MP4 vs 3GP
How do MP4 and 3GPcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.mp4
Full guide →MPEG-4 Part 14
MP4 is the most widely used video format in the world. It's the default for everything from YouTube to TikTok, smartphones to streaming services. If you need one video format that works everywhere, MP4 is it.
.3gp
Full guide →3rd Generation Partnership Project
3GP is a video format designed for 3G mobile phones. While modern smartphones use MP4, 3GP is still used in feature phones and developing markets where bandwidth and storage are limited.
| Specification | MP4 | 3GP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Part 14 | 3rd Generation Partnership Project |
| Extension | .mp4 | .3gp |
| MIME type | video/mp4 | video/3gpp |
| Category | Video | Video |
| Developer | ISO / Moving Picture Experts Group | 3rd Generation Partnership Project |
| Year introduced | 2001 | 2003 |
MP4 advantages
- Universal compatibility
- Excellent compression with H.264/H.265
- Supports subtitles and multiple audio tracks
- Streaming-friendly with progressive download
MP4 limitations
- Lossy compression
- Patent-encumbered codecs
- Quality varies greatly by encoding settings
- Large files at high quality
3GP advantages
- Very small file sizes
- Designed for mobile devices
- Low bandwidth requirements
- Plays on feature phones
3GP limitations
- Very low quality
- Outdated format
- Limited resolution support
- Not suitable for modern use
Which should you use?
MP4 is the universal standard — it works everywhere. 3GP has its niche: feature phone video playback. When in doubt, convert to MP4 for maximum compatibility.
Best uses for MP4
Best uses for 3GP
Convert between MP4 and 3GP
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.