What is an MP3 file?
MP3 is the most widely supported audio format. It uses lossy compression to make music files about a tenth the size of a CD, which is why it took over portable music in the 2000s. At 192 kbps or more most people can't tell an MP3 from the original.
| Full name | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .mp3 |
| MIME type | audio/mpeg |
| Introduced | 1993 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical file size | About 1 MB per minute at 128 kbps |
| Best for | music and podcasts you want to play anywhere |
| Compatibility | Universal: every phone, computer, car stereo and speaker |
How to open an MP3 file
Windows
Plays in Media Player, Groove/Media Player app and any browser.
Mac
Plays in Music, QuickTime Player and Quick Look.
iPhone and iPad
Plays from the Files app; add it to Music via a computer.
Android
Plays in any music app, Files and Chrome.
If none of these work, convert the file to a more widely supported format with one of the tools below.
Convert MP3 files
Convert other files to MP3
Other tools for MP3 files
MP3 metadata and privacy
MP3 files carry ID3 tags: title, artist, album, cover art and sometimes comments or the encoder used. Recordings from phones can include the device name. Remove them with the MP3 tag remover.
Frequently asked questions
What is an MP3 file?
MP3 is the most widely supported audio format. It uses lossy compression to make music files about a tenth the size of a CD, which is why it took over portable music in the 2000s.
How do I open an MP3 file on Windows?
Plays in Media Player, Groove/Media Player app and any browser.
How do I open an MP3 file on a Mac?
Plays in Music, QuickTime Player and Quick Look.
Is MP3 lossy or lossless?
MP3 uses lossy compression, so some detail is discarded each time the file is saved.
How do I convert MP3 to another format?
Use one of the free converters on this page, for example MP3 to WAV. Files are converted in your browser without being uploaded.