Audio Bitrate Explained: 64 vs 128 vs 320 kbps

Bitrate is the amount of audio data processed per second, measured in kilobits per second (kbps). Higher bitrate means more detail kept — and a bigger file. Here is what each tier actually sounds like and when to use it.

64 kbps — economy

Good enough for voice: podcasts, audiobooks, phone calls. Music at 64 kbps sounds flat and harsh — you will hear artifacts in cymbals and bass. Use it when file size matters more than fidelity.

128 kbps — standard

The classic MP3 default. Fine for casual listening on earbuds or laptop speakers. Most people cannot tell 128 kbps apart from higher rates on cheap gear — but on good headphones, the difference is audible.

192 kbps — good

The point where compression artifacts become hard to notice for most listeners. A solid choice for music libraries when you want quality without huge files.

320 kbps — best (for MP3)

The maximum MP3 bitrate and the sweet spot for music distribution. Transparent to nearly all listeners. If you distribute MP3s, ship 320 kbps.

What about WAV?

WAV is uncompressed, so it has no bitrate setting — its effective bitrate comes from bit depth × sample rate × channels. A CD-quality WAV (16-bit, 44.1 kHz, stereo) runs at about 1411 kbps. That is why you always edit in WAV and only compress to MP3 at the end.

Quick rule of thumb

Voice only → 64–128 kbps. Music streaming → 192–320 kbps. Editing and archiving → WAV, always.