The underlying file container for these tracks is (MPEG-4 audio). Therefore, when someone refers to "iTunes Plus AAC M4A," they are talking about a DRM-free, 256 kbps AAC audio file purchased directly from Apple's ecosystem. Why AAC is Superior to MP3
If you have a subscription to a streaming service (like Tidal or Qobuz), some software allows you to "record" the stream to save an M4A file. These tools are legally contested under the DMCA. Itunes Plus Aac M4a Sites
True iTunes Plus files show a constant or variable bitrate hovering around 256 kbps. The underlying file container for these tracks is
Many portable media players and mobile processors are optimized at the hardware level to decode AAC streams efficiently, which can translate to better battery life during extended playback compared to decoding heavier lossless formats. iTunes Plus AAC vs. FLAC vs. MP3 These tools are legally contested under the DMCA