Need Audio That Sounds Great at Tiny File Sizes?
You have an MP4 video and need the audio in a format that delivers exceptional quality at remarkably low bitrates. Whether you are extracting audio for Discord voice channels, WhatsApp voice messages, podcast distribution, or streaming applications, Opus outperforms MP3 and AAC at the same file sizes.
Our converter extracts the audio track from your MP4 video and encodes it to Opus format. The result is a compact audio file that sounds noticeably better than MP3 at equivalent bitrates, ideal for bandwidth-sensitive applications and modern communication platforms.
How to Convert MP4 to Opus
- Upload your MP4 file - Drag and drop or select your video from any device
- Confirm Opus output - Your audio converts to the modern Opus codec automatically
- Download your audio file - Get your optimized Opus file ready for any compatible player
The conversion takes seconds for most files. No software installation required, and your files are processed securely in your browser.
Why Opus Beats MP3 and AAC at Low Bitrates
Opus was developed by the IETF and Xiph.Org Foundation, combining the best of Skype SILK and CELT codecs. In listening tests, Opus consistently ranks higher quality than MP3, AAC, and HE-AAC at any given bitrate until transparency is reached.
- Quality at 64 kbps - Opus at 64 kbps matches MP3 at 96 kbps for music, and the gap widens for speech content
- Speech clarity at 16 kbps - Human speech remains clear and intelligible at bitrates where MP3 and AAC sound distorted
- Bitrate range - Opus supports 6 kbps to 510 kbps, adapting from narrowband speech to high-fidelity stereo music
- Low latency - 26.5 ms algorithmic delay makes Opus ideal for real-time communication and live applications
For practical use, Opus at 48 kbps handles podcasts and voice content excellently. Music sounds great at 96-128 kbps, where you would need 160-192 kbps MP3 for comparable quality.
When MP4 to Opus Conversion Makes Sense
Extracting Audio for Discord and VoIP
Discord, WhatsApp, and PlayStation all use Opus as their native voice codec. If you are extracting audio clips to share on these platforms, Opus is the most efficient format. A voice recording that takes 5 MB as MP3 needs only 2-3 MB as Opus with identical perceived quality.
Creating Podcast Episodes from Video
Video podcasts often need audio-only versions for podcast platforms. Opus at 48-64 kbps delivers excellent speech quality at half the file size of MP3. Auphonic and other podcast services recommend Opus at 48 kbps as the default, compared to 96 kbps for MP3.
Bandwidth-Limited Streaming
When streaming audio over limited connections or embedding audio in web applications, Opus provides the best quality-to-size ratio. WebRTC uses Opus for browser-based audio, making it a natural fit for web applications.
Archiving Voice Content
For recordings where speech quality matters but storage is limited, Opus preserves clarity at bitrates that would make MP3 sound muddy. Interview archives, meeting recordings, and audiobook collections benefit from the efficient compression.
Opus vs AAC: Choosing the Right Format
Both are modern codecs that outperform MP3, but they excel in different scenarios. Understanding the trade-offs helps you pick the right output.
- Choose Opus when: You need the smallest file size for acceptable quality, target Discord or WhatsApp, prioritize speech clarity, or distribute via web streaming with limited bandwidth
- Choose AAC when: You need Apple device compatibility (iOS, iTunes), use higher bitrates (192 kbps+) where AAC sounds slightly more natural, or require maximum playback support across older devices
- Quality crossover: Below 128 kbps, Opus clearly wins. Above 192 kbps, both reach transparency and differences become negligible for most listeners
For modern web and mobile applications, Opus is increasingly the better choice. For Apple-centric workflows and legacy device support, AAC remains safer.
Device and Player Compatibility
Opus plays natively in most modern environments, though support is not as universal as MP3 or AAC. Knowing what works helps you decide if Opus fits your workflow.
- Full support: VLC, Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Opera, foobar2000, Audacity, Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram
- Mobile: Android supports Opus natively. iOS requires VLC or a third-party player since Apple Music and Files app do not play Opus directly
- Limited support: iTunes, Windows Media Player (older versions), many car stereos and basic MP3 players
If your audience uses modern browsers and apps, Opus works seamlessly. For broader distribution to unknown devices, consider AAC or MP3 as alternatives.
Batch Convert Multiple Video Files
Need to extract audio from a collection of videos? Upload multiple MP4 files at once and download all Opus audio files together. Batch conversion is ideal for processing video podcast archives, meeting recordings, or any collection where you need audio-only versions with minimal file size.
Works on Any Device
Our browser-based converter runs entirely in your web browser. No software to install, no plugins required, and no account needed.
- Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android tablets and phones
Your files are processed locally in your browser, ensuring complete privacy for your video and audio content.