What is the Best Audio Codec for Online Video Streaming?
Delivering a seamless online streaming experience means choosing the right audio codec and video quality. For most platforms, AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) has long been the industry standard due to its excellent balance between quality and compression. If you’re wondering what is a good audio bitrate for streaming, a 128 kbps AAC bitrate is generally sufficient for casual streaming. However, for professional or high-quality streams, especially 1080p video, an AAC bitrate of 192 kbps to 256 kbps is recommended to maintain AAC bitrate quality and ensure crisp, clear sound.
While AAC remains widely used, newer audio formats for streaming, like Opus, are gaining traction. Opus offers superior audio quality at all bitrates and is open-source, making it an increasingly popular choice. It is also natively supported on both iOS and Android, providing greater flexibility for modern live streaming needs.
Different audio codecs, such as AAC, MP3, and Opus, vary in quality and efficiency. However, choosing the best audio format for streaming ensures an optimal listening experience, helping you deliver high-fidelity audio to your audience.
Table of Contents
- What is an Audio Codec?
- Common Audio Codecs
- The SBC Codec
- An Immersive Sound with Eclipsa Audio
- The Best Audio Codec
- Recommended Audio Bitrate for Streaming
- Related Audio Encoding Settings
- Recommendations for Businesses
- Video Codecs for Streaming
- The Pros and Cons of Audio Codecs for Video Streaming
- Advancements in Streaming Protocols
- AI-Driven Enhancements in Streaming
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What is an Audio Codec?
The word “codec” is short for “coder/decoder.”
The term codec is a combination of “coder” and “decoder.” In simple terms, an audio codec is a technology that compresses and decompresses digital audio files, making them more manageable for streaming and storage.
Uncompressed audio, often referred to as RAW audio, captures vast amounts of sound data to maintain the highest possible quality. However, these files are extremely large, making them impractical for live streaming or online distribution. This is where audio codecs come in.
The first function of an audio codec is encoding, which compresses audio by removing redundant data. This significantly reduces file size while preserving as much sound quality as possible. The second function is decoding, which reconstructs the compressed audio for playback. This process relies on advanced mathematical algorithms to balance efficiency and quality.
In streaming, selecting the right codec ensures smooth playback and efficient bandwidth usage. Among the best audio codecs, AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) remains a top choice due to its excellent compression and AAC bitrate quality, making it ideal for platforms like YouTube and Spotify. However, newer formats like Opus are gaining popularity for their superior performance across all bitrates.
Common Audio Codecs
There is a wide range of audio codecs available for live streaming today, but not all are equally supported across devices and platforms. Some audio formats for streaming prioritize quality, while others focus on compression to reduce file size. When selecting the best audio codec for a particular use case, factors such as compatibility, efficiency, and AAC bitrate quality should be considered.
Let’s explore some of the most widely used audio codecs for live streaming.
1. MP3
MP3 (MPEG-2 Audio Layer III) is one of the most well-known and commonly used audio codecs. First introduced in the 1990s, MP3 revolutionized digital audio by significantly reducing file sizes while maintaining near-CD quality. This made it ideal for downloading, streaming, and portable music players.
MP3 remains popular because it provides efficient compression while preserving good audio quality. However, newer audio codecs like AAC and Opus offer better sound quality at the same bitrate, making MP3 less optimal for modern streaming platforms.
2. AAC
Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) was developed as an improvement over MP3, offering better compression efficiency and superior sound quality at lower bitrates. If you’re wondering what is a good audio bitrate for streaming, AAC streaming typically provides better audio performance than MP3 at the same bitrate.
AAC has evolved over time, with High-Efficiency AAC (HE-AAC) being the most advanced version. It is the most widely used audio codec for live streaming today and is supported by nearly all major video streaming platforms. Thanks to its balance of quality and efficiency, AAC is often considered the best audio format for streaming.
3. WAV (LPCM)
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) was developed by Microsoft and IBM and is primarily used for uncompressed audio in the LPCM format. It offers high-quality, lossless audio, making it suitable for professional applications and audio formats for streaming where preserving original sound is essential.
