Reduction of file size through data compression -- while still retaining high sound quality -- is one of the primary benefits of converting music files to MP3s. The highest-quality digital audio files, such as uncompressed .WAV files used on professionally recorded CDs, need to be quite large to retain all the original data. While .WAV files offer superior sound quality on pro-audio listening gear, MP3 files are approximately 10 times smaller and still sound good to untrained ears on consumer-level equipment.
Since MP3 files are much smaller than .WAV files, they take up much less storage space on your computer and in listening devices. A typical .WAV file uses about 10 MB per minute, which equates to around 40 MB for a four-minute song. In contrast, MP3 files use about 1 MB per minute, reducing the same four-minute song to around 4 MB. The file size can be further reduced if necessary by lowering the bit rate during the conversion process, allowing the smaller file to be emailed without bogging down most email servers.
MP3s are prime candidates for CD burning because of their size and universal compatibility with home and mobile CD players. Although .WAV files are also universally recognized by CD players, they take time to burn and will fill up a CD's physical song capacity at a quicker rate. MP3s can burn to CDs much faster and allow more music to fit on a CD than .WAV files.
Whether emailing MP3s, placing them on websites for listening or transferring to other devices from your computer, MP3s download and open quickly. Since most software offering an audio insert option recognizes MP3s -- with some allowing it as the only format -- they may be placed in electronic slide and video presentations for narratives, background music or interactive use with the addition of graphic "play" buttons.