Before explaining the difference between MP3 and MP4, it is crucial that you know what each one is. First, the MP3 format is an abbreviation of MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, this was created to store audio files digitally, but with a smaller and light size than a CD.
To reduce the weight of a sound track, the MP3 takes an uncompressed audio file and then selectively eliminates the data that the human ear is not able to listen. This process is known as “loss compression” and can make an audio track of a CD occupy a tenth of the storage size.
For its part, the MP4 corresponds to the MPEG-4 Part 14 format and its task is to function as a digital container that can store audio, video and other types of data, such as subtitles, for example.
Difference between MP3 and MP4
By understanding the function of each format, the difference is evident. The MP3 is audio coding file format (it only works with this), while the MP4 works as a digital multimedia container capable of storing different data, which means that it is not restricted only to the sound.
What is better: MP3 or MP4?
Broadly speaking, only in regard to sound, an MP4 audio file encoded in AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) has a better sound quality than a similar MP3. However, there are some applications, operating systems and devices that do not recognize AAC coding, so it can become a limitation in certain cases.
On the contrary, the MP3 format guarantees that the audio file will work on any platform and device. In addition, if the MP3 has a 320 kbps bit rate, it will sound practically equal to an MP4/AAC of 320 Kbps. Even the MP3 files generated at 256 Kbps provide a good sound quality almost comparable to the 320 Kbps.
Now, if your goal is to create your own music library, an MP4 encoded in AAC (Apple Lossless Audio CODEC) will offer you a higher quality to MP3. This thanks to the fact that it is a loss -free format, which means that it will keep up to the slightest detail of the material material.
Likewise, the ALAC codec is versatile, since it allows MP3 audios to be created, something that will be useful when you need less heavy files and that are compatible with an immense amount of equipment and operating systems.