However, WAV files are large, which makes them impractical for most online streaming scenarios unless high fidelity is a priority.
4. AIFF
AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is Apple’s equivalent to WAV and stores uncompressed audio using PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation). Like WAV, AIFF delivers high-quality sound but results in large file sizes. It is commonly used in professional audio production but is less common for streaming due to its size constraints.
5. WMA
Windows Media Audio (WMA) was Microsoft’s answer to MP3, designed to deliver high-quality audio at lower bitrates. It includes four versions: WMA, WMA Voice, WMA Lossless, and WMA Pro.
While WMA was once widely used, its popularity has declined, as newer best audio codecs like AAC and Opus offer superior compression and quality. WMA is still useful in Windows-based environments but is not the best choice for broader compatibility.
6. Opus
Opus is a next-generation, open-source audio codec that provides superior sound quality across all bitrates. It is more efficient than AAC and MP3, making it ideal for live streaming, VoIP, and gaming.
Both iOS and Android now support Opus natively, and as streaming technology evolves, Opus is expected to gain wider adoption as one of the best audio codecs for high-quality, low-latency streaming.
Other Common Audio Codecs
Beyond these widely used options, there are several other audio formats for streaming worth mentioning:
- LDAC: Sony’s proprietary high-resolution audio codec, offering high-quality sound with low latency.
- FLAC: A lossless audio codec that delivers high-fidelity sound without quality loss but with larger file sizes.
- ALAC: Apple’s version of FLAC provides high-quality lossless audio for Apple devices.
The SBC Codec
The SBC codec (Low Complexity Subband Coding) is a widely used Bluetooth audio codec designed for efficient wireless audio streaming. It compresses audio data to enable smooth playback while maintaining low power consumption, making it an ideal choice for everyday Bluetooth use. However, compared to more advanced codecs like AAC, SBC sacrifices some audio quality, particularly at lower bitrates.
When comparing AAC vs. SBC, AAC bitrate quality is generally superior, especially at lower bitrates. This makes AAC the preferred choice for applications where sound clarity matters, such as music streaming and high-quality audio playback. On the other hand, SBC is better suited for basic Bluetooth applications, where efficiency and compatibility take priority over sound fidelity.
For video streaming, AAC is often considered the best audio codec due to its higher fidelity and better compression efficiency. It is also the best audio format for streaming across various platforms, ensuring clear and consistent sound quality.
An Immersive Sound with Eclipsa Audio
The evolution of audio codecs has led to groundbreaking innovations in spatial audio. One of the most exciting advancements in audio formats for streaming is Eclipsa Audio, a next-generation spatial audio format introduced by Samsung and Google.
Eclipsa Audio is designed to deliver an immersive 3D audio experience, adjusting audio data in real-time based on the location, intensity, and spatial reflections of sounds. This means that listeners can enjoy a more natural and dynamic sound environment, whether they’re watching a movie, playing a game, or streaming music. Unlike traditional stereo or surround sound, Eclipsa Audio enhances depth and directionality, making it feel as though sound is moving around the listener.
For video streaming, Eclipsa Audio represents a major leap forward, providing a more engaging and cinematic listening experience. It optimizes AAC bitrate quality and seamlessly integrates with existing audio codecs, ensuring high-quality playback without excessive bandwidth consumption.
Eclipsa is set to redefine the best audio format for streaming, bringing cutting-edge immersive audio experiences to a wide range of devices and platforms. It offers users a richer, more engaging way to experience content.
The Best Audio Codec
AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) remains the best audio codec for live streaming, professional broadcasting, and on-demand video. It is widely supported across major software platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, and popular streaming devices such as smart TVs and set-top boxes.
Beyond its broad compatibility, AAC bitrate quality is superior to older formats like MP3. In blind listening tests, AAC consistently delivers better sound quality at the same bitrate, making it the preferred choice for most streaming applications.
