AAC
Advanced Audio Coding — the default audio codec for HLS streaming and Apple ecosystem delivery.
FeaturesAudio Codecs
Audio Codecs
Choose the right audio codec for quality, compatibility, and file size.
Comparison
Bitrate vs. Quality
How much bandwidth each codec needs to achieve the same perceived audio quality.
Quality Level | AAC | MP3 | Opus | Vorbis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Transparent (indistinguishable from source) | 192 kbps | 256 kbps | 128 kbps | 192 kbps |
High (excellent for streaming) | 128 kbps | 192 kbps | 96 kbps | 128 kbps |
Acceptable (voice/podcast) | 64 kbps | 96 kbps | 32 kbps | 64 kbps |
Opus delivers transparent audio quality at the lowest bitrate of any codec listed here. AAC is the safest default for HLS delivery. MP3 remains useful for legacy compatibility.
Audio Codecs
Supported Audio Codecs
Decision Guide
Which Audio Codec Should I Use?
AAC
Streaming via HLS?
Required by Apple, universal player support, the safe default for adaptive streaming.
MP3
Legacy compatibility needed?
Universal support across all devices and players, but least bandwidth-efficient.
Opus
WebRTC or real-time communication?
Lowest latency, best quality at low bitrates, mandatory for WebRTC spec.
Vorbis
WebM containers?
Both are WebM-native audio codecs. Prefer Opus for new projects.
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