MP3 vs. WAV: Audio Formats Compared
When extracting audio from video content, choosing between MP3 and WAV depends on how you plan to use the sound file.
This guide compares lossy MP3 compression against uncompressed WAV waveforms, explaining bitrates, file sizes, and audio fidelity.
Quick Answer
Choose MP3 (320kbps) for everyday listening, podcasts, and mobile devices where compact file sizes are essential. Choose WAV for uncompressed, lossless studio audio editing in DAWs (Logic, Ableton, FL Studio) and professional video sound design.
How MP3 Compression Works
MP3 uses psychoacoustic algorithms to remove audio frequencies that human ears cannot easily distinguish. At 320kbps (the highest MP3 bitrate), the audio is virtually indistinguishable from CD quality for casual listening, while reducing file size by up to 80%.
Why Audio Producers Use WAV
WAV stores raw, uncompressed PCM audio. Because no audio data is stripped away, WAV files can be imported into music production software (FL Studio, Ableton Live, Pro Tools) and manipulated with EQ, compression, and effects without generational loss.
File Size & Bitrate Comparison
• **A 4-minute song in MP3 (320kbps)**: ~9 MB to 10 MB.
• **A 4-minute song in WAV (16-bit, 44.1kHz PCM)**: ~40 MB to 45 MB.
• **Recommended Choice**: Use our [YouTube to MP3](file:///en/youtube-to-mp3) tool for music listening and [YouTube to WAV](file:///en/youtube-to-wav) for sound editing.
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