Audio Bitrate Explained: Best Settings for Music, Voice & File Size
Bitrate is one of the most important settings when converting audio. It affects sound quality and file size, and picking the wrong value can either waste space or hurt clarity. In this guide, you’ll learn how bitrate works, when to use CBR vs VBR, and the best settings for music, podcasts, and voice.
1) What is audio bitrate?
Bitrate is the amount of data used per second of audio, typically measured in kbps (kilobits per second). Higher bitrates usually mean better quality but larger files. For compressed formats like MP3 and AAC, bitrate is the main knob that balances fidelity and size.
- Low bitrate → smaller files, more compression artifacts.
- High bitrate → larger files, better quality (diminishing returns at the top end).
2) CBR vs VBR: which should you use?
CBR (Constant Bitrate) keeps the same bitrate throughout the entire file. It’s predictable for streaming or legacy players.
VBR (Variable Bitrate) adapts the bitrate to the complexity of the audio, often delivering similar perceived quality at a smaller size—great for music and speech when compatibility is not an issue.
- Use CBR for maximum compatibility and strict file size targets.
- Use VBR for best efficiency and quality at a given average size.
3) Estimated file size per hour
The table below shows rough estimates for compressed formats like MP3/AAC. Real sizes vary by content and encoder settings, but these figures are useful when planning storage or bandwidth.
| Bitrate | Approx. Size / hour | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 64 kbps | ~30–32 MB | Speech‑only, low bandwidth |
| 96 kbps | ~45–48 MB | Podcasts, voice‑first shows |
| 128 kbps | ~60–65 MB | Mixed content (voice + light music) |
| 192 kbps | ~90–96 MB | Music with good fidelity |
| 320 kbps | ~150–160 MB | Highest MP3 quality |
If your audience downloads episodes on mobile data, aim for 96–128 kbps. For music, 192–320 kbps is common depending on your quality bar.
4) Recommended bitrates by scenario
- Voice‑only podcasts/interviews: 64–96 kbps (Mono). If you include short music beds, consider 96–128 kbps.
- Voice + consistent background music: 128 kbps (Stereo) is a great balance.
- Music‑focused content: 192 kbps or 256–320 kbps (Stereo) for higher fidelity.
- Archiving or editing later: keep a WAV or FLAC master and export a compressed distribution copy.
5) Sample rate & channels: keep them simple
For most content, a 44.1 kHz sample rate is perfect; use 48 kHz if your workflow targets video. Stereo doubles data versus mono; for speech‑first shows, mono is typically best.
In our converter you can leave Sample rate = Default and Channels = Auto to respect the source, or change them as needed.
6) Quick workflow with our online converter
- Drag & drop your files into the converter.
- Pick MP3 or AAC, choose Bitrate (try 96 or 128 for voice; 192+ for music).
- Optionally set Normalize and Fade‑in/out for polished results.
- Click Convert Files and download your audio instantly (no uploads).
Conclusion
Choose bitrate based on your content and audience: 96–128 kbps for voice‑first shows, 192–320 kbps for music. Keep 44.1 kHz (or 48 kHz for video) and use mono when stereo adds no value. When in doubt, start at 128 kbps and adjust after listening tests.