Do AAC and MP3 Files Work on All Devices?
AAC is the preferred audio file format for iTunes and Apple Music, but it is possible to play ACC files on Android and Windows computers. Likewise, the MP3 format also works on any operating system. You should have no problem playing either file type on any device.
AAC vs. MP3: Sound Quality and File Size
To examine the differences between the formats, let’s compare the song Wild Sage by The Mountain Goats encoded in each format at three different speeds: 128 Kbps, 192 Kbps, and 256 Kbps. The higher the Kbps, the bigger the file, but the better the quality.
AAC vs. MP3 at 192 Kbps
These versions sound a bit muddied compared to the 256 Kbps versions. However, there’s no clear distinction between AAC and MP3. The MP3 is almost 1MB smaller.
AAC vs. MP3 at 128 Kbps
The AAC file is a bit clearer and brighter than the MP3, which suffers from slight muddiness and slurring some sounds together. The file sizes are almost exactly the same.
AAC vs. MP3: Which Is Better?
While there are differences in the sound waves of the files, they sound roughly equivalent to the ear. Though there may be a bit more detail in the 256 Kbps MP3, it’s difficult for an untrained ear to discern. The only place you’re likely to hear a difference is in the low-end 128 Kbps encodings, which aren’t recommended. While MP3 files tend to be smaller than AAC files, the differences are not substantial.
Audiophiles vs. Compressed Music
Most audiophiles who place great value on the best possible sound quality tend to avoid MP3, AAC, and other digital audio formats because these formats use compression to create smaller files. The trade-off is that the highest and lowest ends of the sound range are lost. Most average listeners don’t notice the loss, but it can be a deal-breaker for audio aficionados. If you’re used to listening to music on an iPhone or Android device, then you’ll probably be satisfied with either AAC or MP3.
