The audio formats M4A and MP3 are both made to provide an audio-only experience. It is difficult to decide which format is best because MP3 and M4 A have many similarities. They both compressed lossy audio file formats.
What is M4A?
The advanced audio coding system is used to encode the files in the Apple-based M4A(MPEG-4) file format (AAC). M4A is similar to MP3 in many ways, it offers better sound quality. These files have been compressed without losing audio quality. M4A was the first audio format made available in the iTunes store, despite being used on devices other than those made by Apple. This file format is more advanced in terms of size and sound quality. You can easily convert M4A ringtone files to M4R on your iPhone device. M4A also has no DRM and offers flexible file editing and transfer.
What is MP3?
Moving picture layer 3 (MP3), also known as MPEG layer 3, was created by MPEG in the 1990s and has since emerged as the most popular method for storing audio. This lossy file format algorithm stores a lot of information while using up little storage space. The MP3 format can be played on almost every device, and the audio files can be shared and saved without any restrictions. Today, there are numerous MP3 players readily available online, the majority of which are cost-free to use.
M4A Vs MP3 | Difference between M4A and MP3
- M4A has high-quality sound, while MP3 has lower-quality audio.
- M4A is a newer format than MP3, so M4Afiles are not as good with compatibility.
- The file extension for the M4A is .m4a Whereas The file extension for MP3 is .mp3.
- M4A compresses the file into a smaller size, in contrast, the MP3 file size is bigger.
- M4A was developed and created by ISO, Whereas MP3 was developed and created by the Fraunhofer Society.
- M4A can play only on Apple devices, on the other hand, the MP3 format can be played on various platforms.
- The extended form of the M4A is said to be the QuickTime file format, contrary to the extended form of MP3 is said to be MP2.
- The file compression for the M4A is either lossy or lossless, On the other hand, the algorithm of file compression for the MP3 is lossy.
- MP3 is less compressed compared to M4A, In contrast, M4A is a highly compressed format, as it uses MPEG-4 technology.
- MP3 files are widely compatible with various audio players and devices compared to M4A files.
- M4A, using advanced audio coding, must adhere to certain restrictions, While the MP3 is a larger file with no restrictions.
- M4A files have the advantage of better support for metadata, allowing for more detailed information about the song or audio file. MP3 files can also contain metadata, but M4A files generally have more extensive support for it.
- M4A is known to be audio/M4A, The MIME type for MP3 is audio/MPEG.
- M4A is used by the Apple company for the songs in iTunes, Whereas MP3 format is used in present existing regular audio files.
- MP3 files are slightly lower in quality compared to M4A files.
- M4A files can be encrypted with digital rights management(DRM) protection, which restricts the usage and copying of the file. MP3 files do not have native DRM support.