Audio · .aac
What Is an AAC File?
A .aac file is a compressed audio format that sounds better than MP3 at the same size.
- Extension
- .aac
- Full name
- Advanced Audio Coding
- Type
- Audio
- MIME type
- audio/aac
- Developed by
- MPEG (1997)
Free AAC Tools
These run in your browser. Your AAC files are never uploaded.
About AAC Files
AAC was designed as the successor to MP3 and achieves better sound quality at the same bitrate. It is the audio format used by Apple Music, YouTube, most streaming services, digital radio and the audio track of most MP4 videos. A raw .aac file contains AAC audio with minimal wrapping, often in a format called ADTS. More commonly AAC audio is stored inside an M4A or MP4 file, which adds metadata such as titles and album art.
How to Open an AAC File
- Windows
- Play it in Media Player or VLC.
- Mac
- Open it in Music, QuickTime Player or VLC.
- iPhone & Android
- Most music players and file managers play AAC files.
AAC File Questions
Is AAC better than MP3?
At the same bitrate AAC usually sounds better, especially at low bitrates like 96 or 128 kbps. MP3 is still more widely compatible.
How do I convert AAC to MP3?
The M4A to MP3 converter on this site also accepts .aac files.