  If you like oldies but goodies, you can get a vast array of free ringtones.

But if like the top artists of today, then chances are you are going to pay for your ringtones.  Another way to get ringtones is to download your MP3′s to your phone.  Even though you are probably paying sites such as iTunes to download your MP3′s, they can now have a multipurpose.  You can use those songs as your ringtones as well as for listening to and creating your own playlists.  Mobile phones now operate as MP3 players, removing the need for a separate MP3 player.  With the download fees associated with getting your music that you listen to everyday, now having a second use, those fees are now well worth it.  You are getting a double bang for your buck.  

Ringtones are an industry in themselves.  The demand for ringtones has grown by leaps and bounds from the days of polyphonic tones offered in the past.  What once was just a way to differentiate your own phone from others that were ringing is now a full blown self expression.  Ringtones can be assigned to different contacts in your phone, eliminating the need to even look at your phone to identify the caller.  You’ll know who is calling while sitting on your couch as your mobile phone is on the charger on your desk.