While most casual listeners can't tell the difference between formats, choosing the right file type has practical consequences for file size, quality, and compatibility.

If you know one audio file format, it’ll be the MP3. It’s one of the most common file formats out there, popular for its versatility and mass compatibility.

What's the difference between them, and which one should I use to rip my music? Sincerely, Frustrated with Formats Dear Frustrated, ...

A hi-def test for your ears (and your audio equipment): Listen to these songs and see if you can tell the difference between an MP3 and an uncompressed audio file.