M4A vs MP3: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
M4A (AAC) is slightly smaller and better sounding than MP3 at the same bitrate and is native to iPhone, iTunes and Apple Music. MP3 plays on everything, which makes it the safer format to send to someone else.
M4A vs MP3 Side by Side
| M4A | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | M4A: MPEG-4 Audio (AAC) | MP3: MPEG-1 Audio Layer III |
| File extension | M4A: .m4a | MP3: .mp3 |
| How it stores data | M4A: Lossy compression (AAC) | MP3: Lossy compression |
| File size | M4A: small (lossy) | MP3: small (lossy) |
| Created by | M4A: MPEG, popularised by Apple | MP3: Fraunhofer Society / MPEG, 1993 |
| Best for | M4A: music libraries on iPhone, iPad and Mac | MP3: music and podcasts that must play on any device |
| Watch out | M4A: older players and some car stereos only accept MP3 | MP3: some detail is lost for good, most noticeably below 128 kbps |
| Opens with | M4A: Apple Music, iTunes, VLC, Windows Media Player, Android | MP3: every phone, computer, car stereo and media player |
Choose M4A When
- Music libraries on Apple devices
- Voice memos and recordings kept on an iPhone
Choose MP3 When
- Sharing with people on any device
- Car stereos and older players
- Software that refuses .m4a
Convert Between M4A and MP3
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, M4A or MP3?
M4A (AAC) is slightly smaller and better sounding than MP3 at the same bitrate and is native to iPhone, iTunes and Apple Music. MP3 plays on everything, which makes it the safer format to send to someone else.
When should I use M4A?
Music libraries on Apple devices. Voice memos and recordings kept on an iPhone.
When should I use MP3?
Sharing with people on any device. Car stereos and older players. Software that refuses .m4a.
What is M4A?
M4A is AAC audio in an MP4 container — the format of iTunes purchases and iPhone voice memos. It sounds better than MP3 at the same size.
What is MP3?
MP3 is the most widely supported audio format there is: it cuts a recording to roughly a tenth of its CD size by removing sound most people cannot hear. If a device plays audio at all, it plays MP3.
Can I convert between M4A and MP3?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert M4A to MP3, or Convert MP3 to M4A with the converter linked on this page.