Which music format is smaller AAC, AIFF, MP3?

Answer 1

In descending order (largest to smallest):

AIFF
MP3
AAC

AAC is not an Apple-invented format, but it's used by Apple as a selling point for the iPod: 'the only portable digital music player that supports the AAC format used by the iTunes Music Store for Mac and Windows. AAC features CD-quality audio in smaller file sizes than MP3, so that even more songs fit on your iPod.'

Well, that's just marketing speak, BUT:

Neutral sources have established that a 160 kbps AAC file is similar in quality to a 192 kbps VBR MP3 file (with the AAC file weighing in at less than 90% of the equivalent MP3 file size) and that does seem to support Apple's claims about AAC: Better quality than mp3, smaller size.

The whole story is a bit more complex than this, but the general principle will hold true. And that's my personal experience as well.

Answer 2

Actually, I believe AAC can be smaller (with greater fidelity) than normal MP3. Of the three, I think AIFF is the largest file size.

Answer 3

Ogg will give you the best lossless compression. Better compression than lossy MP3 format. AIFF is way bigger than MP3.

So if you are using anything but MP3 your best bet is to use Ogg. Better quality, better compression and better portability. The only reason to use MP3 today is copatability. Everything plays an MP3. Any other format you'll run into apps that do not play that format. Hardware that has no idea what to do with it.

Answer 4

AIFF is uncompressed, so that's the largest.

If you are using an iPod, go with the AAC. Anything else, has to be the mp3.

Answer 5

mp3

Answer 6

mp3