WMV vs 3GP
How do WMV and 3GPcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.wmv
Full guide →Windows Media Video
WMV is Microsoft's proprietary video format. It was popular on Windows platforms in the 2000s but has largely been replaced by MP4. WMV files are still encountered in corporate and legacy environments.
.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 | WMV | 3GP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Windows Media Video | 3rd Generation Partnership Project |
| Extension | .wmv | .3gp |
| MIME type | video/x-ms-wmv | video/3gpp |
| Category | Video | Video |
| Developer | Microsoft | 3rd Generation Partnership Project |
| Year introduced | 1999 | 2003 |
WMV advantages
- Native Windows support
- Good compression for its era
- DRM support
- Windows Media Player integration
WMV limitations
- Limited cross-platform support
- Proprietary format
- Declining popularity
- Inferior to modern codecs
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- Outdated format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?
WMV and 3GP target different use cases. WMV is ideal for legacy windows video libraries, while 3GP works best for feature phone video playback.
Best uses for WMV
Best uses for 3GP
Convert between WMV and 3GP
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.