.opusWhat is Opus?
Opus Interactive Audio Codec
Modern low-bitrate codec — unbeatable for VoIP, Discord, and web streaming
- Format type
- Lossy compressed audio (interactive/streaming)
- Standard
- IETF RFC 6716
- Bitrate range
- 6–510 kbps (64 kbps typical for music)
- Sample rate
- 8–48 kHz (48 kHz internally)
Opus is a modern audio codec standardised by the IETF in 2012. It was designed to be the best codec across the full range of audio applications — from 6 kbps voice calls to 510 kbps high-fidelity music — and it delivers on that promise. At low bitrates (below 64 kbps), Opus is significantly better than MP3, AAC, or Vorbis. Discord uses Opus for voice chat, WebRTC uses it for video calls, and all modern web browsers support it natively.
Opus combines the best characteristics of two earlier codecs: SILK (used in Skype for voice) and CELT (used for music and low latency). The result is a codec that handles both speech and music exceptionally well at very low bitrates. At 64 kbps, Opus sounds better than MP3 at 128 kbps. The main limitation is device support — older hardware, iTunes, and some media players don't support Opus natively.
Technical Specifications
| Format type | Lossy compressed audio (interactive/streaming) |
| Standard | IETF RFC 6716 |
| Bitrate range | 6–510 kbps (64 kbps typical for music) |
| Sample rate | 8–48 kHz (48 kHz internally) |
| Channels | Up to 255 channels |
| Latency | 2.5–60 ms (configurable) |
| License | Free and open source (BSD licence) |
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- Best quality at low bitrates (below 64 kbps) of any codec
- Native VoIP application for Discord, Teams, Zoom, and WebRTC
- Supported natively in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
- Free and open source — no royalties
- IETF standard — future-proof and well-maintained
- Handles both speech and music well at all bitrates
Limitations
- No native iOS support (Apple does not support Opus)
- Not supported by iTunes or Apple Music
- Older consumer hardware and car stereos lack Opus support
- Not accepted by most podcast distribution platforms
Common Use Cases
- Discord voice chat and audio recordings
- WebRTC calls (Google Meet, Teams, Zoom internals)
- Web game audio via HTML5 <audio>
- VoIP applications
- Low-bitrate streaming and podcasting (technical use)
- Browser-based audio recording
Compatible Software & Platforms
Opus is natively supported by:
Convert Opus Files — Free Online Tools
Convert from Opus
Convert to Opus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Opus file?
A Opus file is a audio file using the Opus Interactive Audio Codec format. Opus is a modern audio codec standardised by the IETF in 2012.
What programs open Opus files?
Opus files are supported by: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Discord, WebRTC stack, and most modern media players and editors.
What are Opus files used for?
Common uses include: Discord voice chat and audio recordings; WebRTC calls (Google Meet, Teams, Zoom internals); Web game audio via HTML5 <audio>.
Opus vs MP3: what is the difference?
Opus is far superior at low bitrates; MP3 has much broader device and platform support. Opus is typically chosen for discord voice chat and audio recordings, while MP3 is preferred for podcast distribution to apple podcasts, spotify, and google.
How do I convert a Opus file?
Convert Opus files online for free at MediaFormatter. Upload your file, choose a target format, and download the result — no installation or sign-up needed.