While newer codecs like Opus are gaining traction due to their efficiency and high-quality audio at lower bitrates, widespread adoption is still a few years away. Until then, AAC remains the best audio format for streaming, ensuring clear, high-fidelity sound across various devices and platforms. This is generally configured via settings in your hardware or software encoder.
Recommended Audio Bitrate for Streaming
Bitrate refers to the amount of data transmitted per second in a digital media file, typically measured in Kbps (Kilobits per second). A higher bitrate generally means better audio quality, though it also increases bandwidth usage. All else being equal, an AAC audio file that’s encoded at a bitrate of 192 Kbps will sound better than one encoded at 64 Kbps.
Our recommended audio bitrates for video, when using AAC, our recommendation for the best audio codec for a live streaming platform, are as follows:
- For 360p (low quality) video, use 64 Kbps audio bitrate
- With 480p and 720p video, use 128 Kbps audio bitrate
- For 1080p video, use 256 Kbps audio
Related Audio Encoding Settings
Beyond choosing the best audio codec, optimizing additional audio encoding settings is crucial for ensuring high-quality audio in live streams, live events, and video-on-demand (VOD) content. Key factors include audio channels, sample rates, and video codec compatibility.
Recommended Channels (Stereo vs. Mono)
Most audio formats for streaming allow you to choose between stereo and mono audio channels. Mono (single-channel) audio should only be used for low-quality video streams, as it significantly reduces audio bitrate for streaming and can result in a flat, less immersive sound.
For 480p resolution and above, stereo audio is recommended to provide a richer listening experience, especially when streaming on platforms like YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch. Most live-streaming platforms also support stereo mixing, ensuring superior sound quality for both live streamers and viewers.
Recommended Audio Sample Rate
The audio sample rate determines how many sound measurements are taken per second in a recording. A higher sample rate captures a wider range of frequencies, resulting in better audio clarity—but also increases file size and bandwidth requirements.
For live streaming and online video, we recommend a 44.1 kHz (44,100 Hz) sample rate, as this is the industry standard for most audio codecs and streaming platforms. It provides an excellent balance between quality and efficiency while maintaining AAC bitrate quality for crisp, clear sound.
Recommendations for Businesses
When selecting the best audio codecs for streaming, businesses must balance quality, compatibility, and efficiency to deliver the best possible user experience. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind.
- Compatibility: Businesses must ensure that the chosen audio codec is widely supported across target devices, browsers, and streaming platforms. Popular codecs like AAC and Opus work across iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and major live-streaming services, ensuring seamless playback for users.
- Quality vs. Compression: Striking the right balance between audio quality and compression is essential. High-quality AAC bitrate settings provide excellent clarity while optimizing bandwidth usage. For businesses streaming at 1080p or higher, an AAC bitrate of 192-256 Kbps is recommended to maintain professional-grade sound without excessive data consumption.
- Future-Proofing: Adopting next-generation audio formats for streaming, such as Opus, or emerging spatial audio technologies like Eclipsa Audio, helps ensure long-term compatibility with evolving platforms and devices. Businesses should stay informed about industry trends and invest in adaptive streaming solutions that support multiple codecs to extend the longevity of their streaming infrastructure.
Video Codecs for Streaming
Video codecs are just as important in online video streaming as audio codecs in ensuring high-quality content delivery. While the audio codec ensures clear, crisp sound, the video codec compresses and transmits video efficiently.
H.264, also known as MPEG-4 Part 10, is a widely used video compression standard for high-definition digital video. It offers high compression efficiency, making it ideal for streaming platforms that need to deliver clear, sharp video while minimizing bandwidth usage. H.264 is compatible with most devices and browsers, making it a reliable choice for live streaming and on-demand video.
For live streaming or online video, H.264 is often the recommended video codec due to its balance of quality and file size. Its widespread adoption means that it’s supported across a vast array of devices, including smartphones, laptops, desktop computers, and streaming boxes.
