Opus vs MP3: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
Opus is technically far ahead: it sounds good at 64–96 kbps where MP3 needs 128–192. It is the codec of WhatsApp, Discord and YouTube. As a file to keep or send, MP3 still opens in many more players.
Opus vs MP3 Side by Side
| Opus | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Opus: Opus Interactive Audio Codec | MP3: MPEG-1 Audio Layer III |
| File extension | Opus: .opus | MP3: .mp3 |
| How it stores data | Opus: Lossy compression | MP3: Lossy compression |
| File size | Opus: small (lossy) | MP3: small (lossy) |
| Created by | Opus: IETF (Xiph.Org, Mozilla, Skype), 2012 | MP3: Fraunhofer Society / MPEG, 1993 |
| Best for | Opus: voice, podcasts and music at small file sizes | MP3: music and podcasts that must play on any device |
| Watch out | Opus: older devices, car stereos and Apple's apps do not play .opus files | MP3: some detail is lost for good, most noticeably below 128 kbps |
| Opens with | Opus: VLC, Firefox, Chrome, Android, foobar2000 | MP3: every phone, computer, car stereo and media player |
Choose Opus When
- Voice recordings and podcasts at small sizes
- Web audio and streaming
Choose MP3 When
- Files for car stereos, older phones and Apple's apps
- Anything you send without knowing the recipient's player
Convert Between Opus and MP3
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Opus or MP3?
Opus is technically far ahead: it sounds good at 64–96 kbps where MP3 needs 128–192. It is the codec of WhatsApp, Discord and YouTube. As a file to keep or send, MP3 still opens in many more players.
When should I use Opus?
Voice recordings and podcasts at small sizes. Web audio and streaming.
When should I use MP3?
Files for car stereos, older phones and Apple's apps. Anything you send without knowing the recipient's player.
What is Opus?
Opus is the most efficient general-purpose audio codec in wide use: it sounds good at bitrates where MP3 falls apart. WhatsApp voice notes, Discord and YouTube all use it.
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 Opus and MP3?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert Opus to MP3, or Convert MP3 to Opus with the converter linked on this page.