MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III)
MP3 is the most compatible lossy audio format. Learn what bitrate to choose, how MP3 compares with AAC and FLAC, and how to convert audio to MP3.
- Type
- Audio
- File extensions
- .mp3
- MIME type
- audio/mpeg
What is MP3?
MP3 compresses audio by removing sounds that are hard to hear, reducing file size to around a tenth of uncompressed audio at 128 kbps. Its patents have expired, and it is supported everywhere.
Bitrate controls quality: 128 kbps is acceptable for casual listening, 192 kbps is a good default, and 320 kbps is the maximum. Speech recordings sound fine at much lower bitrates, especially in mono.
When to use MP3
- Music and podcasts that must play on any device
- Sharing audio by email or messaging
Limitations
- Lossy: quality removed during encoding cannot be restored
- Less efficient than AAC or Opus at low bitrates
Compatibility
Plays on virtually every device, browser and media player.
Compared with other formats
Tools for MP3 files
Audio Converter
Convert audio between MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC and M4A with bitrate options.
MP3 to WAV
Decode MP3 files to uncompressed WAV for editing software.
Audio Compressor
Reduce audio file size by lowering bitrate, sample rate or channels.
Audio Cutter
Remove a section from the middle of an audio file and join the rest.
Audio Merger
Join multiple audio files into one track in the order you choose.
Audio Trimmer
Keep only the part of an audio file between a start and end time, with optional fades.
Audio Volume Changer
Make audio louder or quieter, or normalize loudness to a standard level.
Audio Speed Changer
Change audio playback speed with or without changing pitch.
Audio Metadata Viewer
View ID3 tags, codec, bitrate, sample rate and duration of an audio file.