How do MP3 and AIFFcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
MPEG Audio Layer III
MP3 is the most popular audio format in the world. It revolutionized digital music by compressing audio files to a fraction of their original size while maintaining good quality. Nearly every device and application supports MP3.
Audio Interchange File Format
AIFF is Apple's uncompressed audio format, the macOS equivalent of WAV. It stores full-quality audio data and is commonly used in professional audio production on Apple systems.
| Specification | MP3 | AIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG Audio Layer III | Audio Interchange File Format |
| Extension | .mp3 | .aiff |
| MIME type | audio/mpeg | audio/aiff |
| Category | Audio | Audio |
| Developer | Fraunhofer Society / Moving Picture Experts Group | Apple |
| Year introduced | 1993 | 1988 |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless |
MP3 is practical for everyday listening with good compression. AIFF is essential for professional audio work where every detail matters.
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