What file type should I use for music?
There are many different audio file formats used for storing digital music. Some of the most common include MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, WMA, ALAC, OGG, and AIFF. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of audio quality, file compression, compatibility, and use cases. This guide provides an overview of the most popular music file types to help you determine which one is right for your needs.
MP3
MP3 (MPEG Layer III Audio Encoding) is the most common audio file format used for digital audio. It employs “lossy” data compression which reduces the file size significantly while sacrificing some audio quality. An MP3 file is commonly about 1/10 the size of an equivalent uncompressed audio file while still maintaining reasonable audio fidelity for most listeners.
MP3 works by removing parts of the audio that are considered beyond the auditory resolution ability of most people. This makes the file much smaller in size than uncompressed formats like WAV or AIFF, allowing more songs to be stored on a digital music player or more music to be downloaded faster over the internet.
The MP3 format remains highly popular given its balance of small file size, decent quality, and widespread compatibility. However, audiophiles and audio professionals may still prefer uncompressed or lossless formats like FLAC for higher quality archiving and listening.
FLAC
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an audio format that compresses audio without losing any information from the original file. FLAC uses lossless compression, meaning the audio quality is exactly the same as the original source.[1] The main benefit of FLAC is that it produces files that are about half the size of uncompressed audio but maintains CD-quality audio. This makes FLAC a great format for archiving and storing high-quality music collections without taking up huge amounts of storage space.
The downside to FLAC is that the file sizes, while smaller than uncompressed audio, are still significantly larger than lossy formats like MP3 and AAC. For example, a 3-minute song in FLAC could be 25-50 MB, whereas an MP3 version may only be 3-5 MB. FLAC files are not supported by all devices and software, so compatibility can be an issue. However, for those who want lossless CD-quality audio in a manageable file size, FLAC offers an excellent middle ground. It’s perfect for serious music listeners who want uncompressed audio quality without the massive storage requirements of WAV files.
[1] https://everpresent.com/flac-vs-wav/
WAV
WAV files are uncompressed audio files that provide top quality sound, according to WAV – Wikipedia. However, the tradeoff is that WAV files tend to be very large because they contain raw audio data with no compression. WAV is an RIFF file format that stores audio data in chunks, allowing it to contain metadata in addition to raw audio.
As an uncompressed format, WAV files provide lossless high-fidelity sound. Every detail captured during recording is preserved. This makes the format ideal for audio production work where quality is paramount. However, the large file sizes mean WAV isn’t very practical for distribution or streaming. The typical use case is recording masters that can later be converted to a more efficient compressed format.
AAC
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is an alternative format to MP3 that was designed to achieve better sound quality at smaller file sizes. Compared to MP3 at the same bitrate, AAC provides higher audio fidelity and improved clarity. This is because AAC utilizes more advanced compression algorithms that minimize data loss.
AAC is suitable for those who want high sound quality in a portable format that won’t take up a lot of storage space. As per Movavi (source), AAC files have “a slightly higher audio quality and clarity” compared to MP3. The general consensus is that AAC does better with “quality, even at the same bit rate” (source).
WMA
WMA or Windows Media Audio is an audio format developed by Microsoft in 1999. It was designed to compete with popular formats like MP3 and AAC. Some key things to know about WMA:
Supports DRM (Digital Rights Management) – WMA has built-in DRM support which allows files to have usage restrictions set by copyright holders. This makes it useful for selling music online while preventing piracy.
Compression – WMA uses lossy compression to shrink file sizes. The amount of compression can be adjusted, allowing higher quality at the expense of larger files. At equivalent bitrates, WMA and MP3 have comparable audio quality.
Windows Integration – Being made by Microsoft, WMA has deep integration with Windows Media Player for ripping, organizing, and syncing music collections. Support in third party apps is more limited compared to universally compatible formats like MP3.
Overall WMA was Microsoft’s attempt at an advanced, restricted audio format optimized for streaming, purchase, and management in a Windows ecosystem. However it never achieved the same ubiquity as cross-platform formats like MP3 or AAC.
ALAC
The Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) was developed by Apple for lossless data compression of digital music (Sources: Wikipedia, HiresEdition). ALAC files are designed to provide bit-for-bit accuracy to the original source file without wasting storage space, making it a good choice for ripping CDs or storing music in iTunes (Source: Gumlet).
ALAC has native integration with iTunes and other Apple devices, so it is a convenient format for those within the Apple ecosystem. It also focuses on being a lightweight and efficient compression method that still maintains lossless quality (Source: HiresEdition).
OGG
The OGG (OGG format) is an open-source container format for audio, video, and other multimedia content. It uses the advanced Vorbis audio codec which enables high quality audio at smaller file sizes than MP3.
As an open format not restricted by software patents, OGG offers some advantages over proprietary formats like MP3 and AAC. Being open source means OGG can be used freely without licensing fees or restrictions. The OGG container and Vorbis codec are considered comparable in audio quality to other popular formats while offering smaller file sizes due to better compression.
However, OGG adoption has been limited compared to MP3 and AAC. Playback support can vary across devices and platforms. But for those seeking an open, royalty-free format, OGG remains a compelling alternative for audio.
AIFF
The AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is an uncompressed audio file format initially created by Apple in 1988, primarily for storing recorded audio for use on Mac and iOS devices.
As an uncompressed format, AIFF provides studio quality by sacrificing file size. AIFF audio is lossless and preserves all of the original analog sampling with no degradation in quality over multiple generations.
The AIFF format is ideal for recording high quality audio on Mac computers or iOS devices. It also excels at storing music created with Apple’s Logic Pro digital audio workstation software.
While AIFF is an older format, it remains the preferred file type for working with audio on Apple products.
Which File Format is Right for You?
When choosing a music file format, consider how you plan to use the file. Here are some recommendations:
Best Overall Quality: Lossless formats like WAV, FLAC, or ALAC preserve all of the original audio quality. Choose these formats for listening to music with high-end audio equipment or archiving important recordings.
Most Compatibility: MP3 is compatible with almost every music player and platform. It’s the ideal choice if you want to share files and listen on a variety of devices.
High Efficiency: Compressed lossy formats like AAC or OGG provide the best balance between file size and sound quality. Use these formats to carry more songs on mobile devices or stream music over the internet.
There is no definitively “best” format. Prioritize quality versus compatibility and storage needs for your use case when deciding.