FLAC vs WAV
FLAC is lossless compression: the exact same audio as WAV, stored at about 50–60% of the file size. Both are lossless: FLAC stores the same audio at about half the size, while WAV is the universal editing standard.
audio format comparison
FLAC.flac
FLAC is lossless compression: the exact same audio as WAV, stored at about 50–60% of the file size.
Pros
- Bit-identical to the source after decoding
- About half the file size of WAV for the same audio
- Built-in tagging and metadata support
Cons
- Decoding is slightly slower on very old hardware
- A few pieces of editing software expect WAV specifically
- Encoding a large library takes noticeable time
WAV.wav
WAV is uncompressed PCM audio - the full-size lossless reference format.
Pros
- Zero compression - the fastest, most universally supported lossless format
- Default exchange format for editing, mastering, and professional audio
- Every OS and DAW can read WAV
Cons
- About 1.5–2× the size of FLAC for the same audio
- Uncompressed - heavy for archiving whole libraries
- Metadata support varies across toolchains
Which should you use?
FLAC: Choose FLAC for archiving and long-term storage of your music library.
WAV: Choose WAV when you are working in a DAW or the receiving software expects raw PCM.
Convert between FLAC and WAV
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Quick Answer
FLAC and WAV are both audio formats with different trade-offs. Both are lossless: FLAC stores the same audio at about half the size, while WAV is the universal editing standard. Choose FLAC for archiving and long-term storage of your music library. Choose WAV when you are working in a DAW or the receiving software expects raw PCM.
Key Facts
- FLAC: FLAC is lossless compression: the exact same audio as WAV, stored at about 50–60% of the file size.
- WAV: WAV is uncompressed PCM audio - the full-size lossless reference format.
- FLAC strengths: Bit-identical to the source after decoding; About half the file size of WAV for the same audio; Built-in tagging and metadata support.
- WAV strengths: Zero compression - the fastest, most universally supported lossless format; Default exchange format for editing, mastering, and professional audio; Every OS and DAW can read WAV.
- FLAC trade-offs: Decoding is slightly slower on very old hardware; A few pieces of editing software expect WAV specifically; Encoding a large library takes noticeable time.
- WAV trade-offs: About 1.5–2× the size of FLAC for the same audio; Uncompressed - heavy for archiving whole libraries; Metadata support varies across toolchains.
- FLAC to WAV and WAV to FLAC are both perfectly lossless - the audio is identical, only the file size changes.
- Both are lossless: FLAC stores the same audio at about half the size, while WAV is the universal editing standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, FLAC or WAV?
Both are lossless: FLAC stores the same audio at about half the size, while WAV is the universal editing standard. Choose FLAC for archiving and long-term storage of your music library. Choose WAV when you are working in a DAW or the receiving software expects raw PCM.
Is FLAC lossless or lossy?
FLAC is lossless, so no data is removed. WAV is lossless, so no data is removed.
Can I convert FLAC to WAV without quality loss?
FLAC to WAV and WAV to FLAC are both perfectly lossless - the audio is identical, only the file size changes. You can convert either direction with the free tools linked on this page.
What happens to my file when I convert FLAC to WAV?
FLAC to WAV and WAV to FLAC are both perfectly lossless - the audio is identical, only the file size changes. Your original file is never modified - the converter downloads a new file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are lossless: FLAC stores the same audio at about half the size, while WAV is the universal editing standard. Choose FLAC for archiving and long-term storage of your music library. Choose WAV when you are working in a DAW or the receiving software expects raw PCM.
FLAC is lossless, so no data is removed. WAV is lossless, so no data is removed.
FLAC to WAV and WAV to FLAC are both perfectly lossless - the audio is identical, only the file size changes. You can convert either direction with the free tools linked on this page.
FLAC to WAV and WAV to FLAC are both perfectly lossless - the audio is identical, only the file size changes. Your original file is never modified - the converter downloads a new file.