WAV vs FLAC: Which Lossless Audio Format Should You Use?

Overview

WAV and FLAC are both lossless formats, which means they preserve all audio detail. The difference is how they store that data and how practical they are for everyday use.

The Quick Answer

• Choose WAV when you need maximum compatibility for editing
• Choose FLAC when you want smaller files without quality loss

File Size Comparison

• WAV: Uncompressed, very large
• FLAC: 30–60% smaller than WAV on average

Editing and Compatibility

WAV

Pros

• Native support in almost all editors
• No decoding overhead

Cons

• Huge storage and transfer cost

FLAC

Pros

• Smaller files, same quality
• Great for archiving and distribution

Cons

• Some older editors need a plugin

When to Use Each

• Production / editing: WAV
• Archiving / sharing: FLAC
• Streaming: Usually compressed formats (MP3/M4A)

How to Convert Between WAV and FLAC

You can convert lossless-to-lossless without quality loss. Just choose the output format and download the result.

Try It Online

Convert WAV and FLAC in seconds:

• Use the universal audio converter