Amazon has launched its long-awaited digital music download service, Amazon MP3.

Amazon MP3 offers more than 3 million DRM-free songs which will work on any MP3 device including ipods.

Albums will sell from as little as£3 on the site, with individual songs from 59p.

Greg Greeley, Vice-President of Amazon EU Retail said: “We’re excited to provide our UK customers with more ways to discover and enjoy great music. In addition to the millions of low-priced CDs available in our music store, Amazon MP3 now provides a vast selection of DRM-free albums and songs across every genre you can think of, ready to enjoy in seconds.”

He added: “With some of this Christmas’ biggest albums from£3, it’s a great opportunity for customers to experience the quality, choice and convenience of Amazon MP3.

Amazon MP3 will sell songs from all the four major music labels – SonyBMG, Universal Music, EMI Music and Warner music — as well as leading independent labels.

The launch of the service had been expected earlier in the year but Amazon was beaten by rival Play.com which launched its download service in February.

Tesco launched a digital download service in April and has been testing a film and television download section on the service.