A Short Overview of AAC Music File Format and how it Compares with MP3

In the world of digital music, the first music file format that will come to most people is the MP3 – but it’s not entirely accurate. There are several music file formats available which can be used in every song stored in all devices, computers, and laptops.

All music comes in different format and sizes. Most of you are familiar with MP3 format, but have you ever heard about AAC format? Both MP3 and AAC are in lossy formats – since they always used for regular music listening. Lossy formats save a lot of space, giving you the opportunity to save more music in your storage. With this format, there are sound waves that are being removed to reduce the file size – which also affects the music’s quality. Additionally, it is not recommended to use lossy formats in professional events or settings because it requires high-quality music.

What is AAC Music File Format?

AAC is also known as Advanced Audio Coding. It is an example of lossy codec which provides a small size of audio files and they are great for streaming online. However, AAC music file format is not helpful for the replica of an original recording. Music or audio files that are in AAC format are ideally used in mobile phones and tablets.

Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) was established in the year 1997, being the successor of MP3. Though it was popular since it was developed, it never overtook the MP3 as the most used and popular file format for many people. AAC used more advanced compression algorithm compared to MP3 format. If you are going to compare two same recordings but in a different file format such as AAC and MP3, the AA music file format will have a better quality of sound than MP3.

Though MP3 format is the most popular format among all music file formats, AAC is the most used today. Furthermore, AAC is the standard method of audio compression used by different applications like Android, iTunes, YouTube, iOS, late versions of Nintendo portables and PlayStations.

What is MP3 Music File Format?

MP3 is the short term for MPEG-2 Audio Layer-3 and was developed by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) which is one of the groups in the industry that produces technical standards. Music that is saved in the format of MP3 has an amount of size compared to other music saved through a CD-quality format. Just like AAC, all music that is in MP3 format save extra storage space through compressing the file’s data. When you say compressing music or audio files, it means some parts that would not impact the quality of music listening experience are removed – the very low and very high ends of audio.

Being the most popular music file format worldwide, MP3 format is not used in iTunes just like AAC. However, the MP3 music file format is compatible with all devices in iOS.

Which One You Should You Use?

Now that you already understand and know the differences with each other, you might be confused about which music file format you should use. Generally speaking, there’s nothing to be confused for because it does not matter which music file format you use as long as you have high-quality speakers to hear the better quality of the music will be produced. AAC and MP3 file formats are compatible with every devices and player, so you don’t have to stress yourself out thinking which one is better for you.

However, if you are going to compare it, AAC music file format has a higher quality of sound and does have smaller size while MP3 is the more compatible compared to the latter and that’s what makes it popular among other file formats of music. You would not exactly tell which music file format comes first because every person has its own needs and preferences. As long as it works for you and your device and meets your needs, it’s the best one.

Final Few Words

The debate between AAC and MP3 is truly a tough scenario. However, not all people have the same requirements when it comes to music. Different people, different needs, and different preferences. All has its own taste when it comes to music and most people only want to hear good music regardless of its file format or file size – as long as it plays on his or her device. Whichever file format you will use is not a big deal. What’s more important is you enjoy the music you want to listen and it provides you benefits for yourself.

Music is every person’s companion through thick and thin as well as the ups and downs of life, thanks to the developers of AAC and MP3, because of them the world was able to listen to great-quality songs.

Our AAC converter supports a variety of formats that you can convert your AAC files to, and vice versa, you can also use our free MP3 converter to convert your music files to other formats. Our file converter also supports conversions between AAC and MP3.

Happy converting!

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