WMA and MP3 explained
WMA is Microsoft's audio format from the Windows Media era. It is functionally obsolete and some older files carry DRM that prevents conversion.
MP3 is the lossy audio format that made digital music portable. Its patents expired in 2017, which is part of why it remains ubiquitous — anyone can implement it freely.
- Where WMA files come from
- Music ripped on Windows in the 2000s.
- Where MP3 is used
- Music libraries, podcasts and voice recordings.