The modern world relies on audio entertainment to pass the time. Music, Podcasts, and other content are growing rapidly and becoming almost essential. With the growth of audio entertainment, it is only natural that its creation will grow with it. Creating music and podcasts is becoming easier with the help of the internet. You can look up tutorials and techniques for creating audio entertainment online. The internet also provides a great platform to get yourself out there. You may find many audio formats if you upload an audio file online. The most common formats are AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III). These file types are often the subject of debates. These debates spark the question of “Which is better AAC vs MP3?”. This article explores the differences and a brief history of these file formats. Read more below to learn more about AAC vs MP3.
Comparison Between AAC and MP3
| File Format | Shareability | Compression and File Size | Quality | Compatibility with Audio players | File Extensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAC | AAC is better shared on Apple devices, though you can still share it with other devices. | AAC is a lossy format | AAC is better than MP3 on the same bit rates. A big difference is experienced in low bit rates. | Although some audio players do not support AAC, it is popular in most Apple devices. | .m4a, .m4b, .m4p, .m4v, .m4r, .3gp, .mp4, .aac |
| MP3 | MP3 is compatible with almost all devices, creating a great file for sharing. | MP3 is a lossy format | MP3 is inferior to AAC in terms of quality on lower bit rates. | MP3 is compatible with most platforms, devices, and audio players. | .mp3 |
AAC VS MP3: What are they?
MP3: What is it?
MP3 is an audio coding format developed in Germany. The Fraunhofer Society played a big part in its development. Karlheinz Brandenburg led the development team with other digital scientists. The file was adopted by MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) as MPEG-1 and then MPEG-2. The format's lossy compression allowed for less storage consumption. MP3's capability to have good quality with less storage made it popular.
AAC: What is it?
AAC was proposed by Nasir Ahmed, who later developed it with T. Natarajan and K. R. Rao. Many major companies supported the format's development. AAC was created three years after MP3 to act as its successor. The file format still maintained the lossy compression but with better quality. AAC uses MDCT (Modified Discrete Cosine Transform), increasing compression efficiency. AAC is still smaller than MP3, but major tech companies like Apple are starting to embrace it.
AAC format vs MP3: Which File Format to Choose?
Choosing between AAC vs MP3 is on a case-by-case basis. If you want to share audio files with different devices, then MP3 is better. Since AAC is yet to become as popular as MP3, its compatibility with other devices is loose. However, if you want to share audio files with Apple devices, AAC is better. Apple is known to embrace the AAC format, as seen through their devices. You can enjoy the advantages of AAC and robust compatibility if you share with Apple devices. In terms of quality, AAC is generally better. The efficiency and high-quality consistency in low bit rates give AAC the edge over MP3. AAC is also a better file format to design codecs with.
How Do You Convert Files with VidElement?
Now that you have chosen your preferred file format, you need an audio converter. AceThinker VidElement allows you to convert any audio file with ease. You can convert to MP3, AAC, AC3, WMV, and more. You can create a custom profile to customize bitrate, channel, and sample rate. Choose a preset that allows you to convert in high, low, or the same quality as the source. Open the app's "Toolbox" tab to open helpful tools to help you if you encounter issues. AceThinker VidElement is also a great video converter with no watermark. AceThinker is a great hub for video and audio conversion. For a simple guide, read more below.
Try it for Free
Step 1 Download AceThinker VidElement
You can click the link to AceThinker VidElement's download page. Click the "Free Download" icon to download the app. You can familiarize yourself with the app by reading the simple tutorial after opening it.
Step 2 Select the Output Format for Your File
Click the plus icon to add your files to convert. Once you have your file, click the "File Format" icon to choose a file format as output. You can click the "Custom Profile" icon to customize your settings.
Step 3 Check Your Files
After converting your files, you can go to the "Converted" tab. You can also open your file explorer to find your saved file. You can rename your saved file on the app to find it easier on your file explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAC sound better than MP3?
In bit rates higher than 128 kbps, their differences are not noticeable. However, at lower bitrates, AAC sounds better than MP3.
Is AAC better than MP3?
The big contrast between AAC and MP3 is their compatibility and bitrate qualities. MP3 is more universal, allowing for flexible sharing to most devices. AAC is mainly Apple-compatible, though some platforms and devices are embracing the format. Regarding bit rates, AAC is better for lower bit rates.
Which encoder is better, AAC or MP3?
Generally speaking, AAC has a slight edge as it is more efficient and developer-friendly. However, both formats boast good encoders.
Conclusion
When choosing a file format, you must access your situation and choose properly. If you want to share audio files with different devices, MP3 is better. For people using Apple devices, sharing with AAC is better. When it comes to quality, both are generally the same, though AAC is better when it comes to lower bit rates. This article teaches the difference between aac and mp3 and a bit of their history. The article also answered frequently asked questions to help you answer your inquiries. If there are details that we missed, comment down below.
