Check my list here: https://codeberg.org/jessienab/AwesomeListOfMusicRetailers
Tldr: bandcamp, qobuz, 7digital, juno download
this post was submitted on 29 Dec 2025
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Band camp tends to be my go to for that. They do take something like a 30% cut form the artists but they also meet your other two requirements.
Once a month they do a Friday sales event where they waive the fees, you can wait and buy everything then.
I use Bandcamp
Doesn't Bandcamp do that? I've been meaning to try them out.
Yes
Yep, bandcamp does all thoes things. Either that or go to their website and buy a thing. You may even try asking the artist directly as how best to do what you want.
I use Bandcamp. I'm also extremely fortunate to have a few good record stores in driving distance that I will buy CDs from. Then I rip those and put them on my DAP for ease of use.
Another vote for Bandcamp. It's a fantastic service, honestly.
If they’re on Bandcamp, I get them there. (Their system is generally very reliable and hassle-free.) If not (as in the case of major-label releases), I’ve gone with Qobuz in the past. They ship FLACs, though you may need to hand-correct the metadata in some cases, as it can be flaky.
If you can buy directly from the artist, do that. You're certain where your money is going. By a CD and rip it yourself if that's your only option.
I buy directly from the artist if possible and rip to FLAC.
If the artist isn't selling the album anymore, I try to buy from Discogs since at least that means the artist got paid at some point. Then I rip those to FLAC.
Bandcamp? Particularly on Bandcamp Fridays
I like to buy merch directly from them if it's available. That's after I become a fan after downloading their stuff on the seas.
I primarily use Bandcamp and Quobuz. 7Digital also sells FLAC music but I don't use that one too often (they only accept PayPal payments which usually blocks me from checkout).
I don't know the exact payout to the artists from those sites but most likely Bandcamp Fridays would be the time to buy with the highest payout to the artists. But in general buying music files still earns artists more money vs streaming.
I keep forgetting about Qobuz!
I’ve been very happy with band camp though they certainly don’t have everything.
I pirate the band’s work, then show up to a concert and put raw cash directly into the band’s hands and tell them thanks.
Naturally, this only works for smaller shows where the band show up at merch afterward.
Aw damn......So this won't work at the Beatles/Elvis Presley dual headliner tour this summer.....
Sadly, it won’t. But I did put a hundred bucks straight into Caleb Hiltunen’s hands not long ago.