Apple's iTunes might rule the realm of music downloads, but Amazon MP3 looks poised to steal the crown with its DRM-free tunes and low prices.

Granted, Amazon.com's music download service isn't the magic kingdom that is the iTunes Store, but it definitely shows promise. Amazon MP3 offers more than 2 million tracks, all in MP3 format at 256 kbps (album cover art included) and all sans digital rights management so you can play them on an iPod or other MP3 device or program.

You'll need the free Amazon MP3 Downloader to purchase Amazon MP3 albums, though the app isn't necessary for individual song purchases. The downloader easily sticks tracks in your iTunes or Windows Media Player library, so buying Amazon MP3 music is pretty idiot-proof.

What else isn't stupid: Amazon MP3 prices. Most songs run between 89 cents and 99 cents, and most albums are $5.99 to $9.99. Bargains are definitely to be had. I snagged a 15-track Daft Punk album for $8.99 compared to $9.99 at the iTunes Store. And I didn't have to pay sales tax. Nice.

The iTunes Store also sells DRM-free tracks, so such competition only benefits the masses. But if Amazon MP3 gets even better when it gets out of beta, who knows? We just might have a new monarch of digital music.

René A. Guzman | 210SA Contributor