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