With the advances in high-speed internet more and more people are flocking to online radio stations for their listening pleasure rather than tuning in to their local airwaves. The internet offers a wider variety of choices in every genre and it is instantly available. There are also talk radio stations that offer fun and informative programming and you can pick up stations in any country around the world no matter where you are located.

The only drawback to online radio stations is that high-speed connections are a must, and the faster the better.

Slower speeds even in DSL can cause lags in signal, slow loading, and a lot of buffering which causes breaking up of the music or information. Another reason people are tuning into internet radio in droves is the fact that they are largely commercial free. Like the old FM of the initial heyday in the 70's that offered a commercial free alternative to AM stations, the internet gives its listeners continuous pleasure without breaks for advertising.

Some of the advantages of the top online radio stations:

Many broadcast both music and videos so you can see the top music videos to go along with the song vs just listening to the music on your radio.
Easy to use
Many offer parental guidance ability to block what you do not want your children listening to
Some allow you to create your own 'station' with music you choose to listen to
Some of the disadvantages of the top online radio stations:

Many will require that you sign up for the service. Some are free, some are not, but most of the sign up forms are easy enough to fill out.
Depending on your country of origin there may be some limitations from stations from other countries