H.264 is commonly used for streaming in HTML5, as it’s supported by almost all modern browsers without the need for plugins. The versatility of H.264 in video quality and compression makes it one of the best video codecs for streaming across multiple platforms.
Integration of Advanced Video Codecs
The video codec landscape evolves and advances with the adoption of more efficient compression standards. This shift enables streaming platforms to deliver higher-quality video at lower bitrates, which is essential for providing a seamless viewing experience across diverse devices and bandwidth conditions.
Below, we explore two cutting-edge video codecs that are shaping the future of online streaming: AV1 and HEVC (H.265).
AV1 is the Next-Generation Codec
AV1 is an open-source, royalty-free video codec that has gained traction due to its improved compression efficiency. By offering better compression than its predecessors, AV1 allows for high-quality video to be streamed at lower bitrates, making it ideal for users with slower internet connections. Major streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix have already started adopting AV1, leveraging its superior compression to reduce data usage while maintaining visual fidelity.
For streaming platforms seeking to optimize video formats for streaming, AV1 is a promising codec for the future. While still in the early stages of widespread adoption, its ability to support high-definition and 4K video at lower bitrates makes it an attractive option for both professional broadcasters and content creators.
HEVC for High-Resolution Content
HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, is another advanced codec gaining popularity for its superior compression efficiency compared to H.264 (AVC). HEVC is particularly well-suited for high-resolution video formats like 4K and 8K, as it reduces the bandwidth required for streaming these large files while maintaining exceptional visual quality. This makes HEVC a go-to choice for premium video streaming services.
However, the widespread use of HEVC is somewhat limited by its hardware and software requirements. Older devices may struggle with encoding and decoding HEVC video, so streaming platforms must carefully consider compatibility when integrating it into their services. While HEVC’s benefits in compression efficiency are clear, its adoption on older devices is slower, which limits its compatibility with a broader audience.
The Pros and Cons of Audio Codecs for Video Streaming
| Codec | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| MP3 |
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| AAC |
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| WAV (LPCM) |
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| AIFF |
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| WMA |
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| Opus |
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Advancements in Streaming Protocols
To meet the growing demands of modern streaming, protocols have significantly evolved. A key advancement in this space is Enhanced RTMP (E-RTMP). E-RTMP is an upgraded version of the legacy Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), designed to support modern audio and video codecs, as well as multitrack capabilities. This improvement addresses several contemporary streaming needs, such as enhanced metadata signaling and improved connection resilience. At the same time, it ensures the compatibility with legacy systems.
E-RTMP’s support for newer audio codecs, including AAC and Opus, makes it an ideal choice for streaming high-quality audio content at various bitrates. The flexibility of E-RTMP helps maintain the best audio formats for streaming even in challenging network conditions.
AI-Driven Enhancements in Streaming
We are all witnessing the impactful ways in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing video streaming. These include the following:
- Personalized Content Delivery: AI-driven algorithms analyze individual user preferences and behaviors, enabling platforms to recommend tailored content. This personalized approach significantly enhances user engagement. Platforms like Amazon Prime Video use AI-powered recommendation systems, which suggest videos based on an individual’s viewing habits, ensuring a more immersive experience.
- Real-Time Subtitling and Translation: AI is also improving accessibility through real-time subtitling and translation tools. For example, VLC has introduced AI-powered features that automatically generate and translate subtitles as videos play. This ensures that diverse audiences can access content in their preferred languages, improving overall inclusivity and engagement. At the same time, platforms can offer both richer content and enhanced audio formats for streaming, such as captions and voice-overs, which enrich the viewing experience for all users.
FAQs
1. What are the emerging audio codecs for streaming in 2025?
In 2025, Opus and Eclipsa Audio are emerging as key audio codecs. Opus offers superior audio quality at all bitrates and is becoming more widely adopted. Eclipsa Audio, developed by Samsung and Google, is a new spatial audio format designed to provide immersive 3D audio experiences.
