Online radio audio quality: MP3, AAC and bitrate explained
Next to many online stations youâll see labels like âMP3 128â or âAAC+ 64â. They tell you how good a station sounds and how much data it uses. Hereâs how to read them.
What bitrate is
Bitrate is the amount of data per second used to send the audio, measured in kbps (kilobits per second). The higher it is, the more sound detail you get, but the more data you use. Online stations usually stream between 32 and 320 kbps.
MP3 vs AAC
MP3 is the most common and compatible format. AAC (and its HE-AAC variant, also called AAC+) is newer and more efficient: at the same bitrate it usually sounds better, especially at low values. Thatâs why many stations stream AAC+ at 48 or 64 kbps with quality comparable to a 128 kbps MP3.
What quality to expect
- 32â48 kbps: fine for talk (news, talk shows). Music loses detail.
- 64 kbps AAC+: a good compromise for phone and car, low data use.
- 128 kbps MP3: the standard for music, good with almost any headphones.
- 192â320 kbps: for hi-fi systems and quality headphones; the difference is noticeable mostly in quiet places.
Is higher always better?
Not always. With phone speakers, or in the car with road noise, the difference between 128 and 320 kbps is hard to hear, while data use more than doubles. On the go a 64â128 kbps station is plenty; at home with good headphones or a sound system you can choose 192â320 kbps stations.
Data per quality level
One hour of listening uses about: 29 MB at 64 kbps, 58 MB at 128 kbps, 86 MB at 192 kbps and 144 MB at 320 kbps. The full calculation is in the data usage guide.
What about signal quality?
If a station keeps cutting out, the problem is usually the connection, not the bitrate: weak Wi-Fi or poor mobile coverage. Move closer to the router or pick a lower-bitrate station.
How to judge a stationâs quality
On My VibeOn many stations show format and bitrate in their details. If not, listen to cymbals and voices: at low bitrates high sounds become âmetallicâ and voices lose clarity. Compare two stations of the same genre with the same headphones: youâll hear the difference right away.
Frequently asked questions
Is there FLAC or âlosslessâ radio? A few stations stream lossless formats: they need much more data and a good sound system to appreciate.
Does Bluetooth reduce quality? Bluetooth re-compresses the audio; with 128 kbps+ stations and modern headphones the difference is minimal.
Why does the same station sound different on the website and in the app? Some stations offer several streams (high and low quality): the site and app may use different ones.