How to use the WAV to FLAC converter
- Choose your WAV file or drop it on the box.
- No quality setting needed: FLAC is lossless.
- Click "Convert to FLAC". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your FLAC and listen to it right on the page.
Why convert WAV to FLAC?
FLAC keeps WAV quality exactly while cutting the size roughly in half, and adds proper tag support for title, artist and album.
- WAV: large files.
- FLAC: lossless quality.
- FLAC: about half the size of WAV.
This is lossless: decode the FLAC and you get the same audio as the WAV, bit for bit.
WAV vs FLAC
| WAV | FLAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Waveform Audio File Format | Free Lossless Audio Codec |
| Type | Audio | Audio |
| Created by | Microsoft and IBM (1991) | Josh Coalson and the Xiph.Org Foundation (2001) |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Lossless |
| Codec | PCM | FLAC |
| Best for | Recording, editing, sound effects and mastering | CD rips, hi-res music and archiving |
| Plays on | Every computer and audio editor, most phones and browsers | Android, Windows 10 and later, recent iPhones (Files app), VLC and hi-fi streamers; older iTunes and some car stereos do not |
Does converting WAV to FLAC lose quality?
Both WAV and FLAC are lossless (or uncompressed), so the audio is identical after conversion, sample for sample.
How long does it take?
A few seconds for a song, and under a minute for an hour-long recording on most computers.
What is a WAV file?
WAV usually stores raw, uncompressed PCM audio, the same data as an audio CD. Quality is perfect but files are large: about 10 MB per minute of CD-quality stereo.
What is a FLAC file?
FLAC compresses audio without throwing anything away: decode it and you get exactly the original. Files are about half the size of WAV. It is the favourite format for CD rips and hi-res music downloads.
Frequently asked questions
Is the WAV to FLAC converter free?
Yes, completely free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Files up to 1 GB each can be converted, and there is no daily limit.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Will the FLAC sound as good as the WAV?
Both WAV and FLAC are lossless (or uncompressed), so the audio is identical after conversion, sample for sample.
Can I convert FLAC back to WAV?
Yes, use the FLAC to WAV converter.
A WAV is too big to email. What should I do?
Convert it to MP3 or use the WAV Compressor.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in your phone's browser and choose a file. Phones have less memory than computers, so very large files are better converted on a laptop or desktop.