Differences between FLAC or MP3 formats, which is better

With the advent of digital technologies in the world of music, the question arose about the choice of methods for digitizing, processing and storing sound. Many formats have been developed, most of which are still used successfully in certain situations. Conventionally, they are all divided into two large groups: lossless audio and lossy audio. Among the former, the FLAC format is in the lead, among the latter, the real monopoly was for MP3. So what are the main differences between FLAC and MP3, and are they really important to the listener?

What is FLAC and MP3?

If the audio is recorded in FLAC format or converted to it from another lossless format, the entire frequency spectrum and additional information about the file content (metadata) is saved. The file structure looks like this:

four-byte identification string (FlaC);
Streaminfo metadata (required to configure playback equipment);
other metadata blocks (optional);
audiofrems.
It is common practice to directly record FLAC files while playing “live” music or from vinyl records.

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When developing algorithms for compressing MP3 files, the psychoacoustic model of a person was used. In short, during the conversion, those parts of the spectrum that our ears do not perceive or do not perceive completely will be “cut off” from the sound flow. Also, if the stereo broadcasts are similar in certain stages, they can be converted to mono sound. The main criterion for audio quality is the compression ratio – bit rate:

up to 160 kbit / s – low quality, a lot of third-party interference, frequency drops;
160-260 kbps – medium quality, mediocre peak frequency playback;
260-320 kbps – Deep, smooth, high-quality sound with minimal interference.
Sometimes a high bit rate is achieved when converting a low bit rate file. This will not improve the sound quality in any way – files converted from 128 to 320 bps will still sound like a 128-bit file.

Table: Comparison of characteristics and differences between audio formats
FLAC indicator MP3 low bit rate MP3 high bit rate
Lossless lossy compression format
Sound quality high low high
Volume of a song 25-200 Mb 2-5 Mb 4-15 Mb
Appointment listening to music on high-quality audio systems, creating a music file, installing ringtones, storing and playing files on devices with limited memory, home listening to music, storing the catalog on portable devices.

Compatibility PC, some smartphones and tablets, high-end players most electronic devices most electronic devices
To hear the difference between a quality MP3 and FLAC file, you must have an excellent ear for music or an “advanced” audio system. The MP3 format is more than enough for listening to music at home or on the road, and FLAC is still the plethora of musicians, DJs, and audiophiles.