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MP3 vs AAC

Comparing MPEG Audio Layer III and Advanced Audio Coding - which format should you use?

	MP3	AAC
Full Name	MPEG Audio Layer III	Advanced Audio Coding
Extension	.mp3	.aac
MIME Type	audio/mpeg	audio/aac
Category	audio	audio

MP3 Pros

+Universal compatibility
+Good compression with acceptable quality
+Small file sizes
+Supported by virtually every device and app

MP3 Cons

-Lossy - quality lost during compression
-Inferior quality to FLAC, AAC at same bitrate
-Patent issues (expired 2017)
-No support for high-resolution audio

AAC Pros

+Better quality than MP3 at same bitrate
+Default format for Apple/iTunes
+Used by YouTube, Spotify, Netflix
+Efficient compression

AAC Cons

-Lossy - some quality loss
-Less universal than MP3 on older devices
-Patent-encumbered (unlike MP3 since 2017)
-Multiple profiles can cause compatibility issues

Use MP3 when...

-Music distribution and streaming
-Podcasts
-Audiobooks
-Voice recordings

Use AAC when...

-Music streaming
-Podcasts
-Video soundtracks
-Mobile audio

Learn more about MP3 Learn more about AAC