Customarily our computer has many music files, and we need to understand the difference between M4A and MP3 formats. You want to save storage space, quickly stream your music to different devices, or the format you choose matters. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between M4A and MP3 files so you can choose how you listen to your favorite tunes.
Table of Contents
Introduction to M4A and MP3 formats
The first one is the most popular format and stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3. It compresses audio files to make them smaller and also has no effect on the sound quality. MP3s work on all devices and are great for sharing.
M4A, or MPEG-4 Audio, is a newer format that compresses audio while maintaining quality. M4A files are smaller than MP3s. The M4A format is used by Apple for audio files purchased from iTunes so that M4A files will play on iPhones, iPads, and iTunes. However, M4A files may not play on all MP3 players or Android devices.
To sum up, both MP3 and M4A formats compress audio for easy sharing and storage but have some key differences:
MP3s have wider compatibility, but M4A files are more diminutive.
MP3 is an open format, while M4A is proprietary to Apple.
MP3s typically have a bit lower quality than M4A at the same bitrate.
Audio compression: How M4A and MP3 differ
MP3 is a lossy format, compressing audio by removing specific frequencies to reduce file size. The result is smaller file sizes but lower audio quality. M4A, on the other hand, can be either lossy or lossless. Lossless M4A compresses audio without removing any data, so you get CD-quality sound in a smaller file. For most people, lossy M4A at a high bitrate is indistinguishable from lossless and takes up much less space.
• MP3 supports only two audio channels, while M4A supports up to 48 audio channels with a lossless codec. So M4A is better for surround sound.
• M4A allows for adjustable compression levels and supports higher sampling rates for better audio quality at smaller file sizes. MP3 compression is more aggressive.
• M4A supports album art, lyrics, and other metadata that MP3 does not.
• M4A is compatible with all Apple devices, while MP3 is compatible with nearly everything. So, choose a format based on what you’ll use to play the audio.
Both MP3 and M4A can produce great-sounding audio. M4A may have technical advantages, but MP3 is still perfect for casual listening. The differences come down to your needs, listening equipment, and how much space you have to store your music library.
File size comparison: M4A vs. MP3
Regarding file size, M4A, and MP3 formats differ quite a bit. MP3 files are generally much smaller, so they’re more convenient if storage space is limited or you want faster downloading and streaming. However, M4A files offer higher audio quality for the same file size. It ultimately comes down to whether file size or sound quality is more important for your needs.
File compression
MP3 uses a lossy compression algorithm to reduce file size, sacrificing some audio data. The more you compress an MP3, the smaller the file, but the quality is effective as well. M4A also uses lossy compression, but its AAC codec is more efficient so that M4A files can have better sound quality than MP3s of the same size.
Bitrate
The bitrate refers to data that is used to encode one second of audio. Higher bitrates mean larger file sizes but better quality. MP3 bitrates typically range from 128 to 320 kbps, while M4A files can go up to 256 kbps for stereo audio. At the same bitrate, M4A will sound slightly better than MP3.
Compatibility
MP3 is supported on virtually all media players, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. M4A also has broad compatibility, but some older MP3 players may need help to keep it. M4A is the default audio format for Apple products like iTunes and iPhones. If maximum compatibility is a concern, MP3 is your safest choice.
Conclusion
So now you know the differences between M4A and MP3 audio formats. While MP3 has been the most popular format for years, M4A is gaining ground with its superior audio quality and smaller file sizes. For most casual listening, either form will work great on your devices. But if you want the best sound, M4A is your best choice. The higher quality and more efficient compression mean your music will sound crisper and fuller.
