MP3 differs from MP4 in that MP3 is an audio-only format, whereas MP4 is a multimedia container that can store images, audio, subtitles, and other data at the same time. Therefore, an MP3 file contains only audio (such as a song or podcast), while an MP4 file most often contains video. They also differ in age, standards, and intended use, as well as in the meaning of the terms "MP3 player" and "MP4 player.".
To sum it up
- MP3 — is a lossy audio compression format - the file contains only audio.
- MP4 — is a container: it can contain video (for example, H.264, H.265), audio (most often AAC), subtitles and images.
- The MP3 format was created in the early 1990s, and MP4 is a 2003 standard (ISO/IEC 14496-14).
- For music, MP3 is enough, for movies you need MP4 (or another video format).
MP3 and MP4 – the main difference
The names sound similar, but they describe different things. MP3 (MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Audio Layer III) is audio coding format , which determines how a recording is compressed to reduce its size. An .mp3 file contains one audio track and metadata such as the song title and artist.
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is container format , or "box," which can contain multiple streams simultaneously: an image, one or more audio tracks, subtitles, images (such as cover art), and metadata. The container itself doesn't determine quality; it depends on the codecs used to store the content.
What is MP3?
The MP3 format was developed at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany by a group of researchers led by Karlheinz Brandenburg. The standard was approved in 1991 and published as ISO/IEC 11172-3 in 1993. It uses lossy compression : An algorithm that removes parts of the signal that most listeners won't hear anyway, resulting in a file many times smaller than an uncompressed recording.
The quality of MP3 files primarily depends on bitrate . The MPEG-1 standard defines values from 32 to 320 kbps—the higher the value, the better the quality and the larger the file size. A popular value is 128 kbps, and higher bitrates are typically chosen for listening on high-quality equipment. The last US patents on MP3 expired in 2017, so the format is now freely available.
What is MP4?
MP4 is part of the MPEG-4 family of standards described in ISO/IEC 14496-14:2003 . It is based on Apple's QuickTime format. It most often includes video encoded in H.264/AVC or H.265/HEVC (increasingly also AV1), and audio in AAC format , which was developed as a successor to MP3.
The MP4 container has several extensions: .mp4 (usually video), .m4a (audio only), .m4v (video), .m4b (audiobooks) and .m4r (ringtones). Thus, the .m4a file is the closest analogue to MP3 in the MP4 world. Interestingly, the MP4 container can also store MP3 audio, although this is rarely used in practice.
MP3 vs. MP4 Comparison Chart
| Characteristic | MP3 | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| What's happened | Audio coding (compression) format | Multimedia container |
| Content | Audio only + metadata | Video, audio, subtitles, images, metadata |
| Standard | MPEG-1/2 III Audio Layer (ISO/IEC 11172-3) | MPEG-4 Part 14 (ISO/IEC 14496-14) |
| Start | Approved in 1991. | 2003 Standard |
| Typical codecs | MP3 (the codec itself) | H.264, H.265, AV1 (video); AAC (audio) |
| Extensions | .mp3 | .mp4, .m4a, .m4v, .m4b, .m4r |
| Typical use | Music, podcasts, audiobooks | Movies, phone recordings, videos from the Internet |
| file size | Smaller size (audio only) | Usually larger in size (the image takes up more space). |
MP3 player vs. MP4 player
There are devices on the market called "MP3 players" and "MP4 players." These are trade names, not technical terms. MP3 player used for listening to music and usually does not have a screen for playing video or has only a small display. MP4 player It has a screen and can play videos, as well as, of course, MP3 files.
Note: The term "MP4 player" does not guarantee support for all .mp4 files. The device must support specific codecs stored in the container, such as H.265, or a specific resolution. For a list of supported formats, please refer to the manufacturer's specifications or instructions.
MP3 or MP4 – which format should you choose?
- Music and podcasts – MP3. Works on almost any device: phone, car, speaker, or old player.
- Music in better quality at the same size file – AAC in .m4a (MP4) format, if your equipment supports it.
- Movies, phone recordings, web videos – MP4 with H.264 video; this is one of the most common video formats.
- Extracting audio from video — MP4 to MP3 conversion. Keep in mind that lossy encoding reduces quality, so it's recommended to set a high bitrate.
Conversion can be performed in media editing or playback programs (such as VLC) or using online tools. Converting MP3 to MP4 will not improve audio quality—the file will only receive a new container, and if it contains an image, you'll need to add one (for example, a static graphic).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is MP4 an improved version of MP3?
No. These are not successive versions of the same format. MP3 is an audio format, while MP4 is a container that can store video, audio, and subtitles. MP3's successor in audio compression is likely AAC, which is often stored in the MP4 container (.m4a).
Can an MP4 file contain only audio?
Yes. MP4 audio files typically have the .m4a extension (or .m4b for audiobooks). They most often contain AAC audio.
How to convert MP4 to MP3?
Simply extract the audio track using a media converter (such as VLC) or an online tool and save it as an MP3. Since this is lossy encoding, choose a high bitrate, such as 192-320 kbps.
Does the MP3 player play MP4 files?
It usually doesn't play video. Some players support .m4a files (AAC audio in an MP4 container). For more information, please refer to your device's specifications.
Which format provides better sound quality – MP3 or MP4?
This depends on the codec and bitrate, not the container itself. AAC audio saved in MP4 with the same bitrate usually sounds at least as good as MP3, but a high-bitrate MP3 file can sound better than MP4 audio saved with a very low bitrate.
See also
- What is the difference between a mobile phone and a smartphone?
- What is the difference between an e-book and an audiobook?
- What is the difference between a webcam and a digital camera?
- What is the difference between Intel Core i3 and i5 processors?