OPUS vs MP3: What is Suitable for You

People encounter audio files on a daily basis, so choosing the suitable format will be of great benefit. And if you need to store audio files, you will surely prefer a lossy format with good sound quality. OPUS and MP3 are both lossy audio formats.

They are the most commonly used formats, often treated as audio file standards in the present digital world. Since the OPUS file format launch, it became confusing to decide while comparing OPUS vs. MP3.

So you are at the right spot if you want to know about the features and the clear difference between the two. Read on to find out the best converter for OPUS and MP3 conversions.

What is the OPUS/MP3 File?

Here is the introduction of both formats before going deep into the OPUS vs MP3 comparison!

What is OPUS File Format?

OPUS format is of the audio files mainly used for internet streaming. Along with being a lossy format, it can use a variety of codecs from SILK to CLT. Moreover, OPUS supports them all from low bitrate such as 6KB to higher values like 500KB when it comes to bitrates. Besides bitrates, the format also offers a wide range of frame rates and sampling rates. 

The container format depends on the codec to hold audio data, represented by the extension .opus. You can use the format in VoIP, in-app chats, and other online platforms.

What is MP3 File Format?

MP3, abbreviated as MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, is an audio file format that produces lossy files. You can use it for compressing files to decrease file size. Encodes digital audio; this format loses data that cannot be recovered because the compression is irreversible. 

This format is compatible with portable devices and most media players. It is so famous because it retains file quality even after reducing the file size. MP3 formats have ID3 tags that hold information about the file, such as the artist’s name, title, genre, etc.

OPUS vs. MP3: What’s the Difference?

Let us compare the two file formats in terms of sampling rate, bitrate, file size, file quality, application, and compatibility. 

File Size and Quality:

OPUS compresses big files and reduces their bit rate and size, yet it keeps the file quality to a reasonable extent. MP3 can negatively affect the quality of audio when reducing the file size. OPUS makes smaller files as compared to MP3. 

Sampling Rate:

OPUS supports a broader range of sampling rates, including 8, 12, 16, 24, and 48. While MP3’s supported sampling rate range starts from 32 when using MPEG-1 and 16 with MPEG-2.

Bitrate:

OPUS can generate an audio file in less than half of the bit rate compared to the same file in MP3 file format. For example, 48 kHz stereo can contain 96 kilobits per second in OPUS format, while the same quantity of data needs 128 kbps in an MP3 file. In OPUS vs. MP3, the former supports bitrate up to 510 kbps and MP3 up to 320 kbps. 

Application:

MP3 has its wide use in internet streaming. Most of the music available on the internet is in MP3 format. This format has excellent compatibility with media players and web browsers. In the case of OPUS, it is mainly used in real-time communication and as a VoIP codec. Like MP3, it too has good compatibility with web browsers and media players.

Compatibility:

Any device with a digital media player can play MP3. One of the reasons it is so popular is that people no longer need to doubt its playability on their devices. You can use MP3 as a universal format for music and songs with this high compatibility.

But OPUS is also no less. Because this too can be used for containing speech and music and sharing over the internet. The difference between the two formats is in the extensive usage of OPUS in online real-time applications.

Best Media Converter for OPUS and MP3 Conversion

Having a good converter will aid you in converting between the two formats depending on the situation. The best software is EaseUS Video Converter. Read on to know the reason!

This software offers you a set of efficient tools to convert and even edit audio/video aspects quickly. It is the fastest converter you will find for Windows, which works without compromising on quality. Besides, it supports various formats, no matter your input file format and what output you want. Along with that, you can choose from the already available presets.

Last but not least, the interface is also simple so that any naive person can perform the task efficiently. If you have many files to convert, you can save your time using the batch conversion feature.

Now download this program and check the following steps to start your OPUS and MP3 conversion:

Free Download

Windows 11/10/8/7

Free Download

macOS 10.13 or later

Step 1. Download and launch this program. Next, select the “Audio Converter” option from the left sidebar for audio conversion, and click “Choose Files” to import the audio file.

Step 2. Click the gear icon to select your output audio format at the bottom. Besides, you can change the saving path, enable the high-speed conversion, GPU acceleration, or merging functions if needed here.

Step 3. You can click the “Edit” button to change the file name, bitrate, sample rate, and other settings for your output file.

Step 4. Once done, you can click the “Convert” or “Convert All” button to begin your audio conversion.

The Bottom Line

Choosing file formats while comparing OPUS vs. MP3 depends on your needs. If your primary concern is to reduce the file size significantly without losing its quality, choose OPUS because it supports as tiny a bit rate as 8. Also, it supports a bit rate up to 510 kbps. If you want to play the audio file on any device, you can opt for MP3 format.

In a nutshell, both OPUS and MP3 have their advantages and disadvantages. And you can choose the suitable one for different occasions.