Audio File Converters - Convert MP3, FLAC, WAV Online

Supported Audio Formats

Format	Quality Level	Compatibility	Pros	Cons	Best Use Case	Actions
MP3 MPEG Audio Layer III	Good Lossy compression	Universal All devices	• Universal compatibility • Small file sizes • Wide software support • Streaming optimized	• Quality loss • No metadata flexibility • Patent restrictions	Music streaming, Portable devices, Web distribution	View MP3 Options
FLAC Free Lossless Audio Codec	Excellent Lossless compression	Good Most platforms	• Perfect audio quality • Open source & free • Rich metadata support • Error detection	• Large file sizes • Limited mobile support • Higher bandwidth needs	Audio archiving, Hi-fi systems, Professional use	View FLAC Options
WAV Waveform Audio File	Excellent Uncompressed	Universal All platforms	• Perfect quality • Universal support • Simple structure • Professional standard	• Very large files • No compression • Limited metadata	Audio production, CD mastering, Professional editing	View WAV Options
AAC Advanced Audio Coding	Very Good Efficient lossy	Very Good Apple ecosystem	• Better quality than MP3 • Efficient compression • Apple native support • Modern codec	• Patent restrictions • Less universal than MP3 • Licensing costs	iTunes/Apple Music, Mobile streaming, High-quality lossy	View AAC Options
OGG Ogg Vorbis	Very Good Efficient lossy	Limited Open source focus	• Open source & free • Better than MP3 quality • No patent issues • Flexible container	• Limited hardware support • Less popular • Compatibility issues	Open source projects, Gaming audio, Web streaming	View OGG Options
OPUS Modern Audio Codec	Excellent State-of-the-art	Limited Newer format	• Best compression efficiency • Low latency • Open standard • Excellent for speech	• New format • Limited support • Not widely adopted	VoIP applications, Real-time streaming, Modern web apps	View OPUS Options
WMA Windows Media Audio	Good Lossy compression	Windows-focused Microsoft ecosystem	• Good compression • DRM support • Windows integration • Variable bitrate	• Microsoft proprietary • Limited cross-platform • Less popular	Windows applications, Microsoft ecosystem, DRM-protected content	View WMA Options
AIFF Audio Interchange File Format	Excellent Uncompressed	Good Mac-focused	• Perfect quality • Mac native support • Professional standard • Rich metadata	• Very large files • Mac-centric • No compression	Mac audio production, Professional recording, High-end audio work	View AIFF Options
MP2 MPEG Audio Layer II	Fair Older lossy	Limited Older systems	• Simple encoding • Broadcasting standard • Low complexity • Stable format	• Poor compression • Outdated • Limited features • Lower quality	Broadcasting legacy, Older equipment, Simple applications	View MP2 Options

Quick Conversions: FLAC to MP3 | WAV to MP3 | MP3 to FLAC | AAC to MP3

What Are Audio Formats?

Audio formats are digital containers that store sound data using various encoding methods. They serve different purposes: lossy formats reduce file size by removing some audio information, lossless formats preserve perfect quality while compressing data, and uncompressed formats maintain original audio data without any modification.

Lossless Formats (FLAC, WAV, AIFF)

Lossless audio formats preserve every bit of the original recording. FLAC offers the best balance with compression and universal support, WAV provides perfect compatibility across all platforms, while AIFF serves as the Mac equivalent to WAV with enhanced metadata capabilities.

Lossy Formats (MP3, AAC, OGG)

Lossy audio formats reduce file size by removing audio data that's typically imperceptible to human hearing. MP3 remains the most compatible choice, AAC offers better quality at similar bitrates, and OGG provides excellent quality as an open-source alternative.

Modern Codecs (OPUS)

OPUS represents the latest advancement in audio compression, offering superior quality and efficiency compared to older formats. It's designed for real-time communication and streaming applications, providing excellent quality at very low bitrates.

Specialized Formats (WMA, MP2)

Platform-specific formats serve particular ecosystems or legacy requirements. WMA integrates deeply with Windows and supports DRM, while MP2 remains relevant in broadcasting and older professional equipment.

When to Use Each Format

Choose FLAC When:

Perfect audio quality is essential - Lossless compression preserves 100% of original data
Building a music archive - Future-proof format for long-term storage
Audiophile listening - Maximum quality for high-end audio systems
Source material preservation - Keep master recordings without quality loss
Multiple format conversions needed - Convert from lossless to any lossy format

Choose MP3 When:

Universal compatibility required - Works on virtually every device and platform
Storage space is limited - Excellent compression for portable devices
Streaming and web distribution - Standard format for online music services
Casual listening - Good enough quality for most listeners
Older devices compatibility - Guaranteed support on legacy hardware

Choose WAV When:

Professional audio production - Industry standard for recording and editing
CD mastering - Required format for CD production
Maximum compatibility with uncompressed quality - Universal lossless format
Audio editing workflows - Preserves quality through multiple edits
Broadcasting applications - Professional standard in radio and TV

Choose AAC When:

Apple ecosystem usage - Native format for iTunes and Apple devices
Better quality than MP3 needed - Superior compression efficiency
Mobile streaming applications - Optimized for bandwidth-limited scenarios
Modern lossy compression - State-of-the-art quality at moderate bitrates

Pro Tip:

Quality Hierarchy: For archival, use FLAC or WAV. For general listening, choose MP3 (universal) or AAC (better quality). For professional work, stick with WAV or AIFF. For modern applications with limited bandwidth, consider OPUS. Our converter makes it easy to maintain multiple formats for different use cases.