2. How is AI enhancing the streaming experience?
AI is enhancing streaming by enabling personalized content delivery, where algorithms recommend tailored content based on user preferences. Additionally, real-time subtitling and translation powered by AI improves accessibility, allowing viewers to enjoy content in multiple languages.
3. What is the best audio codec for streaming video?
The AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is widely regarded as the best audio codec for online video streaming. It balances excellent audio quality and efficient compression, making it suitable for most platforms, including YouTube and Netflix. For professional streams, an AAC bitrate of 192 kbps or higher is recommended.
4. How does AAC compare to MP3 for streaming?
AAC generally offers better audio quality at the same bitrate compared to MP3. For example, an AAC file at 128 kbps will sound better than an MP3 at the same bitrate, making AAC the preferred choice for high-quality streaming.
5. Is Opus a good choice for audio streaming?
Yes, Opus is an emerging codec known for its superior audio quality at all bitrates, especially at lower bitrates. It’s increasingly used for voice and music streaming and is supported on both iOS and Android devices.
6. What bitrate should I use for AAC audio when streaming?
For 1080p video, an AAC bitrate of 192-256 kbps is recommended for clear and high-quality sound. For lower-resolution streams, such as 360p or 480p, a bitrate of 64-128 kbps should be sufficient.
7. Why is Opus considered the future of audio streaming?
Opus offers higher-quality audio at lower bitrates, making it ideal for modern streaming needs. It’s also royalty-free and open-source, which encourages adoption across platforms and devices, positioning it as a strong competitor to other codecs like AAC in the future.
8. Can I use WAV or AIFF for streaming?
While WAV and AIFF offer high-quality, uncompressed audio, they result in very large file sizes, making them impractical for streaming. These formats are better suited for professional audio work but are not recommended for live streaming due to bandwidth limitations.
9. What is the role of codecs in video streaming?
Audio codecs, like AAC and Opus, ensure efficient compression of audio data while preserving quality, enabling smooth streaming experiences. Without proper codecs, the audio quality may degrade, and the video may suffer from buffering or slow load times.
10. Does the choice of audio codec affect streaming performance?
Yes, the choice of audio codec affects both sound quality and bandwidth usage. Using a codec like AAC ensures a balance of good quality and low data consumption, improving the streaming experience, especially for users with slower internet connections.
11. What are some other important audio encoding settings to consider for video streaming?
Key audio encoding settings include choosing the right audio sample rate (44.1 kHz is standard for good quality), selecting the appropriate audio bitrate (192-256 kbps for AAC is ideal for high-quality streaming), and deciding between stereo vs. mono channels based on the content’s quality and target platform.
12. When should I use stereo vs. mono audio channels?
Use stereo for most video content (480p and above) for richer audio, especially for music or high-quality broadcasts. Use mono for lower-quality streams or when minimizing bandwidth is a priority, such as for simple speech-based content.
13. How can Dacast assist with live streaming?
Dacast provides a professional live streaming platform with features such as high-quality video and audio delivery, secure monetization options, and advanced analytics to help optimize streaming performance and viewer engagement.
14. What video codec is recommended for video streaming?
H.264 (AVC) is widely recommended for video streaming due to its balance of high-quality compression and compatibility across platforms. For higher resolutions like 4K, HEVC (H.265) may be a better choice.
Conclusion
AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is ranked as one of the best audio codecs for online video streaming. Its efficient compression and high-quality output make it an ideal choice for a variety of platforms, offering a great balance between file size and clarity. When considering which audio codec is best for streaming, AAC consistently ranks high due to its versatility and superior performance across a range of bitrates, particularly for 1080p video, where a 192 kbps AAC audio bitrate is often recommended.
Understanding the meaning of an audio codec and conducting a thorough comparison of audio codecs is essential for optimizing your streaming setup. While several audio streaming formats are available, AAC stands out as the best audio format for video and the most reliable audio encoder for most applications. Its compatibility with the best audio decoders ensures clear, crisp sound at an efficient streaming audio bitrate, elevating the overall viewing experience.
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