Audiobooks are quite a hit nowadays because they are excellent for learning and listening on the go. At the same time, audio files come in all types and sizes. And while we may all be familiar with MP3, what about AAC format (M4B to be exact)? Why would Apple audiobooks adopt M4B format? Is there a best audio format? What are the differences between M4B and MP3 files? In this post, we are going to compare M4B to MP3.
What is MP3 and M4B?
What is MP3?
The MP3 file, one of the most commonly distributed audio files used today to store a song or the whole CD and require very little hard drive space, was created by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) and is short for MPEG-1 Layer 3. It is an audio format that uses a compression algorithm to reduce the overall file size. MP3 is known as a lossy format because that MP3 compression removes the parts of the audio file that human ears have a harder time hearing— the highest and lowest ends. For the average music listener, the loss in quality generally isn’t that noticeable.
What is M4B?
The M4B file is encoded with the AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) compression format and is commonly used by audiobooks downloaded from the Apple iTunes store. These audiobooks may be copy-protected using Apple's FairPlay DRM, which means they can only be played on authorized computers or iOS devices. The M4A audio format which also use the MPEG-4 Part 14 container format is basically identical to M4B except that those types of files are used for music instead of audiobooks. What’s more, M4B files can support metadata for chapters and bookmarking on supporting players.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of MP3 and M4B?
Pros and Cons of MP3 Format
Pros:
The biggest advantage of MP3 files are universal accepted by hardware media players and devices because of no-DRM protection.
Smaller size is one of the main advantages of mp3, which enables users to store more audio files to their disks or devices. At the same time, time taken to download and upload files has reduced significantly.
The files can be easily shared via an online medium (Internet) or a physical medium (USB).
Cons:
The biggest disadvantage is the MP3 files make them prone to misuse -- piracy, which cuase the illegal downloading and sharing of music.
Pros and Cons of M4B Format
Pros:
The biggest advantage of M4B files carry more information, including chapter markers, images, and hyperlinks. So you can jump to any chapter to continue reading.
M4B files allows you to bookmark a recording at any point so that you don’t have to listen to the audiobook from the beginning next time.
Better sound quality.
Cons:
Very often M4B files come with DRM copyright protection which restricts access to only computers and devices that have been authorized.
Comparison chart bewteen MP3 and M4B Format
| Format | MP3 | M4B |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 | MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| Standards | ISO/IEC Standard of 1991 | ISO/IEC 14496-14:2003 |
| Format | Audio encoding format | MPEG-4 part 14 audio book container file format |
| Coding | Perpetual coding method | Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) |
| Released Date | 1993 | 2003 |
| Compatibility | Music Player supports MP3 file | iTunes; Windows Media Player or other media player supports M4B file (if not protected by DRM) |
| Pros | Universal accepted by most media players and devices | Bookmark audiobooks and split audio files into chapters |
| Cons | Piracy – the illegal downloading and sharing of music | FairPlay DRM restriction |
How to Play MP3 and M4B Files?
How to Play MP3 Files?
As mentioned earlier, MP3 is the most widely used audio file format and because of almost all audio playback applications are able to open MP3 files. Windows and macOS users are able to play MP3 files right out of the box without having to install any third-party software. In Windows 10, MP3s are played by default in the Windows Media Player; in macOS, they can be played in iTunes by default.
How to Play M4B Files?
As M4B files are used by Apple audiobooks, the best way to open the file is by using Apple iTunes which is offered in both a Mac and Windows version and must be used if the M4B files are protected by FairPlay Digital Rights Management (DRM). If the M4B file is not protected by FairPlay DRM and you are using Windows, you can open the file using Windows Media Player which is typically included by default in the Windows operating system.
Tip 1: If you are looking for a cross platform application to play MP3 or M4B files, you can use VLC Media Player which is an open source media application available as a free download on its website.
Tip 2: If you are interested in converting M4B to MP3, you can read this guide on how to convert M4B to MP3.
Bonus Tip: How to Convert Audible to MP3/M4B?
Audible, an Amazon company, has the world’s largest selection of audiobooks. AA and AAX file format are used by audiobooks downloaded from Audible website. However, because of the copyright protection of Audible’s DRM, you are only allowed to play them through Audible website and Audible app available on iOS, Android, and Windows 10 features the best listening experience, even through iTunes authorized by your Audible account.
Very frequently, you may find it annoying that you can’t play Audible books on your portable player or share Audible books with friends freely. To solve this problem, the best way is to how to convert M4B to MP3convert Audible to MP3/M4B. For detailed instructions, you can follow this step by step guide to convert Audible to MP3/M4B.
There is no doubt that MP3 is the most popular audio format which highly supports most media players and portable iOS/Android devices. So if you want to play Audible books anywhere without limitations, all you need to do is find a professional and trustworthy Audible to MP3/M4B Converter. After converting Audible books to MP3 files, you can enjoy the Audible books or share with friends freely.
Conclusion
As I have discussed above, I analyze the differences, the pros and cons between MP3 and M4B format. Which audio format do you derive the most enjoyment? Now I think you can pick a format that best suits your needs.
Amy Lopez crafts informative articles on eBooks and eReaders, uncovering optimal methods to enhance your eBook reading experience, and eagerly shares her findings with you.
This has WRONG information!
M4B's are NOT restricted to garbage Apple devices.
You can play them on TONS of audio devices that have NOTHING to do with Apple or Audible.