The music industry took over the world since human beings came to know what music is. Then music evolved rapidly and people not only started listening to it on the radios but it was made available in all kinds of formats.
So, two of the most famous formats are the Mp3 and Flac. You all know what Mp3 format is. It is a type of coding format that was developed in Germany with the help of some scientists. While, Flac on the other hand, is another type of coding format for digital audio.
People might get confused that these two may have similar functions but they have got their differences by which one can easily identify which format is the audio.
Mp3 vs Flac
The main difference between Mp3 and Flac is that Mp3’s audio files reduce some parts in order to reduce the file size whereas the Flac files are larger than that of MP3 and they can have the same boost of audio quality.
Comparison Table Between Mp3 and Flac
| Parameters Of Comparison | MP3 | Flac |
| Sound Quality | Good | Better |
| File Size | 44.1kHz | 16-bit (Purchase option up to 24-bit/192kHz) |
| Developed By | Moving Picture Experts Group | Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Initial release | 1993 | 2001 |
| Support | Available | Not Available |
| Compatible With | Most devices like Sony walkman, Apple iPod touch and many others | Iphones, PMP and other mobile phones |
What is MP3?
Mp3 is a type of format that was developed in Germany by a group of scientists. The MP3 format became known worldwide because of its availability for common people. The Mp3 files that we hear are very different from what we hear in other formats.
In the Mp3 file takes away some of the sounds from the original audio and due to this reason, the file created in the MP3 file makes the size of the file smaller. But, there is one disadvantage during this process. The quality of the format is decreased and the quality becomes quite low.
The quality of an Mp3 format and the quality of Flac cannot be compared because there is a huge difference created in their audio quality. However, the usage of the Mp3 format depends upon the users.
If you are a person who loves to listen to music without any interruptions then the MP3 format will be the best choice for you. And if you are looking for a simple format where you can enjoy your favourite list of songs then MP3 format files are the best.
The MP3 files can be stored anywhere and on any device and this is what makes these formats most advantageous for most people. It is not necessary that most people around us will have all types of format files on their device so the MP3 format is good.
The MP3 format also helps you to keep your device’s memory low because it cuts out some parts from your file.
What is Flac?
Flac, on the other hand, is a software that was developed for the digital audio format. The Flac audio format is considered to have better quality than that of an MP3 format file. Flac format somewhat has higher standard than any other digital audio format.
If a person wants to listen to Flac audio file format then it is compulsory for you to use better quality headphones too. If you are the kind of person who wants to have the best experience in this file format then I strongly suggest you use better quality headphones too.
If you are using lower quality headphones then using Flac audio format might not be suitable for you because you will not get the best quality that Flac is willing to offer. Maybe because of this reason many people get confused about the quality check between MP3 and Flac.
As I said already if you want a better sound system in your house and you are willing to bear the expenditure then Flac is the best choice for you. Flac will give you the best experience because of their high-quality sound system.
Main Differences between Mp3 and Flac
- Mp3 format is considered to be lossy format because most parts of the file are shaved off. However, in Flac’s case, this thing does not happen.
- Flac’s digital audio files have got more advantages over MP3 format because they are less problematic compared to Mp3 files.
- Flac files are larger in size than MP3 and they are almost half of the size of a CD. In the Flac audio format, you can have the same boost in audio quality.
- Flac has got good download time and these audio format files are also easy to share.
- Flac is the most recommended for those people who want the best sound quality and want to get the best out of music quality.
Conclusion
Both these audio file formats have their advantages and disadvantages. However, it totally depends upon the uses of the users and it is up to them which one they think is the best for them. In the end, I would say that both MP3 and Flac are very useful in their own way.
Just because MP3 is an old format for digital audio coding does not mean that it has fewer followers all over the world. People still listen to these two formats and it is up on the people’s choice as which one will be the best for them. The Flac is like a CD because once you purchase Flac then it is only yours but Flac is best suited for those who care about the best sound quality.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7571951/