MP3 vs MP4 | Difference & Comparison in 2023 – EaseUS

“What’s the difference between MP3 and MP4?” “Is MP4 better than MP3?”

MP3 and MP4 have commonly used formats in our daily lives. Many people want to know the difference between MP3 and MP4. Without a doubt, MP3 contains audio only while MP4 is a video format to contain more resources. Also, there are other differences between these two formats such as the compression for the media files, compatibility for players, etc. 

This post illustrates the “MP3 vs MP4”, helping you choose the suitable media file.

Related Article>> M4A vs MP3

What’s the Difference and Which One Is Better?

Both MP3 and MP4 are well-known media formats. The obvious difference between them is that MP3 is an audio format while MP4 is a commonly used video. Although they are compressed media files, MP3 maintains the quality while MP4 video may decrease the quality when compressing. Below is a table that demonstrates the difference between these two. 

 
MP3
MP4

Definition

• Created by the Fraunhofer Society, MP3 is a coding digital audio format

• As a video, MP4 is a digital container format to contain video and audio

Open Format

• √

• √

Primary Use

• Exclusively used for audio

• Contain audio, text, video, etc.

Specialty

• Compressed audio with high quality

• Broader multimedia file
• Container format used to store audio, etc.
• Compressed video format

Compatibility

• Most players can play MP3 files

• Supported by most Apple devices
• Commonly used video format

Conclusion for MP3 vs MP4

• To save audio only, MP3 is your choice. As a compressed audio format, you can save a lot of space on your computer. 
• If you need video, audio, and even images in a multimedia file, choose MP4. 
• For high quality only, then MP3 is better at the same bitrate.

To convert MP3 to MP4 or vice versa on Windows, choose EaseUS Video Converter!

Free Download

Windows 11/10/8/7

Free Download

macOS 10.13 or later

How to Convert MP3 to MP4 or Vice Versa

After viewing the difference between MP3 and MP4, you can know which format is your choice. For example, if you require high quality, then converting MP4 to MP3 is a better solution. Also, to contain video, text, and audio in the media file, MP4 can be the choice. You can use Windows converting software like EaseUS Video Converter.

One of its benefits is the batch converting function which allows dealing with a number of files. By importing more than one MP3 or MP4 file, you can convert them at the same time. Apart from being a converter, it’s also a video/audio merge to manage your media files. The whole process preserves the quality as well. 

EaseUS Video Converter

• Convert MP3 to video like MP4, AVI, MKV, FLV, etc. 
• 30X faster converting speed to save time
• Best free audio converter on Windows PC
• Able to convert multiple video/audio in batch
• Extract audio from video files (MP4 to MP3)

How to convert MP3 to MP4 flawless:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Video Converter on your PC, and choose the “Video Converter.” Click on the “Choose Files” button to import the video you want to convert. It also allows you to drag and drop the video to import it.

Step 2. Click on the “Settings” option to select the target format. You can choose MP4 as the output format and adjust the resolution and bitrate properly.

Step 3. Customize the folder to save the MP4 video after conversion. Two buttons are available to converter the file. The “Convert” button can help you convert one video, while the “Convert All” button can process a batch of videos. 

Step 4. In the “Finished” tab, you can find the converted MP4 video. If you want to preview it, click on the “Open” button to activate the built-in media player.

Free Download

Windows 11/10/8/7

Free Download

macOS 10.13 or later

Overview of MP3 & MP4

After viewing MP3 vs MP4, you can better understand these two formats as this post gives a full explanation for them.  

What is MP3?

Developed by the Fraunhofer Society, MP3 aims to store audio in digital form. Some users said that “MP3 is the king of audio”. Because the MP3 file is good at storing audio, which is also the standard audio format for music players, audio streaming services, etc. The audio in MP3 format won’t lose much quality. 

The compatibility of MP3 is high. Some players use the default format for saving audio files in MP3. And for sharing with others, MP3 is also a desired format as almost all users can recognize and play this format. 

Also, MP3 allows lossy compression, which reduces the size of audio. It’s another reason why users choose MP3 files. 

What is MP4?

This well-known format has firstly released to the public in 2002. Created by Moving Picture Experts Group, MP4 is a digital video format to contain digital video, audio, still images, and other resources. People think it’s better than Apple’s QuickTime format (MOV) as it allows compression to reduce media files size. 

Being a compressed video format, MP4 uses less space while still maintaining the quality. Also, it can be played on many devices like computers, phones, etc. If you want to watch a movie or save a video, then MP4 is a good video format. 

Moreover, Apple uses the .m4a file extension for MP4 files for only audio. And .m4v is commonly used for containing video. 

FAQs About MP3 vs MP4

Here is more information about the difference between MP3 and MP4. 

1. Can you convert MP3 to MP4?

Of course, you can. If you know MP4 is the desired option, then an audio to video converter is needed. 

2. Can an MP4 player play MP3 files?

The MP4 player can handle media files like video. Actually, a video file will contain audio and video resources. For sure, a video player like MP4 player is able to play MP3 files and other audio as well.