FLAC
Audio
Free Lossless Audio Codec
Advantages
- Lossless compression
- Open source
- Metadata support
Disadvantages
- Large file size
- Limited device support
Best for
- Audiophiles
- Music archiving
- High-quality audio
FLAC vs WAV
Compare FLAC and WAV formats to find the best option for your needs.
WAV
Audio
Waveform Audio File Format - uncompressed audio
Advantages
- Lossless quality
- No compression
- Professional standard
- Easy to edit
Disadvantages
- Very large files
- Not streaming-friendly
- No metadata support
Best for
- Audio editing
- Professional recording
- Archiving
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | FLAC | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Audio | Audio |
| File size | Medium | Large |
| Compatibility | Widely supported | Widely supported |
| Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
Questions and answers
What is the difference between FLAC and WAV?
FLAC files are usually smaller than WAV files.
Which format should I choose: FLAC or WAV?
It depends on the job. FLAC is the better pick for: Audiophiles, Music archiving, and High-quality audio. WAV is the better pick for: Audio editing, Professional recording, and Archiving.
Can I convert FLAC to WAV?
Yes. Open the FLAC to WAV converter, drop the file and download the result.
Is FLAC better than WAV?
Not in general. FLAC is stronger at: Audiophiles, Music archiving, and High-quality audio. WAV is stronger at: Audio editing, Professional recording, and Archiving.