How to choose the right MP3 quality
Balance sound quality and file size based on what you are listening to.
4 steps • 3 min
Think about the content
Speech usually stays clear at a lower bitrate. Music, especially with lots of detail, generally benefits from a higher one.
Think about your device
Small speakers and noisy places hide small quality differences. Good headphones in a quiet room reveal them more easily.
Consider file size
A 192 kbps MP3 uses about 1.4 MB per minute, and a 320 kbps MP3 uses about 2.4 MB per minute. Lower bitrates help if storage is limited.
Compare a short sample
Listen to the same short section at different settings, and choose the smallest file that still sounds good to you.