Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) is a lossy audio compression format that provides better sound quality and smaller file sizes than MP3. It is widely used for streaming and downloading music, podcasts, audiobooks, and ringtones.
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III) is a popular lossy audio compression format that reduces the size of audio files by discarding some of the sound information. It is widely supported by various devices and platforms, and is commonly used for storing and transferring music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
M4A (MPEG-4 Audio) is a container format that can store various types of audio data, such as AAC, ALAC, or MP3. It is similar to MP4, but only contains audio tracks. It is mainly used by Apple devices and software, such as iTunes, iPod, and iPhone.
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is a standard uncompressed audio format that stores the raw sound data without any loss of quality. It is widely compatible with various devices and platforms, but it results in large file sizes. It is mainly used for professional audio editing, recording, and playback.
OGG (Ogg Vorbis) is a free and open source lossy audio compression format that provides high quality and low bitrate audio. It is mainly used for streaming and downloading music, podcasts, and games. It supports metadata, album art, and multiple audio channels.
WEBA (WebM Audio) is a container format that can store various types of audio data, such as Opus or Vorbis. It is similar to WEBM, but only contains audio tracks. It is mainly used for web applications, such as HTML5 audio and video elements.
WMA (Windows Media Audio) is a proprietary lossy audio compression format developed by Microsoft that provides high quality and low bitrate audio. It is mainly used for Windows devices and software, such as Windows Media Player, Zune, and Xbox. It supports metadata, album art, and digital rights management (DRM).
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a free and open source lossless audio compression format that preserves the original sound quality while reducing the file size by 50-60%. It is widely supported by various devices and platforms, and is commonly used for storing and transferring high-quality music, such as CD rips. It supports metadata, album art, and multiple audio channels.
M4B (MPEG-4 Audio Book) is a container format that can store various types of audio data, such as AAC, ALAC, or MP3. It is similar to M4A, but it is specially designed for audiobooks and podcasts. It supports metadata, album art, chapter markers, and bookmarks.
M4R (MPEG-4 Audio Ringtone) is a container format that can store various types of audio data, such as AAC, ALAC, or MP3. It is similar to M4A, but it is specially designed for ringtones and alerts. It is mainly used by Apple devices, such as iPhone and iPad.
WEBM (WebM Video) is a container format that can store various types of video and audio data, such as VP8, VP9, Opus, or Vorbis. It is a free and open source format that provides high quality and low bitrate video. It is mainly used for web applications, such as HTML5 video and WebRTC.
Opus is a free and open source lossy audio compression format that provides high quality and low latency audio for various applications, such as music, speech, and interactive communication. It is widely supported by various devices and platforms, and is commonly used for streaming and downloading music, podcasts, and games. It supports metadata, album art, and multiple audio channels.
MOV (QuickTime File Format) is a container format that can store various types of video and audio data, such as H.264, AAC, or MP3. It is a proprietary format developed by Apple that provides high quality and compatibility. It is mainly used by Apple devices and software, such as QuickTime, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and exchange musical information. It is not an audio format, but a set of instructions that can be used to synthesize sound. It is mainly used for composing, editing, and playing music, such as MIDI keyboards, sequencers, and synthesizers.